Anne Ness, Pillager Fairboard member, has spent hours this summer planting flowers and weeding the fairground gardens. Most of the plants have been donated by people from the community. Ness reports that fairboard members have been doing a number of tasks in preparation for the upcoming fair, including cleaning, painting buildings and new signs. A new livestock wash-rack has been built, with labor and planning donated by the Rosvold family. The financing was made possible by grant money from the Minnesota Horse Council and in-kind donations from local businesses. In addition, Mastec is donating new water-line and piping. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs) Fairboard members have been busy getting things ready for the upcoming Pillager Fair, scheduled for July 7 - 11, in Pillager.

Known as ‘The Oldest Fair in Cass County,” this annual event features a variety of displays, food, games and fun for all ages.

A few young people have been volunteering their services at the Pillager fairgrounds, in preparation for the fair July 7 - 11. Pictured above, cleaning out the chicken barn, are 14-year-old Jade Rau (left) and Laci Gibbs, six years. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs) Back by popular demand is the breakfast special - biscuits and gravy in the food booth; and the broasted chicken dinner at noon on Sunday, provided by Kim Gibbs of KC’s Saloon (only 150 tickets will be sold for Sunday’s meal). New this year at the fair will be beefy nachos and cotton candy.

Wednesday

Entry Day for Division F - Agricultural Crops; Division

G - School; Division HFlowers; Division I - Crafts; and Division J - Culinary. Exhibits will be taken from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Thursday

There will be a number of contests again this year, including the ‘Scarecrow

Contest,’ the ‘Dress Your Pet,’ contest and the ‘Create-a-Critter’ contest, which is new for 2010. Most awards will be given on Thursday, ‘Judging Day.’

MotoCross practice begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, with the MotoCross race set for 7 p.m.

Friday

Friday is ‘Kids Day.’ Horse judging begins at 8 a.m.; tours of the Pillager Day Care will be given at 10 a.m.; and the Kiddie Tractor Pull, sponsored by the Pillager Lions, begins at 5:30 p.m. (registration at 5 p.m.).

Inflatable games, provided by ‘All Around Fun,’ will be available Friday and Saturday; and ‘Party Time Entertainment’ will bring carnival games for kids of all ages. Pony rides will be available as well.

New for adults this year is the ‘Baja Race,’ on Friday. Beginning at 7 p.m., the race will feature two classes, with first, second and third prize trophies given in each.

The beer garden opens at 3 p.m. on Friday.

Saturday

Fair-goers can look forward to the parade at 10 a.m.; and a chance to once again visit the Commercial and Exhibit buildings. Following the parade, senior citizens are invited to a pie social at the Pillager Senior Citizens Center.

Be sure to stop by the Dunk Tank, sponsored by the Pillager High School senior class, raising money for their class trip in 2011.

A demo derby will be held Saturday, at 3 p.m., with cash prizes for first, second and third place. (for information, contact Jason Olson at 218-820-1577).

Also on Saturday, fairgoers can look forward to a Bingo fundraiser for Cass County Safety Network (begins at noon) and entertainment by former members of Silent Partner at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks, by Kuhn Fireworks Display, will take place at 10 p.m.

Sunday

Sunday’s events include a community church service at 11 a.m., followed by the noon meal. The Commercial and Exhibit buildings will be open from noon - 3 p.m.; and the fair closes at 5 p.m.

A complete list of fair events is listed in the Cass County Fair-Pillager 2010 Premium List, available at local businesses. For more information call the Fair Office at 218-746-3348.