Terrestrial invasive plants such as buckthorn, wild parsnip, garlic mustard, and others are becoming widespread threats throughout many sites in Minnesota. Present chemical and mechanical control methods tend to be costly, effective only in the short-term, or have other negative environmental impacts. However, an alternative practice of using grazing animals for invasive species management is used successfully in many parts of the western United States.
Our legacy project involves two parts. First portion would go to the purchase of four iPads for our Fine Arts/Photography and Agriculture/Horticulture Departments. They would be used for our open class departments for registration, judging, and placements. The second portion would go towards the sound proofing of our Township Square Stage. This is an outdoor performance stage that is used by many varieties of performers: bands, magicians, jugglers, balloon artists, competitions, etc.
Homeward Bound Theatre will bring "The Wonderful World of Woody" to our entertainment tent for 3 shows during the day. The Concord Singers will perform for fairgoers in the entertainment tent one day of the fair. Magic by Chaz will perform his magic feats as he strolls the fairgrounds during the fair. Tent Rental of Luverne , MN will set up a 40x40 tent to provide a good spot for our fair entertainment.
Our project for the legacy grant would be to purchase a new performance stage for our Entertainment Center. Our current stage floor is falling apart and is no longer conducive to our needs. We are in need of a safer and larger stage area that has stairs for those using it. Our current stage doesn't have stairs. This will impact all of our performers and programs we have on this stage during the fair.
Homeward Bound Theatre, a Minnesota-based company, will bring THE OZ BROTHERS to perform at the Fair on July 25 and 26, with 2 stage shows each day plus they will also be strolling around the fairgrounds to entertain fairgoers. The Big Top Tent Rental from Luverne, MN will provide a 40 x 40 tent for the performers and for fairgoers.
Nearly 700 miles of open water flow through Faribault County's borders. Over one-third of these miles are artificial drainage systems. Artificial drainage systems are necessary to remove excess precipitation and improve the productivity of agricultural land, however they also have a direct effect on the water quality and quantity of receiving waterbodies. With limited resources available to manage these systems, innovative and efficient management tools will play a critical role in targeting improvements for water quality.