To offer free arts activities for children, host fine arts demonstrations, and create a space for teenagers to attend music shows at the Watonwan County Fair.
To build display cases to increase the fair's capacity to display quilting exhibits. Without secure cases, quilters do not bring their best pieces to at the fair. Funds will also be used to host North County Music, and provide art supplies and create a "kids coop" where children to work on art projects during the fair.
The "Looney Lutherans" will be back again to perform a new show for our community. They fit well into our local cultural history using music and comedy to showcase our past, present and future with the performance of "Hotdish on the Range." This show provides a free opportunity for those that are not able to make the trip to the Twin Cities. Many of our local residents can relate to the antics of the church women. , This year we are also excited to bring the Minnesota Raptor program to the fair. We were unable to have them last year due to the Avian Flu.
Our legacy project will be free stage presentations throughout the fair August 2-6, 2023. We will have a mixture of Minnesota bands and youth education with a raptor presentation.
Minnesota bands playing in our entertainment building is one of the biggest draws of our fair--the bands help bring people together and everyone can spend time with their friends, and make new ones. Since we added our teen night, it is growing every year. We started this event because of complaints for the 16+ age group that there was nothing for them. With the four bands we offer, we have a variety of music to cater to a wide audience of people. This year we are also adding a kids event with Making Faces out of Mankato, Minnesota.
The Meeker County Fair is excited to have the "Dr. Street Magic Show." Nick Sharpe works through the Homeward Bound Theatre Company in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He has a passion for magic and recycling. Through his strolling performances Friday through Sunday he will encounter many people. Nick has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people in over 24 different countries and even in some remote parts of North Dakota. He facilitates audience participation with a twist of comedy, dazzling the multitudes with magic.
We are excited to bring in a group that will provide some authentic "German" heritage. The "Concord Singers" from New Ulm, Minnesota will delight the fairgoers with the heritage that has been preserved, nurtured and cherished. They will perform their festive German tunes that have been inherited from their ancestors. Another new event that we will have is Draugr Forge. Zach is a bladesmith that will be demonstrating his ability to make various knives and tools using his forging skills.
We would like to use the Legacy grant to help fund Minnesota bands in our entertainment building. This year we are looking at a "rock" band for Friday night, which will attract the younger crowd to the fair. On Sunday we highlight Senior Citizens, Farm Family Recognition and have a musician that plays old country and gospel music. For the younger youth on the fairgrounds we have free face painting on the grounds Saturday.
To offer a series of free, historical presentations at the Murray County Fair. Topics covered will include: the Sweetman Colony of Murray County; the role of women during the early settlement of Murray County; the Dakota Conflict of 1862; and a presentation on the history of the Murray County Fair. Based on the research presented on the history of the fair, a book will be published.
Funding supports an Irrigation Specialist to develop guidance and provide education on irrigation and nitrogenbest management practices (BMPs). In this position, Dr. Vasu Sharma provides direct support to irrigators onissues of irrigation scheduling and soil water monitoring. She is collaborating on the development of new irrigationscheduling tools that help irrigators manage water and nitrogen resources more precisely. These tools help reducenitrogen leaching losses in irrigated cropping systems.
To promote and highlight artistic excellence by displaying artists’ works at the fair. The Meeker County Agricultural Society purchased display cases in which to display fine arts like quilts and embroidery. The fair will be able to increase the number of exhibits it offers and will keep the object safe.
To offer several types of historical music and dance lessons to fairgoers. The Meeker County Agricultural Society will host two bands along with a professional dance teacher to teach fairgoers swing, the jitterbug, lindy, waltz, and other types of historical dance. The events follow the 4-H’s motto of “learning by doing.”
To promote and highlight artistic excellence by displaying local artists’ works at the fair. The Meeker County Agricultural Society will purchase display cases in which to showcase fine arts. This will allow the fair to increase the number of exhibits by not only offering additional space, but by encouraging artists to display valuable pieces by providing secure cases for exhibitions.
Approximately 70 percent of all Minnesotans rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. Wells used for drinking water must be properly sealed when removed from service to protect both public health and Minnesota’s invaluable groundwater resources. The Minnesota Department of Health protects both public health and groundwater by assuring the proper sealing of unused wells.
Clean Water funds are being provided to well owners as a 50% cost-share assistance for sealing unused public water-supply wells.
To recognize outstanding senior citizens in Sibley County. Attendees can listen to a polka band and watch the awards ceremony. Funds will also be used to upgrade stage lighting and install a sound system to enhance the programming.
Additionally, funds will enhance the fine arts exhibits in the Horticulture Building. Upgraded lighting and new display cases will improve the visibility of photography, quilt and needlework entries.
To construct an Arts and Heritage Center on the fair grounds. The Sibley County Fair will erect an Arts and Heritage Center with a 40 foot stage and two dressing rooms. The building will primarily serve as an educational arts and culture center for the fair. The fair will present acts on the stage from six to eight hours per day during the fair.
To rehabilitate the original horse racing judges’ stand. The stand is the last relic of the 143 year old fair grounds and dates back to the late 1800’s. The stand is comprised of a first story entry and refreshment area, and an upper section for judging the races. It’s 360 degree observation of the track was made possible by its hexagon shape and large doors that could be lifted when needed on each side. This is the first stage of the multi-year restoration of this prized building and is an important part of the plan to initiate a daily educational program at the fair.
Installation of an automatic transfer switch and disconnect, generator wiring, generator concrete pad, electrical permit, commissioning, all wiring, LP gas connection equipment and other supporting equipment as necessary for a future generator connection.
