Dan Dolan doesn't hesitate to name his favorite event at the annual Washington County Fair. "The horses," he declares. As one of the organizers behind the five-day county fair, Dolan knows that the horse shows remain the top attraction at the fair, which opens today in Lake Elmo.
But he and other organizers hope to draw even more people this year -- especially the younger crowd -- with new events such as motocross motorcycle racing and an ATV pull.
"We don't do well with the 20- and 30-year-olds so that's why we went to the power sports," explained Dolan, president of the Washington County Agricultural Society, which owns the county fairgrounds and runs the county fair.
Demolition derbies, for instance, have become huge events at county fairs, Dolan said. The Washington County Fair added one last year.
Also new this year: a tent to cover the entertainment stage and surrounding area. That's music to Liz Dietsche's ears. She's in charge of entertainment and special attractions. For years, fairgoers had to sit in the sun or rain while they listened to the bands, she said.
There's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy at the fair as it expands its list of attractions beyond the traditional fair fare. Everything from canine demonstrations to lumberjack shows to amateur talent shows and food and carnival rides to tractor pulls and one of the largest 4-H shows around are on the menu now.
"We draw about 50,000 in the five days we have it," Dolan said, adding that the fair -- in its 137th year -- ranks among the top 15 Minnesota county fairs in attendance.
Added Dietsche: "If you don't find it here, I don't think you're going to find it."
