The Steele County Free Fair in Owatonna is the last (and some may argue the best and biggest) county fair before the Great Minnesota Get-Together. It offers similar delights — a place for friends to hang out and budding romance to bloom; contests of wits, strength, speed and cuteness; and plenty of food. And where there's kids and animals, better keep a sharp eye out: 4-H blue ribbon winner Dot the goat delicately nibbled her blue ribbon while her handler Clement Resler basked in the glory of the moment.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Evelynn Jeno, 4, of Waterville, uses all her strength competing in the Kid's Tractor Pull at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Steele County Free Fair mascots Steeley and Stella walk through the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Melanie Andrist holds up the tail of a cow allowing her sister Megan Gochnauer a better view shaving the cow's utters before showing her in the open category at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Peter McDonnell, 13, is cheered on by his cousins as he completes 12 pull ups at the Marine booth at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Pigs snuggle up in the swine barn at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Her angel costume didn't stop Alexandra McCrorey, 15, from breaking a board at the NTI martial arts booth.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Brooke Purrier, 19, competes in the barrel racing game competition at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
People ride the swings at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Bodie David, 4, of Faribault, was in his element sitting on every antique tractor her could find at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Abrianna Goette, 12, Lillian Sanchez, 13, Hailly Sanchez, 11, and Emma Mortenson, 11, take a break in a tilt-a-whirl booth at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Children in the clover bud 4-H category hung out on the top on the goat pens between showings at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Stormy clouds barrel down over rides at the Steele County Free Fair.
Renée Jones Schneider, Star Tribune
Mallison Burk-Rummans and Amir Barnes, both of Mankato, hung out together at the fair.
