Mega Jump BMX act, an action-packed stunt show is new this year by Kara Hildreth SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
August 10-16
Page 2 Dakota County Tribune • Friday, July 31, 2026
sunthisweek. com
County Fair unleashes tradition of fun
Mega Jump BMX act, an action-packed stunt show is new this year by Kara Hildreth SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
The 2026 Dakota County Fair is ready to unleash its tradition of fun as fairgoers gather to celebrate the best of best Aug. 10-16 at the fairgrounds, 4008 220th St. W. in Farmington.
Fair leaders say the event attracts up to 300,000 visitors each year and has been going strong since 1858.
The fair is again offering free admission along with free daily live entertainment, attractions, and concerts.
Parking is $ 10 per carload or $ 20 per busload. The fair only takes cash, so people are reminded to bring some if they plan to park on site. The fair also offers evening grandstand shows that require tickets and are typically sold out.
The fair has a midway carnival with rides like a towering slide, raucous bumper cars, and games, along with food trucks and stands.
Fairgoers can attend Dakota County 4-H Club horse shows performed in the arena or watch youths compete with their farm animals in the barns.
There are also contests in the arts, foods, and horticulture buildings. Fair ribbons and monetary prizes are awarded for dozens of categories including best homemade salsa, jarred pickles, pies, breads, cakes, and cookies. Arts, crafts and garden contests include the categories of painting, photography, wood crafts, textiles, quilting, vegetables, plants, and floral arrangement.
Hundreds of Dakota County 4-H participants will display a year’ s worth of projects inside the 4-H Building near food truck alley. A few 4-H youths also offer singing and dancing performances.
The Dakota County Fair, owned and operated by the Dakota County Agricultural Society Board along with a few staff and many volunteers including those at the Dakota City Heritage Village.
One new event will be the Mega Jump BMX Show, which is a free bike stunt performance that combines extreme sports, See Overview, 3
Celebrate America’ s history at the Village during the Dakota County Fair!
August 10-16
Daily:
• The buildings will be open and adorned with red, white and blue buntings and flags.
• Demonstrators & volunteers will bring the village to life!
• Visit Ahlberg Hall Museum for displays by the Dakota County Historical Society, village volunteers & staff.
• Tractor Parade 1 pm.
• See the 1922 Model T Doctor’ s Coupe & restored Case Steam Engine Museum.
• Visit the Dakota Garage!
• Patriotic Quilt Display in Church
File photo by Kara Hildreth
The Dakota County Fair will feature many 4-H competitions in a variety of categories, including the Horse Show.
Senior Day, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 9 am- 12 noon: Coffee + Treats reception for senior citizens aged 65 +, Ahlberg Hall Museum Hero Appreciation Day, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 9 am- 12 noon: Coffee + Treats reception for active / retired military, police, fire and first responders Ahlberg Hall Museum. www. dakotacity. org( 651) 460-8050