by Kara Hildreth
Thisweek Newspapers

Making fun a tradition for 140 years, Dakota County Fair visitors can count on new events this year to entertain the veteran visitor.

Paul Burkel, manager of the Dakota County Fair, said this year's fair that runs from Monday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 13 will offer many new events to live up to the fair's motto "Where Memories Are Made.î

One new event sure to amaze youth and young at heart is a reptile garden, Burkel said. The new exhibit is called the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo out of Owatonna. The reptile garden has garnered rave reviews as it has been exhibited at other fairs, Burkel said.

One board member saw this exhibit and brought up the idea to bring it to the fair, Burkel said.

The reptile garden will be located on the south side of the carnival and there will be a small admission price.

Another new event this year is Sea Life Adventures of America that has shown to also be a popular exhibit at other fairs, Burkel said.

"There will be a pool with sting ray fish ñ large fish with huge wings,î Burkel said. The sting ray fish will swim in a shallow pool and fair goers can reach over the edge to feed and pet the tame fish, Burkel said.

"Children can feed and pet them safely,î Burkel said.

Free live entertainment offers on the main entertainment stage Monday through Sunday include many daily amateur and professional musical talent.

The percussion group "Sheltered Realityî will perform for the first time at the Dakota County Fair at 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. the first day of the fair Monday, Aug. 7 and many other days of the fair on the free main entertainment stage.

The group will put on a large presentation that adapts many songs to its percussion-style rhythm performances, Burkel said.

Burkel thinks the new events and free musical entertainment on stage will be sure to bring both veteran fairgoers and new area residents who have never experienced all the sights and sounds of the Dakota County Fair.

"If our weather holds out, we expect to have from 130,000 to 150,000,î at the fair next week, Burkel said.

Advance gate fair admission tickets will be sold for $2 and advance weekly admission passes for $10 at Roundbank on Highway 3 and County Road 66 in Farmington and at the Dakota County Fair office until 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7.

Promising to be the seven best days of summer, check out the Web site for more information on events and directions to the fair grounds at www.dakotacountyfair.org.

Kara Hildreth is at farmington.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

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