Youth and Adult VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED for the Douglas County Fair! Please consider helping out where you can, volunteers are crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly at the fair. This is a great way to learn more about a project area. If you have questions, please contact the Extension Office at (320) 762-3890.

Building Supervision Schedule

4-H members, 11 years old and older, exhibiting at the county fair receive an admission pass from the fairboard by visiting the fairboard office under the grandstand on Monday or Tuesday of fair. IF YOU ARE NOT EXHIBITING AT THE COUNTY FAIR YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A PASS. Parents can purchase admission passes prior to the fair by visiting https://www.dcmnfair.com/ or Monday and Tuesday entry days down at the fairboard office in the grandstand.

Everyone is invited to help get ready for the fair, there are jobs for all ages! Join us Monday, August 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. for county fair cleanup and prep.

• clean and set up exhibit building
• set up rabbit cages
• set up poultry cages
• set up pens in swine and sheep barn
• set up horse stalls, clean crow’s nest, and around arena
• each club is asked to provide a volunteer cashier (adult or older youth leader) for training during this time
• please bring rags, buckets, we have cleaning supplies, paper towels, and access to water.
• Treats are served after cleanup!

After fair prep and cleanup we will hold our annual leader’s council meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the food stand at the fairgrounds. Items on the agenda:

• Elections for youth officers of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Reporter. Eligible youth must have on year of 4-H eligibility left and completed 7th grade, and adult advisors for advisory board.
• County Fair updates
• Questions about state fair, state shoot, state dog opportunities
• Club charters
• Organic recycling at the food stand information
• Silent auction update

• Building exhibits - Champion and Reserve Champion pictures are taken Sunday, August 21 at the 4-H building between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
• Animals - Champion and Reserve Champion (including horse) are taken on Saturday, August 20 at the Erickson Pavilion during the Premium Market Livestock Auction.

Check out all the information here that was mailed to 1st and 2nd year families. It's a nice review for everyone and will hopefully provide answers to some of the questions you may have.

Each club is asked to provide a youth leader or adult to serve as an extra cashier if you are scheduled during the afternoon or evening shifts. They should be able to attend training on Monday, August 8, during fair cleanup. Check out the Food stand schedule for details.

Why do we have a food stand?

Family discount cards are sold Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 16 until 7:00 p.m. in the food stand.

$50 card for $42.50

$100 card for $84.00

$150 card for $124.50

$200 card for $164.00

We are partnering with Pope Douglas Solid Waste to provide traditional and organic recycling at the food stand. Please assist customers in recycling properly!

Are you making an awesome exhibit you are willing to donate to the silent auction held throughout the fair. All proceeds donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Sample auction items include arts, crafts, quilt, photography, fishing lures, potted plants, bench, shelf, clothing, jewelry, lawn ornaments, live rabbit and processed animals. You can indicate your interest on Monday or Tuesday when you come for judging.

Register donations on Monday or Tuesday entry days: Monday, August 15 between noon and 7 p.m. and Tuesday, August 16 between 1-7 p.m. Bids are accepted Wednesday - Saturday of fair. Bidding closes Saturday, August 20 at 7 p.m. Ribbon and prize given to exhibit chosen as the "Best of Auction" in both the alumni and youth categories. Please help us raise awareness about Muscular Dystrophy and raise money for research.

Unfortunately there are some items we are unable to sell on auction including perishables such as vegetables, cut flowers and food items. Binders and posters are not an auctionable item unless physical items go with it. State fair exhibits can be sold and will be available for pickup after the state fair in the Extension office. If you have questions, please contact Rylee Bundermann at kbundermann@yahoo.com.

We are excited to offer five in person outdoor day camp experiences for youth who completed grades K-3 this summer! These popular camps are offered at different locations in the county (transportation is on your own) for just $ 5 per camp! Signup for one or all five.

All camps start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Participants should dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and their own sack lunch; light snacks will be provided.

Please drop off or mail cash or check payments (payable to University of Minnesota Extension) to the Extension office located on the second floor of the Douglas County Courthouse. We are located at 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria and can be reached at 320-762-3890 with questions.

• August 19 - Explore the County Fair (Douglas County Fairgrounds in Alexandria). Experience all things fair - food, fun and excitement.

To register go to your family profile in mn.4honline.com, click events on the left-hand side and use the search screen to find daycamp(s) of choice and click it to register. There will be a registration specific to each day camp.