Hennepin County Fair goes on -- at least this year

A fireworks extravaganza is the marquee attraction of the annual Hennepin County Fair, and it's so popular that if the pyrotechnics begin late, neighbors call to ask why.

This year, when bombs burst in air over Corcoran Lions Park at dusk on Saturday night, it will be better late than never.

Without a $55,000 appropriation from the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, the fireworks -- and the fair itself -- likely would not be going on, said Michael Rouillard, the fair board's president.

A full slate of activities is on tap Thursday through Sunday, including a demolition derby, garden tractor pull, talent show, concerts, petting zoo, 4-H exhibits, carnival rides and scores of vendors hawking a plethora of fried treats at the intersection of County Roads 10 and 101.

Unlike most of the state's county fairs, which have permanent grounds with buildings and can generate revenue by hosting outside events, the Hennepin County Fair must rent its site for the week from the Corcoran Lions.

The fair organizers also must pony up cash for renting 10 to 12 tents to house 40 vendors and exhibits, and pay electricians to install temporary wiring each year -- all because they don't have a permanent home with permanent facilities as most fairs do.

That puts a big strain on the fair's $170,000 budget, which must also cover the costs of paying entertainers and other expenses.

Though attendance has remained steady over the past five years, even one bad weather day can adversely affect turnout, as it did a few years ago, and leave the fair deep in the red.

Don't let the rain come down

And even with good weather, gate receipts have not been enough to pay all the bills, so allocations by the board are needed to keep the fair afloat.

"This is a costly fair for us to put on. Without the money, we would really have to downsize to not much of anything," said Rouillard, who personally thanked the Hennepin County Board for its support. "Or we'd have to cut it altogether. We plan to be around as long as we can."

Without the commissioners' help, Hennepin County would be the first of Minnesota's 87 counties without a county fair.

"This is not a big-ticket item for Hennepin County, but it's worthwhile," said Commissioner Jeff Johnson. "This is our small-town county fair, and it's great for kids."

"They showcase our youth and their work, and we need to keep them," said Donna Speltz, of the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs. "They are tradition, and we hope that will continue."

The county once owned its own fairgrounds in Hopkins, but sold the site about 25 years ago. Ever since, the fair has rented space and has gone from a heavy farming presence, with its prized dairy show, to an event that stresses agricultural education augmented with rides, entertainment, food and the beloved fireworks.

"Once people come to it, they find it's a good little fair and they'll keep coming back," said Rouillard. "That is what we need."