Other Entertainment

On the grounds.

Ninja Experience

Wednesday – 3 pm/6 pm
Thursday – Noon/3 pm/6 pm
Friday – Noon/3 pm/6 pm
Saturday – Noon/3 pm/6 pm
Sunday – 1:30 pm

Location: South end of the fairgrounds near the Heritage Building.

Ninja warrior meets parkour and freerunning giving you the total NINJA EXPERIENCE! Prepare yourself for highflying, jaw dropping, in your face action with the Ninja Experience! This one of a kind stage production will “quench your thirst” for comedy and danger as our ninjas take it to the extreme. Watch in amazement as these top parkour athletes test their strength and agility on our intense obstacle course. Witness stunts only seen on TV until now, including the dreaded 15 foot warped wall. Become a part of the experience with hilarious audience participation and stunts that will have everyone on the edge of their seats. After the show, meet your favorite Ninjas for photos and autographs – even test your own ninja skills by breaking boards with the team.

“Community Art Fun” Hands-on Art Projects

Thursday – 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Friday – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Commercial Building0

Our 2026 theme “Stars and Stripes” is in honor of the Mille Lacs County Fair’s 135th anniversary and the 250th Birthday of the United States of America. Projects this year (may vary each day) will include: Marble Fireworks, Squeegee Stripes, Yarn Painting- Symbols of America and Junk Sculpture. “Community Art Fun” (formerly known as “Arts Garden Art for All”) is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council thanks to legislative appropriations from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Jay Grammond, Photographer

Wednesday, August 5
2:00 pm Minnesota’s Ties to Early American History
This captivating presentation sheds light on Minnesota’s ties to the Revolutionary War; the War of 1812; the Indian Wars; the Mexican War; and the Civil War, showcasing how this northern state played a significant role in shaping America’s destiny.

4:00 pm Rails, Depots, And Small Towns Of West Central Minnesota
All Aboard! Take a journey through time with Jay Grammond as we explore the rails, depots, and small towns that helped shape the heart of West Central Minnesota.

Thursday, August 6
2:00 pm A Road Trip Around Minnesota: Barn Quilt Trails
Join Jay Grammond as he leads you around the state through eight Barn Quilt Trails to give you a sampling of what is out there in hopes that you will make your own road trip!

4:00 pm Ghost Signs & Grain Bins: A Look At Minnesota’s Farming Heritage
Step into the fading paint and rusted tin of Minnesota’s agricultural past in this visually rich and story-filled presentation, where we’ll explore historic Minnesota farms, honor a few trailblazing ag pioneers, and journey through the state’s most iconic grain elevators and farmstead bins.

Friday, August 7
5:30 pm Roadside Americana: Minnesota’s Neon Glow, Fiberglass Giants, and Roadside Treasures
Buckle up and get ready to take a colorful road trip down Minnesota’s highways, where glowing neon, towering roadside giants, and quirky roadside treasures bring the state’s 1950s era past to life.

Saturday, August 8
2:00 pm One Last Time: Veteran Stories Part 1
Photographer, Author, and Amateur Historian, Jay Grammond, spent 13 years planning and leading a WWII History Series in Elk River; today, Jay will honor the memory of those who participated in his series and are sadly no longer with us giving all of us the opportunity to gain a unique and personal insight into the lives of these remarkable individuals.

4:00 pm One Last Time: Veteran Stories Part 2
Join Jay Grammond as he continues to share more powerful stories from WWII Veterans and civilians who experienced the war firsthand. Whether you have attended Part One or are joining us for the first time, this session stands on its own while offering a deeper look into the personal accounts of those who served, sacrificed, and endured during one of the most pivotal times in history.

Location: Heritage Building

Princeton resident Jay Grammond is making a name for himself by documenting the history of Minnesota photographically and then presenting his findings. His photos include: ghost signs and grain bins, which focus on agriculture, veterans’ memorials around the state, neon signs, and so much more.

Minnesota Mounted Shooters

Saturday – starting at 5:00 pm
Sunday – starting at 10:00 am

Location: Horse Arena

Mounted Shooting is a horse riding and shooting competition, with the theme of a western re-enactment. The rider shoots black powder blank cartridges from .45 caliber pistols, at balloons, and is scored on accuracy and time. Put on the Minnesota Mounted Shooters association, a group of individuals who like to ride, like to shoot, and like the old west. They are a local association that is affiliated with the national association, Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association or CMSA.

The Amazing Bubble Factory

Wednesday:
Bubbles Noon – 8 pm & shows at 1:30 pm/4:30 pm/7:00 pm
Thursday:
Bubbles 10:30 am – 8 pm & shows at 10:30 am/1:30 pm/4:30 pm/7:00 pm
Friday:
Bubbles Noon – 8 pm & shows at 1:30 pm/4:30 pm/7:00 pm
Saturday:
Bubbles Noon – 8 pm & shows at 1:30 pm/4:30 pm/7:00 pm
Sunday:
Bubbles 11:00 am – 4 pm & shows at 1:00 pm/3:30 pm

Location: South end of the fairgrounds

The Amazing Bubble Factory brings the amazing art of bubbles to life right in front of your eyes! A self-proclaimed Bubbleologist, Jamie’s brand of humor and showmanship both excite and entertain the crowd as he creates thousands of bubbles. Producing bubbles from the size of a pea to the size of a minivan, The Amazing Bubble Factory makes a product that lightens the heart and brings everyone back to their childhood, regardless of age. The Amazing Bubble Factory Shows are performed in a turn-of-the-century “medicine man” theme with live music, bells, fast talking, audience participation, smiles, laughs, and of course Bubbles!

Agri-Golf

Wednesday – Noon – 8:00 pm
Thursday – Noon – 8:00 pm
Friday – Noon – 9:00 pm
Saturday – Noon – 9:00 pm
Sunday – 11:00 am – 4 pm
Plus 2 to 3 Mini-Golf Tournaments at random times each day!

Location: South end of Fairgrounds

Agri-Golf is a 9-hole mini-golf course designed to entertain both kids and adults while providing valuable insights into the world of agriculture with each hole specialized to Minnesota’s agricultural and farming facts. A perfect way to blend fun, education, and activity for families, kids, and adults of all ages! Fair goers can play for no extra cost plus there will be two to three mini-golf tournaments each day!

Sustainable Safari

Wednesday, August 5
2:00 pm Wildlife Show
3:30 pm Wildlife Show

Thursday, August 6
12:30 pm Wildlife Show
2:00 pm Alligator Show
3:30 pm Wildlife Show

Friday, August 7
12:30 pm Wildlife Show
2:00 pm Alligator Show
3:30 pm Wildlife Show
5:00 pm Alligator Show

Saturday, August 8
12:30 pm Wildlife Show
2:00 pm Alligator Show
3:30 pm Wildlife Show
5:00 pm Alligator Show

Sunday, August 9
12:30 pm Wildlife Show
2:00 pm Wildlife Show

Location: Open Class Building0

Description/Info: Sustainable Safari, through unforgettable animal interactions, aims to inspire a deep appreciation for wildlife and the vital need for conservation! Wildlife shows last about 45 minutes and include a detailed discussion of each animal’s natural history. The presenter will bring 5-6 animals for each show which may include: alligators, kangaroo, fox, skunk, porcupine, possum, woodchuck, tenrec, and others.

“Joys and Tears in the Apron Strings”, presented by Yvonne Cory, Fiber Artist and Storyteller

Every apron has a story.
Every story reminisced, brings back a memory of generations from the past.

Yvonne Cory, “Joys & Tears in the Apron Strings” storyteller and fiber artist from Easton, Minnesota, brings history to life through an extraordinary heirloom textile collection spanning from the 1800s to the present. Through her engaging presentations, she shares the stories woven into these everyday garments, stories of resilience, family, and culture. Using traditional fiber art, especially aprons, Cory blends artistic creativity with historical insight, offering audiences a unique look at American heritage, patriotism, and the lives behind the stitches.

Friday, August 7

12:30 pm The “Feedsack” Story – Agricultural, business and historical highlights are presented as sacks replaced barrels for commodity storage and transportation throughout the world. Feedsacks provided a variety of fabrics for family fashion and home décor. Both textile bags and apron styles are shared.

3:00 pm Half Apron Fun – The half apron was the first form to be worn in early history but frequently homemakers remember the 50’s & 60’s when a variety of fabrics, designs and embellishments were available. The 60 aprons in this program provide a full-glass of fun and laughs.

Strolling Entertainment

Don B!

Wednesday, August 5 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm Don B! Strolling
Thursday, August 6 10:00 am – 11:00 am | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Don B! Strolling
Friday, August 7 Noon – 1:00 pm | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Don B! Strolling
Saturday, August 8 11:30 am – Noon | 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm Don B! Strolling
Sunday, August 9 11:30 am – 1:15 pm | 1:45 pm – 3:30 pm Don B! Strolling

Location: Strolling

Description/Info: DonB! is a “professional goofball”. He mixes comedy with unicycles, juggling and the art of illusion. DonB! is a two-time national unicycling champion who has worked with The Variety II Review, Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus as well as Disneyland Corporation. Don and his beautiful wife, Debbie, began their comedy work as Circus Unique in 1988. Since 1997 he has been presenting adult and family entertainment as “DonB! Entertainment” coordinating over 250 events annually around the United States and Canada.

Alfy's "World of Robotic Puppets"

Thursday, August 6 and Friday, August 7 from Noon – 6:00 pm

Location: Strolling

Are you ready for this? A four-foot-tall, talking horse named Naaathan might just stroll up and start a conversation with you and that’s only the beginning. Presented by Homeward Bound Theatre Company, Alfy’s “World of Robotic Puppets” brings the fairgrounds to life with larger-than-life characters that roam freely, surprising and delighting guests of all ages. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone is drawn in by these charming, interactive personalities.

Powered by the magic of radio control, these incredibly lifelike puppets don’t just perform, they engage. Expect playful banter, quick-witted jokes, and spontaneous moments that turn an ordinary day at the fair into a memory you’ll be talking about long after it’s over.

This one-of-a-kind attraction has wowed audiences across the country, from Minnesota to Arizona, and has appeared at major venues and events including the Mall of America, St. Paul Saints games, parades, festivals, and community celebrations. Wherever they go, smiles and crowds follow.

“Community Art Fun”, “Yvonne Cory, Fiber Artist”, “Jay Grammond, Photographer”, “Sawyer’s Dream”, “Stifle: Band of Brothers”, “32 Below”, and “The Abiders” activities are all made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council thanks to legislative appropriations from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.