For locals interested in more than carnival rides and farm animals at this year's Rice County Fair, the county is showcasing essential services to educate the public. According to an announcement on the official Rice County website, from July 17 to July 21, fairgoers will have the opportunity to learn about recycling programs, public health services, and Sheriff’s Office safety tips—all amidst the traditional fair festivities.
Environmental Services will be on hand in the Commercial Exhibit Building, ready to guide visitors through the county's Solid Waste Facility operations and discuss ways to decrease food waste. Attendees can also participate in playing a game and could win prizes through a daily drawing. The informative booth feels specifically designed to demystify topics like building permits, the Waste Wizard tool, and the looming threat of aquatic invasive species.
For families and new mothers, the fair is providing a lactation space in the Straight River Room, while the Public Health information booth will cover a range of vital topics. Visitors can expect to gain insights into health statistics in Rice County and get the latest information about vaccinations, physical activity, and the impact of vaping on community health. The Sheriff’s Office is setting up their Command Post, too, with a First Aid station and information on maintaining safety in various everyday scenarios.
When the skies go grey and the possibility of inflicting inclement weather appears, the fair has a solid plan in place. Parents needing to retrieve their kids can do so at the Faribault Ice Arena. As stipulated on the Rice County Government's page, there's a specific route for pickup; simply drive in and out through the north entrance off of 20th Street NW, by the Rice County Highway Department building. It’s a simple yet effective strategy to ensure everyone safely wraps up their fair day, no matter the weather.
Moving beyond the fun and games, the Rice Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is tackling environmental health head-on by offering free well water testing. Fair attendees can bring samples from their private wells to test for nitrogen—a contaminant linked to fertilizer use and septic system failures. This service is available on Thursday, July 18, and Friday, July 19, at times detailed on the county's online announcement. If the tests reveal dangerous contamination, financial aid may be accessible through Minnesota's Tap-In Program for necessary well improvements or treatment equipment installation.
Rice SWCD is keen on providing answers to pressing concerns about well contamination and the testing process. Interested or worried residents can reach out directly by calling 507-332-5408. With a mix of celebration and education, this year's fair embodies a commitment to the well-being and enlightenment of the Rice County community.
