Thanks to this Year’s Sponsors
131st Annual Grant County Fair
Schedule of Events
July 17 – July 20, 2025
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
9 am – 9 pm Entry for Open Class (Creative Arts/Women’s Building Only)
5 pm – 8 pm Livestock Check-in and Vet Inspection
4-H, FFA, Open Class Livestock, Rabbits & Poultry
THURSDAY, JULY 17
9 am – 5 pm Entry for Open Class Horticulture
9 am – 4:30 pm Entry for FFA Non-Livestock Exhibits
4:00 pm 4-H Poultry Show (Harvey Werk Building)
Followed by Open Class & FFA Poultry Judging
5:00 pm 4-H Rabbit Show (Harvey Werk Building)
Followed by Open Class
7:00 pm Open Class & FFA Horse Judging
FRIDAY, JULY 18
8 am 4-H Swine Show (Harvey Werk Building)
Followed by Open Class & FFA Swine Judging
9 am 4-H Goat Show (Harvey Werk Building)
Followed by Open Class & FFA Goat Judging
10 am 4-H Sheep Show (Harvey Werk Building)
Followed by Open Class & FFA Sheep Judging
11 am 4-H Beef Show (Harvey Werk Building)
Followed by Open Class & FFA Beef Judging
12 pm 4-H Dairy Show (Harvey Werk Building)
Followed by Open Class & FFA Dairy Judging
12 pm – 3 pm FFA & Adult Tractor Driving Competition
1 am- 9 pm Amusements & Games (Midway)
7 pm Grant Country Fair Summer – Nationals Truck & Tractor Pull
9 pm Concert featuring The DWEEBS - Free Concert
SATURDAY, JULY 19
7:30 am -10 am Breakfast – 4-H Food Stand
(Meal Served by Grant County Fair Board)
Yellow Ribbon Day
10 am 4-H Blue Ribbon Auction
(registration starts at 9:30 a.m.)
11 am - 9 pm Amusements & Games (Midway)
12 pm – 4 pm Kids Craft Day (The Pavilion)
1 pm Enduro Race
1 pm 4-H Costume Class (Harvey Werk Building)
4 pm Parade (golf cart parade followed by the BIG PARADE)
7 pm Triple B PRCA Rodeo
9 pm Blonde and the BoHunk band (Beer Gardens)
Dusk Fireworks Display
SUNDAY, JULY 20
7:30 am -10 am Breakfast – 4-H Food Stand
(Meal Served by Grant County Fair Board)
10:00 am Non- Denominational Church Service
11:00 am Puzzle Mania Contest
12 pm 4-H Talent Showcase: Fashion Revue, Performing Arts & Demonstrations (Free Stage)
12:30 pm Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull
1 pm 4-H Awards Ceremony
2 pm Firefighter Water Fight
2:30 pm 4-H State Fair Paperwork Meeting
4:30 pm Exhibits & Livestock Released
Interested in Participating in the Fair?
Enduro
Enduro racing tests endurance, skill, and speed on rugged terrain.
Become a Vendor
Becoming a vendor is a great way to showcase products and connect.
Camping
Camping at the fair offers convenience and a fun, immersive experience.
History of the Grant County Fair
The Grant County Fair in Herman, Minnesota, has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1894. Over the years, the fair has evolved into a cherished annual event, celebrating the county's agricultural heritage and community spirit.
Expanded Timeline of the Grant County Fair
1894
Grant County Fair Established
The Grant County Fair is officially established in Herman, MN, as a way to bring the agricultural community together for exhibitions, competition, and entertainment.
Early 1900s
Horse and Stock Car Racing Introduced
The fair begins featuring horse racing and stock car racing, which become highly popular attractions, drawing large crowds.
1909
James J. Hill Visits the Fair
James J. Hill, a railroad magnate known as the "Empire Builder," visits the fair. His presence highlights the fair's importance in promoting agriculture and business in rural Minnesota.
1920s-1930s
Horse and Stock Car Racing Introduced
The fair grows in size and popularity, adding more livestock exhibits, agricultural showcases, and competitions for local farmers, reflecting the county’s deep agricultural roots.
1940s-1950s
Scaled-Back, Then Expanded
The fair continues despite World War II, though on a smaller scale. Post-war, the event expands with more attractions, including 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, and educational programs.
1960s-1970s
New Events Added
New events, such as demolition derbies and tractor pulls, are introduced, broadening the fair’s appeal beyond agriculture.
1980s-1990s
A Family-Friendly Event
The fair solidifies itself as a family-friendly event, featuring free entertainment, food vendors, and contests for all ages.
2000s-Present
Cornerstone of the Community
The fair continues its long-standing tradition of offering free admission, making it accessible to all residents and visitors. It remains a key event for showcasing livestock, arts, crafts, and local businesses, while incorporating modern entertainment like live music and digital exhibits.
Throughout its history, the Grant County Fair has been a cornerstone of the community, celebrating both tradition and innovation while bringing together generations of families and fairgoers.
