Want to get hitched? No, not to a horse-drawn wagon.
Matrimony comes free at the Washington County Fair, which starts Wednesday at Lake Elmo. The five-day exposition will include plenty of time to renew wedding vows with the same spouse -- or marry a new one.
"I can help some folks out and maybe make the fair more enjoyable," said District Judge Gregory Galler, who will do the honors. "It's something I want to do. It's free, stop on in."
This is the first appearance for weddings at the fair, now in its 141st year. Galler said he had no inkling how many people will show up -- no reservations are accepted -- but he sees the ceremonies as a chance to see a Washington County judge in a friendly and personal way.
That's different from the public perception in court of judges as "stodgy, grumpy guys for the most part," he said.
Ceremonies will take place on a hill overlooking the Fairest Garden. Weddings (and renewals) will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Participants can sign up 30 minutes in advance.
Galler said he would stay as long as necessary to get everyone hitched.
Washington County is alone in the nation in offering free weddings and vow renewals every day of the county fair "in a very open setting ... so that all other fairgoers can witness the ceremonies," said John Rheinberger, a fair board director.
