Flag Ceremony to Open the Steele County Fair Tuesday

Fairgoers may need to hold an umbrella above their American flags, as a patriotic opening to the Steele County Fair is planned for 5PM on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The official opening of the 2015 Steele County Free Fair will include a flag raising ceremony at Fair Square Park. The Owatonna Exchange Club will distribute American flags to those in attendance. The VFW and its auxiliary host the event, which will honor U.S. military personnel who served the nation between 1980 and 1989.

Several events take place on Tuesday before the official opening of the fair. The Equine Hall of Fame induction will honor LuVerne Utpadel at 12:30PM in the livestock show arena. The Livestock Hall of Fame induction will include Barb Kasper, Howard Schoenfeld and Donald Sloan at 2PM.

Those interested in purchasing Mega Ride tickets must do so before 5PM at Hy-Vee in Owatonna. The ticket can be redeemed at the ticket office on the fairgrounds for the all-you-can-ride wristband. Mega Ride tickets are $49.

4-H swine judging takes place at 5:30PM in the swine barn. Bull riding is the grandstand show on Tuesday. Johnny Holm performs in the beer garden at 8:30PM. The KRFO stage features Jake Jones at 5:45PM and the Pumper, Peddler and the politician at 7:30PM.

After the flag raising ceremony at Fair Square, stage entertainment includes the Owatonna Community Band at 5:30PM, Scott Rogness and the Shasta Kings at 6:30PM and the Fabulous Love Handles at 8PM.