Minnesota's Oldest County Fair Is 15 Miles From Rochester

County fair season is in full swing here in Minnesota, and after last year we're all looking forward to the delicious food, the fun rides, seeing the animals, and checking out all of the great grandstand entertainment. The oldest county fair in the entire state of Minnesota is right down the road from Rochester and opens to the public on Wednesday, July 14th.

The Dodge County Free Fair in Kasson is celebrating its 164th year this summer. This fair features all the typical fair stuff like rides and food but also has several unique competitions like a hotdish cookoff, a cow milking competition, and a longest beard contest. See the highlights from each day of the fair below.

Dodge County Fair – Wednesday

Cow Milking Competition at 3:00 pm on the Free Stage
Music from LP & The 45s from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm on the Free Stage
Music from Chris Rollo from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm and JT & The Gunslingers from 8:30 pm – Midnight at the Entertainment Center.
Enduro Racing with Fireworks After the Races starting at 6:00 pm at the Grand Stand

Dodge County Fair – Thursday

Mini Donut Contest at 1:30 pm on the Free Stage
4-H Fashion Review at 6:30 pm on the Free Stage
Music from Street Talk from 8:30 pm – Midnight at the Entertainment Center.
Thunderbird Open Stock Car Races starting at 7:00 pm at the Grand Stand

Dodge County Fair – Friday

Longest Beard Contest at 1:30 pm on the Free Stage
Magic from Great The Great from noon-1:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 4:00pm on the Free Stage
Music from Chris Rollo from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm and Six To Midnight from 8:00 pm – Midnight at the Entertainment Center.
Rice Bull Riding Challenge starting at 7:00 pm at the Grand Stand

Dodge County Fair – Saturday

Hotdish Competition at 11:30 am on the Free Stage
Music from Chris Rollo from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm and The White Keys from 8:00 pm – Midnight at the Entertainment Center.
Antique Tractor Pull at the Grandstand at 10:00 am
Kiddie Power Wheels Demo Derby at the Grandstand at 5:30 pm
DC Championship Demo Derby at the Grandstand at 6:00 pm

Dodge County Fair – Sunday

Pie Baking Competition at noon on the Free Stage
Dodge Mayhem Trailer Races at the Grandstand at 3:00 pm

Get the full list of Dodge County fair events here and keep scrolling to learn about other fairs and fun events in our area.

The Ultimate 2021 Summer-Fun Guide For Southeast Minnesota

After the bummer summer that was 2020, you and the family are sure to be searching for plenty of fun events that will get you outside and enjoying the Minnesota summer sun!

Below you will find The Ultimate 2021 Summer-Fun Guide for Southeast Minnesota! All of the biggest events that our area has to offer. If we missed one, let us know on our app today!