The McLeod County Fair has rounded out summer fun for residents for 136 years. Wednesday, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 17, marks this year’s celebration. A variety of exhibitors in the commercial building offer fairgoers a wealth of information, giveaways and chances to win prizes. America’s Promise Stage is home to 4-H pet shows and area talent.

Action-seekers can hit the grand stand for the demolition derby and two nights of motocross. Autocross, in which drivers race their junkers on the dirt track, returns for its fourth year. The internationally known Imperial Stunt Drivers return for its third year, making their high-performance Fords do things you shouldn’t try at home. Wrestling, in both full- and pint-sized form, charges up its audiences, and the midway rides thrill young and old.

Fairgoers can tour the many animal barns or the horticulture building, view the fine arts and 4-H exhibits, or reminisce while wandering through the antique tractor display.

For the culinary crowd, frosted malts, cheese curds and mini doughnuts are a few of the fair food standards.

Popular contests such as the veggie races and gumdrop building will return. Retired fair manager Marian Filk said there are always plenty of competitors willing to enter the contests, which have previously included watermelon seed spitting and pie eating, but volunteers are needed to help staff them all.

The McLeod County Fairgrounds are off State Highway 15 South, behind Wal-Mart on Century Avenue. The fair office number is (320) 587-2499. Check for a full schedule of events online at www.mcleodcountyfair.com. The fairgrounds is also the year-round home to the McLeod County Extension Service and McLeod County Parks.