Participants in the Beef Show at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Aitkin County hosted its county fair July 9-12, 2025, complete with animals, rides, live music, stock car races and so much more.
AITKIN — Aitkin County hosted its 134th annual county fair, showcasing agriculture, animals, food and fun for area residents and visitors.
The fair ran July 9-12, featuring a foam zone for children, a fashion show and a rodeo, along with classes and activities open to anyone as well as art by county residents. First responders had their own attractions at the fair, including the fire department's beer garden and the police department's dunk tank.
The fair also included a wide array of shows and contests for kids and adults, from livestock to quilts to decorating a tree. Judges awarded ribbons to the best sauces, breads and pickles.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Kirk Peysar, Aitkin County Fair lifetime member and fair volunteer for 58 years, at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
A goat at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Upside down riders in The Fireball ride at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Raiji Guston shows Veda in the Open Class Beef show at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Kids play in bubbles from the Foam Zone at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Hang for 100 seconds, win $100. The Hangtime Challenge at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Kamiann Dosh and her daughter Oakley Dosh, age 8, play the ring toss game at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
1 of 18 — Huck Novotny at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Huck Novotny at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
2 of 18 — Young kids visit goat kids at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Young kids visit goat kids at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
3 of 18 — The cotton candy booth at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
The cotton candy booth at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
4 of 18 — A calf named Stitch at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
A calf named Stitch at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
5 of 18 — A Grand Champion chicken at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
A Grand Champion chicken at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
6 of 18 — 02 The cotton candy booth at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
The cotton candy booth at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
7 of 18 — Ribbons hang in the Goat Building at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Ribbons hang in the Goat Building at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
8 of 18 — The open class swine show at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
The Open Class Swine Show at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
9 of 18 — The Open Class Beef show at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
The Open Class Beef show at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
10 of 18 — Young kids pet goat kids at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Young kids pet goat kids at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
11 of 18 — Cows and calfs from the Nicko Farmstead at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Cows and calfs from the Nicko Farmstead at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
12 of 18 — Henry Nicko with calf, Jeffrey and cow, Burger at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Henry Nicko with calf, Jeffrey, and cow, Burger, at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
13 of 18 — Aitkin County Fair sign in Aitkin, Minnesota.jpg
Aitkin County Fair sign in Aitkin, Minnesota.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
14 of 18 — 02 Kids in the Foam Zone at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Kids in the Foam Zone at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
15 of 18 — Jace Novotny participates in the Open Class Beef show at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Jace Novotny participates in the Open Class Beef show at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
16 of 18 — Ty Novotny, age 7, prepares to show his calf at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Ty Novotny, age 7, prepares to show his calf at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
17 of 18 — A Minnesota State Beef Ambassador belt buckle worn by Raiji Guston at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
A Minnesota State Beef Ambassador belt buckle worn by Raiji Guston at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
18 of 18 — Delylah Voller with her calf, Stitch who won a blue ribbon, at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.jpg
Delylah Voller with her calf, Stitch who won a blue ribbon, at the Aitkin County Fair in Aitkin on July 11, 2025.
Staples-Motley is asking voters to approve $55 million in new bonds that would replace old debt, thereby not increasing taxes. The money would be used to update both schools.
Voters will decide on Aitkin's latest attempt to build a new elementary school on April 14, 2026. The new ask is about one-third less than the November 2025 referendum.
The free test kits from the Beltrami County Soil and Water Conservation District check for bacteria, nitrates, lead, arsenic and manganese in private wells.
The DNR adopted new rules in January 2026, changing the previously closed portion of the bass fishing season to catch-and-release, meaning fishing for the species is open year-round.
The state of Minnesota and Fleet Farm filed a settlement in federal court Feb. 24, 2026, in a lawsuit accusing the retailer of enabling straw purchases of firearms.
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