111th Benton County Fair starts July 30 in Sauk Rapids

The Benton County Fair kicks off another six days of fun on July 30. The 111th edition runs through Aug. 4 and contains its usual array of diverse, fun offerings for families - all at no charge.

While evening events like the demolition derby, rodeo and monster truck have nominal fees, everything else is free — other than popular Midway rides and all the tasty food. Ride tickets will be $1.50 each or 25 for a $30 wristband per session.

To close out the fair on Sunday morning, there will be a dedication and parade service to honor those who served the country in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Jody Prom, director of the Benton County Fair, explained to the Times that the fair is a place where fun, food and community come together.

“It's an event that captures the spirit of our county and creates cherished memories for all who attend,” Prom said. “Every year, the Benton County Fair transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend. From thrilling rides to mouthwatering food, our fair is a celebration of community, tradition and fun.”

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Lucas Anderson, a teacher from Rice, makes the short trip down to the fair with his three children - all under 10. The fair holds a certain appeal and memories for him and his family.

"Milkshakes from the 4-H building, buying the wristband for the rides — the favorite being the clown mirror maze with the slide at the end — and getting a chance to walk through the barns and see all the animals, like cows, chickens and rabbits," he told the Times. "The girls like adding to the big coloring wall, while our little guy enjoys seeing all the baby animals in the kid area. Of course, the food is always a hit, as is Benton County's original schoolhouse on the fairgrounds."

Indeed, attendees can participate in hands-on activities, including milking an interactive cow to gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing the food we eat.

The city of Sauk Rapids hosts the event, and it remains a showcase to promote agriculture, industry and preserve the heritage of Benton County and the state of Minnesota as a whole. Prom believes that the fair is a tribute to the region's agricultural roots and a "chance to connect with the land."

"Free family-friendly fun is hard to come by," said Brett Denham, a father of two sons, ages 11 and 4. "The kids love the comedy and magic shows at the Cottonwood Stage. We enjoy the reasonably-priced grandstand events, mostly the bull riding and monster trucks. My youngest son likes all the great fair food options."

New events this summer at the Benton County Fair include:

• The antique Sauk Rapids firetruck displayed in the Discovery Building.

• Return of the talent show on the Cottonwood Stage, along with the kids' tractor pull down by Machinery Hill.

• Free shuttle from Rollies and the Sauk Rapids VFW every half hour.

• Six new food vendors.

• Emma Kuball, the 19-year-old princess Kay of the Milky Way from southern Minnesota, will be at the fair on July 30.

• Friends in Harmony will be performing at 1 p.m. on Aug. 1 in the Heritage Building .

You can now also buy pre-sale tickets for the grandstand events on the fair's new website at bentonfairmn.com.