The Pierce County Fair is putting out the welcome mat and inviting alumni and locals to stop in on Thursday, June 30-Sunday, July 3. Events range from livestock shows and exhibits, to car racing and mud runs, from fair treats to Penny and Pals and inflatable games and the list goes on.

The fair board hopes area residents of all ages will fill the new fairgrounds exhibit building with entries. Open Class categories include flower arranging, painting and drawing, baking, scrapbooking, photography and quilting. Quilting entries are accepted from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29. Other Open Class entries will be accepted between 4 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 30 at the exhibit building.

Friday, July 1

On Friday, July 1, the fair opens with inflatable games, food and fun. The petting zoo and magic show add to the excitement.

The Opening Ceremony for the

All-School Reunion and the Pierce County 125th Celebration will be held at the fairgrounds at 4:00 p.m. followed by the Lions Club Hamburger Feed from 5-8 p.m. The evening will be capped off by dancing to the Johnny Holm Band from 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Saturday, July 2

The Rugby Volunteer Fire Department is serving a pancake breakfast beginning at 7:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

The Heart of America 5K Run/Walk registration deadline is June 19 to receive a T-shirt to wear during the Heart of America 5K Walk/Run. Same-day registration opens at 7:15 a.m. and the walk/run starts at 8 at the fairgrounds on Saturday. Top finishers win trophies. Many more prizes will be awarded. Pre-register at www.hamc.com or pick up a form at HAMC Wellness Center or Rugby Chamber office. The $20 entry fee benefits the Wellness Center.

Other events at the fair on Saturday includes fun for the whole family: bingo, mutton busting, racing pigs, racing minnows, nickel scramble, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, magician, watermelon eating contest, and tug-of-war.

Mud Runs will be the entertainment for Saturday. For more information, call Steve Jacobson at 208-0184, Troy Voeller at 208-1591 or Todd Lysne at 208-1417.

Sunday, July 3

More rides, games, food and fun at the fairgrounds. Back by popular demand are petting zoo, racing pigs, and magician.

One of Rugby’s best-loved events, the parade, starts at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 from the high school parking lot. If any individual or organization would like to participate, call the chamber office at 776-5846. Line-up is at 11:30 p.m.

Kids can decorate bikes and win prizes. Judging is by age group. Register at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 in the Rugby High School parking lot and then ride as part of the parade to the fairgrounds.

A car and tractor show will follow the parade at the fairgrounds.

Several more activities will round out the weekend including John Deere pedal tractor pull, 125th gun auction, pie eating contest, and bingo.

The Northern Outlaw Wrestling organization will present quite a show. A Pitchfork fondue will feed the masses.

Sunday evening’s entertainment will be provided by “Shania Too” which will be followed by a fireworks display.