The Embarrass Region Fair launched the “last hurrah of summer” last weekend and will continue this weekend, Aug. 28-30, with a packed schedule of events.
About 6,000 people fill the Embarrass Fairgrounds annually for the township’s 87-year tradition, which features family-friendly competitions, live music, animal demonstrations and more.
Weekend wristbands will be available Friday, Aug. 28 for $12 a piece. Daily admission costs $5.
“It’s like a big reunion for everybody every summer,” said Embarrass Region Community Association secretary Laura Stella. “Everybody is always happy to see each other and excited to be getting together.”
The team penning and ranch sorting competitions on Aug. 21-23 brought in the beginning of 2026’s festivities.
Both events require horseback riders to herd cattle. Three horses and riders must drive particular cattle into the pen within 60 seconds for the team penning competition. Ranch sorting limits teams to two horses and riders, who must shift 10 cows from one pen to another in numerical order.
The fair’s busiest weekend will kick off on Friday, Aug. 28 with crafters and vendors, kids’ games, a cribbage tournament, Wizard’s Kingdom Inflatables and pony rides.
Vendors will set up their booths in a pole building this year due to ongoing Timber Hall renovations. Exhibit competitions will still take place in Timber Hall.
Crocheted and knitted items, homemade baked goods and canned items, jewelry and more will go up for sale in the vendors’ building.
The fair will also feature a brand new vendor — the Axe Throw Experience.
Also new this year, a mullet contest will commence at 6:15 p.m. Event organizers ask participants to bring their best mullets, whether real or fake, accompanied by a walk-up song.
Big T and the Growlers will provide live music from 4-6 p.m., followed by Willy Martin and the Rangers at 7 p.m.
“One of our local residents has done a phenomenal job fundraising, so we have a really great stage for our entertainment this year,” Stella said.
Stella said the Tower Firemen’s Relief Association donated the entire cost of the stage. All additional funds raised will apply toward next year’s stage and sound system.
Gates will open again at 8 a.m. Saturday morning. The day’s events will include a medallion hunt, softball tournament, a magic show, and a petting zoo.
Will Hale will perform a rock concert for families at 1 p.m., and fair attendees can stick around until 7 p.m. for live music by Iron Range Funk Machine.
Heart and Hooves Riding Association will host ranch riding, ranch rail and all-around ranch horse reining shows at 10 a.m. The day will also feature a K-9 demonstration and a dog agility display.
Stella said event organizers are grateful for the Northland K9 Foundation, who will supply two canine teams.
The craft and vending fair will continue until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Sunday will close out the fair weekend with a pie eating contest, a classic car show, a bingo tournament, horse games and more.
The Sunday parade will not take place this year due to traffic concerns.
The fair found its beginnings as a social gathering hosted in the early 20th century by the Embarrass Farmer’s Club. These get-togethers would involve craft and canning exhibitions, livestock and farm machinery displays, baseball and dancing.
The Embarrass Region Fair Association pinpoints 1939 as the year the fair officially began in an annual capacity.
“It really is just nice to celebrate our little spot on the map,” Stella said.
