Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The carnival rides at the Brown County Fairgrounds in preparation for the 153rd Brown County Fair. This is the first fair held in two years after last year’s cancellation.

NEW ULM — After a two-year wait, the Brown County Fair is returning Wednesday.

The fair was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year it is back with all the fun events and activities fairgoers can expect.

Fair board president Anna Covington said it was difficult to cancel last year’s fair, but she’s glad it’s back this year. A high turnout is expected this year with strong participation for county citizens and businesses.

The fair starts Wednesday, Aug. 11. The 4-H Livestock entry process begins at 8 a.m. The first event of the year will be the 4-H Horse Show at noon followed by the 4-H Pet Show at 4 p.m. Carnival rides open at 5 p.m.

On the first night of the fair, a truck and tractor pull will be held at the grandstand for $5.

At 7:30 p.m. “Drop Tailgate” will play in the beer garden.

Thursday, Aug. 12 is Senior Citizen Day at the fair. A special program at 10 a.m. will honor outstanding senior citizens, Elroy Ubl and Gerald Woodley. The program will also honor the Farm Family of the Year and a presentation for the Century Farms.

“Dale Dahmen & The Polka Beats” will play in the beer garden from 1 to 5 pm. “Rhino” will play the beer garden starting at 7:30 pm.

The Demo Derby begins at 7 pm with tickets at $12.

Friday, Aug. 13 is kid’s day. A balloon artistry program will be held in the Civic Center at 10:30 am with a second show at 2:30 pm.

Dazzling Dave will perform in the civic center at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Kids Pedal Pull was started at 3 pm.

From 1 p.m. to 5 pm, “Dain’s Dutchmen” will play in the beer garden.

At 7:30 pm GB Leighton will play at the concert in the Grandstand.

Saturday, Aug. 14 at noon, the Minnesota Gladiolus Society Show will open at the Civic Center.

From 1 to 5 pm Sandra Lee and the Velvets will play in the beer garden.

The Saturday night Demo Derby begins at 6 pm, tickets are $12.

At 8 p.m. “7Tees” will play in the beer garden.

Sunday, Aug. 15 is the final day of the fair. The Minnesota Gladiolus Society State Show will start at noon.

The Bockfest Boys will play in the beer garden at 1 pm.

The fair awards program begins at 1:30 pm.

The Wood Carving Auction begins at 3 pm in the beer garden.

The fair comes to a close at 4 pm with a release of livestock and exhibits.