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
/
KAXE
Lorie Shaull
/
KAXE
Lorie Shaull
/
KAXE
Lorie Shaull
/
KAXE
Lorie Shaull
/
KAXE
Lorie Shaull
/
KAXE
Lorie Shaull
/
KAXE
1 of
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— Aitkin County Fair sign in Aitkin, Minnesota.jpg
Aitkin County Fair sign in Aitkin, Minnesota.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
14 of
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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
— 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.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
-
Contributed/Chad Davis via FlickrExperts emphasize that people should learn authentic ways to support school shooting survivors, even after the stories fade from headlines. -
Lorie ShaullThe free event focuses on practical ways to improve woodland habitat for wildlife, while keeping forests healthy and productive for future generations, the SWCD said. -
Contributed/MnDOTDrivers in Wadena can expect two-lane traffic on Highway 10 to begin late on August 29, 2025, with Highway 71 closing as construction continues. -
Contributed/Miracle-Ear FoundationThe Miracle-Ear Foundation is partnering with Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Tribal Public Health to offer free hearing screenings and hearing aids for up to 100 people. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXETwelve new automatic license plate readers went up in Bemidji and other MN cities in May 2025. But the Flock Safety cameras raise concerns with privacy advocates. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEIron Rangers are concerned about the future of the facility because U.S. Steel estimated an $814 million cost to comply with the state's wild rice sulfate standard. -
Recent findings showed those who carry out school shootings are often in a noticeable crisis, meaning students, staff and parents should be trained to recognize concerning behavior. -
Contributed/Tony Webster, FlickrOn Aug. 28, 2025, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a shooting incident in the Prescott Housing area in Wilkinson Township, south of Cass Lake. -
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrA recent statewide survey from the University of Minnesota asked residents about their concerns for lakes and rivers, views on conservation and support for science solutions. -
Six more horses were confirmed with the disease in short order in Fillmore, Lincoln, Wadena, Mille Lacs and Wabasha counties. Five of the seven have died.
