What are the benefits of being a partner organization with Hutchinson Center for the Arts?
As a partner with the Center for the Arts, we see value in being connected with area artisan groups as resources for our various areas of the fair. We like to showcase local talent of all forms, and the Center for the Arts is a great connection resource. In addition to the wider network of organizations, one of the biggest benefits to us is utilizing the Center for the Arts as our fiscal agent. Being under the 501c3 status umbrella with the Center for the Arts has opened up some additional funding opportunities that would not have been otherwise possible. As a nonprofit organization, additional outside dollars are always helpful!
How does the McLeod County Fair #BringArtToLife and engage the community? 
There truly is something for everyone at the fair. We strive to provide a wide variety of attractions and exhibits to catch the attention of spectators, and hopefully provide an opportunity to learn something new while visiting the fair. Be sure to catch one (or many!) of our many great presentations or entertainers of various talents that are scheduled throughout the fair. Another popular feature of the fair is our Monster Mural, where people can take a break, color, and showcase some of their creativity. The fun part about the mural is that it is wiped clean and is a blank canvas each morning of the fair. It’s always fun to look back at the pictures to see how it changes from day to day!
What’s new this year at the fair?
Our staple gotta-have events and attractions continue to be here: livestock exhibits and shows, food vendors, commercial exhibitors, etc. Check the schedule to see the line-up for entertainers and presenters on the Millerbernd Manufacturing Legacy Stage, grandstand shows, variety of entertainment on the Miller Manufacturing Family Stage, afternoon concerts in the Bud Light Pavilion and the nightly concerts in the Corporate Tent. Advance tickets and bundle packages, as well as general admission, are available on our website www.mcleodcountyfair.com.
While you’re at the website purchasing advance tickets, you might notice a new look to our website. One fun feature includes the ability to create your own itinerary. You can pick and choose items from the events schedule and create your own list of events that are specifically of interest to you.
How can the community get involved with the arts at the county fair?
The fair is a great place to showcase the many talents of the community – whether it be agriculture, industry or the arts! Individuals are always welcome to enter exhibits in the Open Class competitions. If you have a hobby or talent, there’s a very good chance that there’s a department, class and lot to enter your work. Some areas include: Horticulture, Baking, Crops, Fine Arts, Hobby craft, Photography, Home Activities, Needle Arts…the list goes on! The best part: there is no entry fee, but you can usually walk away with 
some premium money depending on how your exhibits place! Last year, over 4,000 competitive exhibits were entered in open class…Consider having your creation be one of them this year! For more details, visit www.mcleodcountyfair.com. Enter online through August 13th (livestock entries close August 1st).
In addition, we strive to provide a wide variety of entertainment for all ages. If anyone is interested in becoming further involved with the fair – either as a presenter/entertainer or a volunteer, contact the fair office. We’re always looking for new, creative ideas to help enhance our event each year.
And the questions everyone is dying to know- what’s there to eat?!
The good ol’ fair food staples of corn dogs, cheese curds, mini 
doughnuts, funnel cakes and cotton candy will surely be present! Also available are an assortment of foods ranging from pork chops, chicken dinners, chow mein, pizza, bugers, fries, all the good variety from the 4-H café, and much, much more!
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