WILLMAR, Minn. - Walking through the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds, one could see the skeleton of what will be a full-fledged, jam-packed event in the coming days.
Amusement rides are unfolding, giant lemon-shaped lemonade vendors are rolling into place and french fry stands are getting their setup in order as fair workers in utility vehicles zoom around the fairgrounds.
As the variety of participants at the fair were all gearing up Tuesday afternoon for the grand opening the next day, many different vendors, 4-H and FFA members spoke about a smooth-albeit busy-setup for the week's festivities.
Concession stand owner Shereen Hauge of Batter Box said she was ready for the fair by mid-afternoon Tuesday.
The Sunburg resident said she has been a part of the event for the last four years and runs a small stand that participates in only three events a year, including the Kandiyohi County Fair.
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She credited the County Fair workers with helping make setup smooth for this week, although she said all the events she works tend to be fairly accommodating. "They all treat me nice."
The center of the fairgrounds, adorned with carnival rides and games, had workers sweltering under the day's heat. But the attractions began to take form, though they still lacked their characteristic carnival music and joyful screams of young children.
Wandering toward the 4-H buildings, the excitement of the fair was well underway. Members brought forth exhibits, ranging from presentations on textiles and livestock, to be examined by judges. As kids of all ages scrambled around the area waiting for their chance to talk with a judge, it was evident that a big part of the fair had begun before doors even opened.
Trish Sheehan, an extension educator who was helping direct 4-H members, said the judges would award ribbons throughout the day Tuesday.
Some will have the chance to present at the State Fair, she said, depending on the judges' decisions. Once the fair begins for the public today, visitors will be able to stroll through the 4-H buildings and see the results of Tuesday's evaluations, Sheehan said.
At the edge of the fairgrounds one 4-H'er led a horse around the arena to calm its nerves, said Kristine Schueler, a local 4-H mom involved with the horse showings. She said there are three different riders competing in different events to go to the State Fair.
"There is a lot of prep right now," she said, adding that the large amount of planning was the reason why there were only three riding participants this year.
A short stroll up the hill from the stables will be the site of a FFA exhibit sure to be popular with the fair's younger crowd.
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Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a variety of young animals, such as cows, goats, ducks, lambs, rabbits.
Lance Brune, an FFA adviser, said they tried to have all of the area chapters represented in the exhibit, with animals coming from all over the region. "We typically want a diversity of animals."
FFA members simply had to talk to an adviser if they were interested in participating in the event, said Casi Story, another adviser.
Young animals tend to be more popular with a younger crowd, she said, hence the large percentage of juvenile animals in the exhibit. "Little kids tend to get excited about babies."
