If you’re a baby boomer who grew up in Minnesota, you probably have fond memories of the county fair. You counted down the days until the fair came to town. It was a place where you could meet your friends, try different foods, challenge your friends to the scariest rides, or show off your 4-H projects. Even today, your senses and sensibilities disappear when you experience the magic of the Crow Wing County Fair. It’s a true shopping mall of American culture, showcasing the best this country – and this county – has to offer.

As soon as you enter the gate, you feel the excitement and smell the aromas tickling your taste buds. Whether you come in the quiet morning hours or the busy evening hours, you will have the opportunity to see and enjoy the food, the fun, the rides and the entertainment; simply put – the best that life has to offer.

If you are like me and enjoy people watching, you might notice the many different bodies of those present. Not only have most people gotten fuller, they are also showing more body parts than they used to. So many tattoos on display! Legs, arms, shoulders and necks are covered in a variety of designs like you have never seen before. However, if you want to see real works of art, you can visit the Fine Arts or Youth Arts buildings. Your faith in humanity will be revived when you see all the wonderful hand-crafted items; from jam and jelly jars, homemade bread and cakes, to the many styles and genres of artwork, you will be amazed. My favorite part is the quilts on display. Oh, the work that went into each one of them!

If you’re looking for a thrill, you’ll love the grandstand shows: monster trucks, Baja Rally, and rodeo. If you like music, there’s something for everyone. From country western to rock and roll, you’ll find people rocking out on the Mills Stage. Christian music and comedy shows also provide entertainment. Teens will enjoy some harder rock on Friday night, but bring earplugs!

The animal barns are the reason many people come to the fair. The 4-H club and drill team are there to show off their skills and animals. It’s so much fun to watch the youngsters touch a sheep, goat or rabbit for the first time.

Some people think that fairs are a thing of the past and no longer necessary in our digital society. Nowadays, you can vicariously enter other people’s lives on Facebook or Instagram and experience thrill rides with virtual reality programs. So why this annual gathering? Because it brings people together. They give us a place to share our experiences and, most importantly, they give us a chance to meet friends we haven’t seen in years.

You support local organizations when you eat at their food stands. It’s often their biggest fundraiser of the year. They also give school-aged youth the opportunity to raise money for their group’s project. Whether you buy a burger at the Methodist food stand, a bratwurst at the fire department stand, or a milkshake at the county dairy association, you’re giving back to your community.

The highlight for some people are the exhibit buildings where community members compete for ribbons in gardening, baking, canning, art, photography and quilting categories. Contestants who receive a blue ribbon can claim to be the best in the county. It doesn’t matter how old you are, seeing your work displayed to the public makes you feel good whether you get a ribbon or not.

The county fair is perhaps the only opportunity where children and adults can see cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, rabbits and goats. It is a great hands-on learning opportunity for children and adults. In the Youth Arts building, our youth can show their science exhibits and art projects to their family and friends. Exhibiting these projects at the fair encourages the children to “learn by doing” and increases their self-esteem.

The Crow Wing County Fair celebrates the achievements of the citizens who live and work here; the young people and their farm animals; the arts and crafts of people of all ages; and the excitement of the fair on a summer night. It is also one of the top 10 fairs in Minnesota and admission is free. Yes, you will have to pay a little for a nearby parking spot, but that leaves more money to buy all the great stuff. This fairground is one of the cleanest you will ever experience. The restrooms are accessible for visitors with disabilities and are as clean as public can get. An ambulance is also available in case of emergencies.

This festival brings back the sense of community that is missing in this crazy, messed up world, and you’ll quickly realize that it’s more important today than it was in days gone by.

Sterling, a Brainerd resident, is a regular contributor to the Brainerd Dispatch.