Video summary
The Crow Wing County Fair stands as one of the most cherished annual traditions in the Brainerd Lakes region, having originated back in 1884 before permanently establishing its home in Brainerd in 1937 after previously being held in Pequot Lakes and Crosby. This historic event has grown significantly over time to become one of Minnesota's five largest fairs, drawing an estimated attendance of 100,000 people each year with exhibits numbering well over 6,000. Visitors flock to the fairgrounds not only for its rich history but also for a vibrant atmosphere filled with family-friendly activities that celebrate community spirit and local heritage.
For attendees ranging from lifelong locals who have visited since childhood to first-time guests brought along by their families, the fair offers a diverse array of attractions including carnival rides like Soarin, competitive games, exciting Baja races, and an extensive selection of food vendors. Many visitors express joy at seeing so many people having fun together this year, noting that the event provides a perfect setting for creating new family traditions while allowing children to experience childhood thrills alongside adults who appreciate the nostalgic summer vibe. The sheer volume of games available has also been highlighted as a positive development, ensuring there is something engaging for everyone regardless of age or interest.
Behind the lively scenes and bustling crowds lies months of meticulous planning and immense dedication from both staff members and volunteers who work tirelessly to bring every aspect of the fair together. From booking various events and maintaining carnival rides to organizing food vendors and managing logistics, these efforts ensure that the fair runs smoothly for over a century as a showcase of the best in the Brainerd Lakes area. The success of such a large-scale event relies heavily on this collective commitment, transforming what could be chaotic into an organized celebration where everyone can enjoy good times together without any major disruptions or disappointments.
Beyond its role as a seasonal festival, the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds continue to serve the community throughout the rest of the year by hosting diverse events such as farmers markets, car shows, concerts, and weddings. For over 100 years, this institution has evolved from a simple local gathering into a dynamic place where families can learn new skills, compete in various categories, and strengthen their bonds through shared experiences. As Lakeland News reports on these efforts to support local journalism and community engagement, the fair remains a testament to how sustained volunteerism and planning can preserve cultural traditions while adapting to meet the needs of modern audiences who seek connection, entertainment, and quality food in one central location.
Read the full video transcript
The Crow Wing County Fair, a yearly
attraction in the Brainerd Lakes area,
took place last week. The fair, which
originated in 1884, was held in
Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, and Crosby
before permanently settling in Brainerd
in 1937.
Our reporter, Xavier Curry, was at the
fair to experience one of Brainerd's
oldest
>> Back for another year, the Crow Wing
County Fair hosts a bunch of games,
rides, and of course, the main
attraction, the food.
>> She brought me out. Her kids, her fault.
And food, cuz big belly, so.
>> Well, this is actually my first time
coming out, but she she comes out almost
every year. I like fairs, so I figured
I'd check it out.
>> This is where I grew up. Like, I've been
coming here my whole life.
>> I noticed there's a heck of a lot more
games this year, which is kind of cool,
cuz you got to be a kid when you're out
here, too, so.
>> Soarin is my favorite ride, I'd say, and
then, I don't know, just being here.
>> The fun, summertime, everybody's having
fun. That's why I come.
>> The Crow Wing County Fair is now among
the five largest fairs in Minnesota,
with annual exhibits numbering over
6,000 and annual attendance estimated at
100,000.
>> There's a lot more people this year.
It's, you know, and people are I feel
like people are a lot more happy this
year. I like seeing people have a good
time. This is like the perfect place for
that. Come out, bring your family, just,
you know, come have a good time.
>> This type of event doesn't just happen.
It is put on through months of planning
and dedication from volunteers and
staff.
>> There's a lot of planning that goes into
planning for the county fair. We have
close attractions of the carnival ride.
Our carnival always has great rides.
Baja races will be a blast to watch, and
all kinds of food vendors to check out.
Just booking all these events, again, it
takes a lot of volunteer hours to put
everything together, and find something
so everyone can have a good time at the
county fair.
>> For over a century, the Crow Wing County
Fair has been a place to showcase the
best of the Brainerd Lakes area. Today,
it's a place for families to learn,
compete, and create new traditions.
>> Um
I've been coming here since I was
probably
I don't know, little.
Probably out here my daughter's on the
rides and having a good time and
and just keep coming back. Good food and
good times.
>> Reporting in Brainerd, Xavier Curry,
Lakeland News.
>> And for the rest of the year, the Crow
Wing County Fairgrounds is available to
host events and activities such as
farmers markets, car shows, concerts,
and weddings.
>> Lakeland News is a nonprofit news
organization. Donate to Lakeland PBS
today to support your local news team.