New Federated Pavilion adds comfortable seating to SCFF

Whether you are looking for reprieve from the sun or from the rain, fairgoers have been happy to see a new section of covered picnic tables and benches at the Steele County Free Fair this year.

Following the construction of the Steele Saloon on the northside of the fairgrounds, the former saloon tent did not have a designated home coming into the 2024 event. That was until one of Owatonna’s biggest local supporters stepped in looking for a partnership with the community’s largest event.

The Federated Pavilion, sponsored by Federated Insurance, is one of the newest areas of the SCFF, located on the north end between the 4-H Swine Barn and the All Star Stunt Dogs. Aside from picnic tables and benches, the pavilion also houses a stage, which has been showcasing the family-friendly comedy show by Kenny Ahern multiple times a day throughout fair week.

“As a company that embraces the opportunity to be involved in community events, we saw this as a way to provide a place for people to come together and enjoy what the SCFF has to offer. We worked with the manager of the Steele County Free Fair, Scott Kozelka, to determine what was needed and how we could have a positive impact on the fair experience,” said Annie Priebe, Vice President, Director of Public Affairs and Advertising at Federated. “As this is the largest community event of the year, it was a great way for Federated to make a difference and show our support of the SCFF and the people who attend.”