The Ultimate 5-Day Itasca County Fair 2025 Schedule: Grandstand Thrills, Carnival Fun, And What You Missed
The 2025 Itasca County Fair, held annually at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, delivered five days of classic family fun, high-octane motorsports, and a deep celebration of local agriculture and community talent. Running from Wednesday, August 13, through Sunday, August 17, 2025, the 132nd annual fair featured a packed schedule that provided endless entertainment for all ages, from the thrill of the carnival midway to the roar of the Grandstand.
This comprehensive guide details the full, confirmed schedule of events for the recently concluded 2025 fair, ensuring you are fully prepared for what to expect in future years, or simply to relive the excitement of the biggest summer event in the region. The fair is a major showcase for Itasca County 4-H and FFA youth, along with a host of open-class exhibits and local live music.
The Official Itasca County Fair 2025 Daily Schedule Breakdown
The 2025 fair was a five-day extravaganza, with each day featuring special themes and headline Grandstand events. The fairgrounds, located at 1336 Fairgrounds Road, Grand Rapids, MN, served as the central hub for all activities.
Wednesday, August 13: Opening Day and Grandstand Race Night
The fair kicked off with the official opening ceremony and immediately jumped into the motorsports action, a fan-favorite tradition in Itasca County.
- 3:00 PM: Official Flag Raising and Opening of the Fair Ceremony.
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband available for $30.00 per person, offering five hours of non-stop rides on the midway.
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: 4-H Horse, 4-H Llama, and 4-H Alpaca Vet Check-ins, marking the start of the youth livestock competitions.
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Live Entertainment in the Entertainment Tent featuring local favorite, Chuck Domagall.
- 6:30 PM: GRANDSTAND EVENT: The Dean Olafson Memorial Pure Stock Special & Hornet Race. This high-speed event honors a local racing legend and provides a thrilling start to the week’s motorsports lineup.
Thursday, August 14: Kid's Day and the Roar of the Demo Derby
Thursday was dedicated to the youngest fairgoers, offering special activities and culminating in the highly anticipated Demolition Derby.
- KID'S DAY: Special activities were scheduled, including demonstrations in the Children’s Barn.
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: General Livestock Entries Check-in continued, with many animals arriving for the weekend's shows.
- 9:00 AM: 4-H Horse Show, showcasing the skills of Itasca County’s youth equestrians.
- 11:00 AM: Demonstration by Rapids Garage Door.
- 11:30 AM: LEGO Building Competition, a popular creative activity for children.
- 1:00 PM: Just For Kix Dance Performance.
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Live Music in the Entertainment Tent featuring Dittywish.
- 6:30 PM: GRANDSTAND EVENT: The massive, crowd-pleasing Demolition Derby. This event is a perennial sell-out, featuring crashing cars and intense, metal-crunching action.
Friday, August 15: Senior Day and Open Class Judging
Friday highlighted the community's senior citizens and featured extensive judging for non-livestock exhibits, showcasing the best in local arts, crafts, and baked goods.
- SENIOR DAY: Special programming and discounts for senior citizens throughout the day.
- 9:00 AM: Open Class Horse Show.
- 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Creative Activities and Fine Arts Buildings were closed for judging, allowing judges to review the diverse range of exhibits, from photography to baking.
- 1:00 PM: 4-H Project Hour, welcoming grades K-5 to learn about 4-H offerings.
- 1:00 PM: Box Free with Stephanie demonstration.
- Evening: The carnival midway continued to operate, offering more opportunities for unlimited fun.
The Action-Packed Weekend: Enduro Race and Fair Finale
The weekend schedule brought the fair to a crescendo, mixing final judging events with the biggest motorsports event of the week and the traditional closing ceremonies.
Saturday, August 16: Enduro Race Thrills
Saturday was a full day of competition and entertainment, capped by the highly anticipated Enduro Grandstand event.
- 8:30 AM: 4-H Goat Judging, one of the many livestock competitions held throughout the morning.
- Approx. 11:00 AM: Open Class Horse Show continued, drawing spectators to the arena.
- 6:30 PM: GRANDSTAND EVENT: The 3rd Annual Leroy Tranby Memorial Enduro Race. This endurance-style race is a must-see event, known for its chaotic, long-running action that tests the limits of both driver and car.
- All Day: The midway was open for business, with rides, games, and concessions operating at peak hours.
Sunday, August 17: Closing Day and Awards
The final day of the Itasca County Fair focused on celebrating the achievements of the exhibitors and saying farewell until next year.
- 8:30 AM: All Livestock Breakfast & Meeting, a traditional gathering for all youth and open-class livestock participants.
- 9:00 AM: Final 4-H showmanship and judging events.
- 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Fine Arts Building Open for final viewing and exhibit release.
- 4:00 PM: The 2025 Itasca County Fair officially closed, marking the end of the five-day community celebration.
Topical Authority: Key Attractions and Entities of the 2025 Fair
To truly understand the Itasca County Fair experience, it is essential to recognize the key components that make it a success every year. The 2025 fair was defined by a strong focus on local talent, community participation, and traditional county fair attractions.
The Grandstand Motorspots Legacy
Motorsports are the backbone of the Itasca County Fair Grandstand lineup. The 2025 schedule paid tribute to local figures with two major memorial races: the Dean Olafson Memorial Pure Stock Special & Hornet Race and the 3rd Annual Leroy Tranby Memorial Enduro Race. These events draw drivers from across the region and are a highlight for fans of short-track racing and intense vehicular destruction. The presence of the classic Demolition Derby ensured the Grandstand was packed for maximum noise and excitement.
The Vital Role of 4-H and Open Class Exhibits
The fair is the largest learning showcase opportunity for youth in the region. The Itasca County 4-H program was central to the fair, with events like the 4-H Horse Show, Goat Judging, and various livestock check-ins dominating the morning schedules. The Creative Activities/Fine Arts judging on Friday highlights the non-animal talents, from photography and painting to baking and canning, demonstrating the diverse skills within the community.
Carnival and Midway Deals
For many, the fair is synonymous with the carnival. The 2025 fair offered an excellent value with the Unlimited Ride Wristband deal on Opening Day (Wednesday, August 13) from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for $30.00. This is a critical piece of information for fairgoers looking to maximize their fun on the rides and games. The midway also features a variety of food vendors serving traditional fair fare.
Live Local Entertainment
While the focus is often on the Grandstand, the fair also featured local musical acts. Performers like Chuck Domagall and the band Dittywish provided live music in the Entertainment Tent, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for fairgoers to enjoy local talent and take a break from the action. These performances underscore the fair's commitment to supporting the Grand Rapids, MN, arts scene.
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