Clay County Fair turns 92

The region is abuzz this week with summertime fun.

The Clay County Fair in Barnesville, which draws about 18,000 people each summer, is back.

Best of all, admission is still free.

"It's nice to bring a family to something where you don't have to spend much money," said Elaine Austin, coordinator of the fair that runs Friday through Sunday.

Now in its 92nd year, the fair will have something new - a special demolition derby Friday night featuring heats of combines, pickups and compact cars.

The conventional demo derby will return Saturday night.

Both derbies begin at 6:30 p.m.

4-H exhibits and activities are big every year and they will be bigger than ever this time around, said Becky Harrington,4-H program coordinator, who said 4-H membership grew from 268 last year to about 300 this year.

The 4-H building will be the site of a Fair Day Camp Friday. Kids can go to view animals, make projects and enjoy a scavenger hunt.

Sessions will be from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Each session is $5.

Families can register ahead of time by calling (218) 299-5020, or by showing up the day of the camp.

Free entertainment will be featured at the band shelter throughout the fair.

A pickup pull is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at the grandstand.

For more information about the fair, call (218) 299-5020.

Also, this week, the Detroit Lakes, Minn., Northwest Water Carnival starts its 70th annual run today with a variety of events and amusements.

week ahead

The carnival continues through Sunday.

Some highlights of the carnival include the Miss Northwest Pageant Tuesday at the Middle School, a demolition derby at 6 p.m. Friday at the fairgrounds and the Parade of the Northwest at 1 p.m. Sunday on Washington Avenue.

There will be a dance starting at 8 p.m. Saturday in the pavilion on the beach. The Roosters will provide music.

Other happenings this week include:

- Family Fun Concert, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Roosevelt Park, Tenth Street and 17th Avenue North, Fargo; band, Last Minute; www.fargoparks.com .

- Summerfest 2005, Hendrum, Minn.; classic car show, crafts, parade, dance; Saturday.

- Northern Boarders Wake Fest, Detroit Lakes; wake board demonstrations and tournament; Friday through Sunday; www.seedickride.com/nbwf .

- Stutsman County Fair, Jamestown, N.D.; Wednesday through Saturday.

- East Otter Tail County Fair, Perham, Minn.; demolition derby, tractor pull, street dance; Wednesday through Sunday; www.perham.com .

- Mahnomen, Minn., centennial; parade, music; Thursday through Sunday.

- Buffalo, N.D., 125th celebration; all-school reunion, parade, karaoke; Thursday through Sunday; www.buffalond.com .

- Downtown Street Fair, Fargo; Thursday through Saturday; www.fmdowntown.com .

- Fargo Public Library free movies; noon, 3 p.m., Friday; (701) 241-1495.

- German folk festival, Rheault Farm, Fargo; Sunday; (701) 241-8160, www.fargoparks.com .

Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555