BC Free Fair draws large crowds for 2012

Despite some obstacles, the Brown County Free Fair saw a larger attendance in 2012 than they've seen in a while, according to fair board president Lucy Gluth.

Earlier in the season, the fair board was left with questions after their treasurer, Bob Reinarts, embezzled approximately $60,000 from fair funds over a three year period.

"We were shocked," Gluth said after light was shed on the situation. "Everyone on the board trusted him. He was an honest guy. He was a community guy." 

When news broke that the fair board was missing almost $60,000, entertainment and vendors had already been lined up for the 2012 county fair.

The fair board held a fundraiser on July 3 to try to recoup some of what was lost. Due to excessive heat and a busy Fourth of July weekend, only about $2,500 was gained from that fundraiser.

It seemed for a time, all involved held their breath hoping for a good year and nice weather for the fair which was held Aug. 8-12 in New Ulm.

"I'm happy to say that we've been able to carry on without canceling anything because of lack of funds," Gluth said.

While a lack of funds was a large obstacle to overcome, it seems that this year's fair topped attendance from previous years.

The Brown County Fair has not charged a gate fee for at least the past 20 years. While attendance is hard to gauge in that respect, Gluth said the fair board estimated that approximately 25,000 fair-goers were at the fair this year. In previous years, the average had been about 23,000 people.

Gluth attributes the raise in attendance this year to near perfect weather for almost every day of the fair, different attractions and the carnival.

"One of the things that was different this year was that we had people hanging around longer," Gluth explained. "The carnival offered arm bands that were valid for the entire day. It was amazing that the grandstand was full for the demo derby both days, yet there were still people out on the fair grounds as well." 

Another reason the fair may have done better this year, Gluth said, is one of the new attractions called Dock Dogs.

Fair attendees could sign up to have their hunting dogs compete in this jumping event. Dogs competed to see who could jump the furthest and highest off a dock into a pool of water.

"I think a lot of people didn't know what to expect (with Dock Dogs) and they liked what they saw," Gluth said, adding that she can imagine that if that event is held next year it will draw even bigger participation.

The Demolition Derby is always a good seller at the fair. Held both on Wednesday and Saturday nights, the grandstands were full both nights.

"The demolition derby keeps getting bigger," Gluth added. "Neighbors like watching neighbors crash their cars into each other. And the local participation is great. It's almost a guarantee that if you grew up in Brown County you will know someone who is in the derby and its more fun to watch when you know people." 

The Wednesday night show drew a large crowd, filling the grandstand. Saturday night ticket sellers had to turn people away.

Due to the popularity of the demolition derby, the fair board has taken under consideration how to add more seating to the grandstand for the event.

"We hate to turn people away," Gluth explained. "We only sell a limited number of tickets because there is only so many seats available. If we can figure out a way to add more seating we would like to do that."

Part of a way to do that is with money from the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The Legislature this year directed $2.8 million of the special sales tax revenues to county fairs for the next two years. These monies are expected to reach all 95 county fairs within the next year.

Half of the money will be distributed in equal amounts to each fair to "enhance arts access and education and to preserve and promote Minnesota's history and cultural heritage." The other half will go to a competitive grant program for county fairs that can be used to build or upgrade facilities and boost programming.

Brown County Free Fair used $7,000 of these appropriated funds to provide more entertainment at the fair. Entertainment groups were able to perform in the entertainment hall every afternoon throughout the length of the fair. The money was also used to purchase new sound equipment that was used throughout the fair grounds.

"It was nice the state could fund these things. We did utilize the grant in that way," Gluth added.

Each year, Brown County also helps fund the fair to the tune of about $28,500. After a review with the county board on Thursday, Aug. 23, the commissioners have verbally agreed to contribute to the fair again next year.

While large attendance, new entertainment and a growing demolition derby do provide the fair board with much needed revenue, Gluth said what really makes the fair successful and keeps it going year after year are the dedicated volunteers.

"If we had to pay everyone who worked at the county fair we wouldn't make any money," Gluth said. "We get the same people volunteering year after year because it's fun and they like what they are doing. It's a great opportunity to spend time with your neighbors." 

Read the second story to this piece written by Mike Christopherson, Managing Editor of the Crookston Daily Times in the 'Top News' section of this website and on the front page of the print edition of the Herald.