By Albert Lea Tribune

The Mower County Fair kicks off Tuesday with a new look. After more than three decades with Merriam’s Midway Shows, the fair board is bringing in GoldStar Amusements to run the Midway at the 2014 free fair Tuesday through Sunday.

“We’re just always looking to improve things for the fairgoers, and they are a Minnesota-based company that has really grown since they started,” Mower County Fair board director John Mueller said.

GoldStar’s Midway will be about the same size with different, newer rides. The company will have $1 rides on Tuesday, its first day in Mower County. GoldStar will offer a “Passport to Mower Fun,” a ride pass good throughout fair week. Passes will be $50 on fair week.

There are opportunities to see animals. The fair added a large petting zoo, along with the traditional 4-H, FFA and open animal exhibits. America’s Original Farmyard, which is operated by the FFA, will return, too.

 

Grandstand schedule

Tickets cost $10

• Tuesday: Motokazi Supercross, 7 p.m.

• Wednesday:  Masters of Disaster demolition derby, 7 p.m.

• Thursday: NTPA tractor pull, 7 p.m.

• Friday: Free concert by Time Machine Friday

• Saturday: MCF truck and tractor pull, 8:30 a.m.; Great Frontier Bull Riding, 7 p.m.

• Sunday: Masters of Disaster
demolition derby, 2 p.m.