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By Ayanna Eckblad

Changes this year at the Freeborn County Fair, but favorite events and attractions will continue on for visitors of all ages.

“There is always great events at the fair, from 4-H, FFA participants, draft horse shows, great food and some of the best local entertainment in Entertainment Plaza,” said Mike Woitas, Freeborn County Fair manager.

One notable change this year is that the admission price for adults at the Freeborn County Fair will be $13. Previously admission had been $10, but it needed to be increased due to the increased cost of putting on the fair, Woitas said.

Another change is the addition of Thorni Ridge Exotics, a mobile petting zoo. The petting zoo is based in Missouri but travels throughout surrounding states to bring their variety of animals for all to see. According to the Freeborn County Fair Book, “Thorni Ridge Exotics provides hours of family fun, education and entertainment with a true hands-on animal experience. This is what sets our petting zoo above any other. Visiting fair or festival families enjoy a personal, firsthand opportunity with exotic wildlife and domestic farm animals. We encourage touching, hugging and feeding, offering a true petting zoo experience.”

Examples of animals Thorni Ridge has brought to past fairs and festivals are fainting and pygmy goats, potbellied pigs, llamas, alpacas, kangaroos, wallabies, lemurs, tortoises, Flemish rabbits, zebras, camels, water buffalo, porcupines and more.

Thorni Ridge Exotics Petting Zoo will be open during regular fair hours, and price is included in the fair admission fee. There is an additional charge to purchase feed cups for the animals.

In addition to new animal friends, there are changes coming to the fair’s beer garden as well. This year there will be bands performing at the beer garden, which is open from noon to midnight Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. The bands start after the Grandstand entertainment has concluded unless otherwise noted.

The schedule is as follows:

1. July 30: Papa J Acoustic
2. July 31: Ron and Steve Unplugged, 6 p.m.
3. Aug. 1: Lost in Austin
4. Aug. 2: War Eagle
5. Aug. 3: Steele Prairie

According to the Freeborn County website, “The beer garden is not only a place to sit to have a cold drink, but also a place to meet friends old and new. Located next to the Grandstand, you’ll be able to enjoy the concerts while having a cold brew with your friends.”

The beer garden offers both bottled beer and tap beer in addition to mixed drinks and wine.