Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

6:30 am: Dept 20: Canning and Preservation Judging (Divisions A-M) at Agriculture Building 
6:30 am: Dept 21: Baking Judging (continued from previous day) at Agriculture Building   
7:00 am: Dept 19: Floriculture Judging (Divisions G-M) at Agriculture Building 
7:00 am: Dept 25: Arts, Crafts, Hobbies & Antiques Judging (Divisions A, C-J) at Agriculture Building  
7:00 am: Dept 26: Health Care Residents Judging at Agriculture Building  
7:30 am: Dept 22: Household Art Judging at Agriculture Building 
7:30 am: Dept 23: Clothing Construction Judging at Agriculture Building  
7:30 am: Dept 24: Knitting, Crocheting Judging at Agriculture Building
8:00 am - 10:30 pm: Carver County Sheriff's Office Coin Hunt at Fairgrounds
Find the hidden coin to win 2 free nights of camping at Baylor Regional Park! More info
8:00 am: Dept 17: Farm & Garden Crops Judging (Divisions D-K) at Agriculture Building
8:00 am: Dept 18: Fruit Judging at Agriculture Building
8:00 am - 10:00 pm: Exhibit buildings and barns open
8:00 am - 10:30 pm: Gates Open
8:30 am: 4-H Poultry Show Judging at Show Tent
10:00 am - 8:00 pm: Free Games for All Ages at Carver County Historical Society Log Building
Visit webpage for more information
10:00 am: Live Entomology Show presented by the U of M Insect Ambassadors at 4-H Building
Showcasing the wonders of insects!
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Commercial buildings open
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Exotic Zoo at Exotic Zoo
12:00 pm: Livestock entry deadline         
1:00 pm: 4-H Rabbit Judging at Show Tent
1:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Pony Rides at Across from Llama Barn
1:30 pm: Dept 16: Rabbit Judging (following 4-H Rabbits) at Rabbit Barn
2:00 pm: Midway opens at Midway
Hours may vary.
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Midway special: Ride cost reduced by 1 ticket at Midway
This offer not valid with pre-sale ride tickets.
2:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
3:00 pm: Dept 6: Llama Wool Judging & Dept 8: Sheep Wool Judging at Carver County Commons
3:30 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge
4:00 pm: Dept 108: FFA Sheep Judging at Show Tent 
4:00 pm: Dept 8: Sheep Judging at Show Tent
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Up South at Entertainment Center
Country music band from Carver County. In addition to playing country music's greatest hits. Up South also composes and performs their own songs. Their lead single, "Far Too Long"and its follow-up "Paradise"can be heard on multiple radio stations throughout the upper Midwest.
4:30 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
5:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information
5:30 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge
6:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Bingo at Bingo Tent
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Clear Blue at Patio
Traditional country music band focusing on the BakersGeld style Honky Tonk sound
6:30 pm: Mutton Bustin' at West Arena
Sheep riding competition for kids ages 6-8.
Participant information
7:00 pm: Side-by-Side UTV Races at Grandstand
FREE with gate admission!
Practice laps from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
More info, rules and entry form
7:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information
7:30 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge
8:30 pm - 12:00 am: Johnny Holm Band at Entertainment Center
Classic rock, modern rock, pop and country
Must be 21+ years of age and have state-issued picture ID
Photos and more info

Thursday, August 10, 2023

SENIOR CITIZEN DAY!
Seniors 60 & older: Half-price admission from 8 a.m.—6 p.m.

7:30 am: 4-H Pigeon & Dove Show Judging at Show Tent
Including Showmanship
8:00 am - 10:30 pm: Carver County Sheriff's Office Coin Hunt at Fairgrounds
Find the hidden coin to win 2 free nights of camping at Baylor Regional Park!
More info
8:00 am: Dept 9-14: Poultry, Waterfowl, Game Birds Judging at Poultry Barn
8:00 am - 10:00 pm: Exhibit buildings and barns open
8:00 am - 10:30 pm: Gates Open
8:30 am: Dept 15: Pigeon Show (following 4-H Pigeons) at Poultry Barn 
9:00 am: 4-H & FFA (Dept 104) Dairy Show at Judges' Square 
9:00 am: 4-H Horse Game Show at West Arena
9:00 am: 4-H Swine Show Judging at Show Area between Swine & Llama Barns
9:00 am: Dept 107: FFA Swine Judging at Show Area between Swine & Llama Barns
9:00 am: Dept 7: Swine Judging (following FFA Swine) at Show Area between Swine & Llama Barns
10:00 am: 500 Card Tournament at Entertainment Center 
Registration 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Program and prizes follow
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Bubbles & Chalk at Bingo Tent
Supplies provided
10:00 am - 9:00 pm: Commercial buildings open at Exotic Zoo
10:00 am - 9:00 pm: Exotic Zoo at
10:00 am - 8:00 pm: Free Games for All Ages at Carver County Historical Society Log Building
Visit webpage for more information
11:00 am: 4-H Lamb Lead Interviews at Show Tent
11:00 am - 9:00 pm: Pony Rides at Across from Llama Barn
11:30 am: 4-H Wool Fleece Judging at Show Tent              
12:00 pm: 4-H Lamb Lead and Sheep Show Judging at Show Tent
12:00 pm: Midway opens at Midway
Hours may vary.
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Midway special: Pay one price (wristbands) $35 at Midway
12:45 pm: Plate of Bars Contest at Agriculture Building
Entry time 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
More info
1:00 pm: Carver County Senior Citizen of the Year Program at Entertainment Center
Visit webpage for more information
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm: Carver County Century Farms Program at Entertainment Center
Presented by Farm Bureau (following Senior Citizen of the Year Program)
Visit webpage for more information
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: 4-H Public Presentations at Patio 
2:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
2:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information
3:00 pm: 4-H Arts-In Performances at Patio
3:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Bingo at Bingo Tent
3:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Mitchell Hall and The Tennessee Trio at Entertainment Center
World-class tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
4:00 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge 
4:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building 
5:00 pm: 4-H Llama and Alpaca Show: Intermediates & Seniors at Show Tent 
6:00 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge
6:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
6:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Kris and the Riverbend Dutchmen at Patio
Old time music, blending an up-tempo beat with the traditional dutchmen style made famous by so many of the great dutchmen bands from Minnesota and Wisconsin
6:30 pm: Open WSCA Horse Game Show at West Arena 
View PDF for more information
7:00 pm: Motokazie at Grandstand
FREE with gate admission!
Gates open and practice begins 1 hour prior to the start of the event.
More info and invitation to local riders
7:30 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Ragtown at Entertainment Center
An acoustic based band from the Twin Cities with a wide range of music
that gives everyone something to enjoy
Must be 21+ years of age and have state-issued picture ID
Photos, videos & more

Friday, August 11, 2023

8:00 am - 10:30 pm: Carver County Sheriff's Office Coin Hunt at Fairgrounds
Find the hidden coin to win 2 free nights of camping at Baylor Regional Park!
More info
8:00 am - 10:00 pm: Exhibit buildings and barns open
8:00 am - 10:30 pm: Gates Open
8:30 am: 4-H Goat Show Judging at Show Tent  
8:30 am: 4-H Horse Show: Training, Cloverbud, Pleasure & Trail Classes at West Arena
9:00 am: Dept 4: Dairy Cattle Judging at Judges' Square
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Bubbles & Chalk at Bingo Tent
Supplies provided
10:00 am - 9:00 pm: Commercial buildings open
10:00 am: Dept 5: Dairy Goats & Dept 105: FFA Goats Judging (following 4-H Goats) at Show Tent
10:00 am - 9:00 pm: Exotic Zoo at Exotic Zoo
10:00 am - 8:00 pm: Free Games for All Ages at Carver County Historical Society Log Building
Visit webpage for more information
10:00 am: Sheepshead Card Tournament at Entertainment Center
Registration 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Program and prizes follow
11:00 am - 9:00 pm: Pony Rides at Across from Llama Barn Midway
12:00 pm: Midway opens at Midway
Hours may vary.
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Midway special: Two riders for the price of one at Midway 
This offer not valid with pre-sale ride tickets.
12:45 pm: Cookie Jar Contest at Agriculture Building
Entry time 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
More info
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: 4-H Fashion Revue at Patio
2:00 pm: Military Service Recognition March
March starts at Bayview Elementary and travels down Walnut Street to the Fairgrounds Gate 91 (main gate).
Participant information
2:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
2:30 pm: Veterans Program at Entertainment Center
Featured speaker: Steve Walker, Veterans Services Officer. Carver County Veteran Services
3:00 pm: 4-H Arts-In Performances at Patio
3:00 pm: 4-H, FFA (Dept 103) & Dept 3. Beef Show at Judges' Square
3:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Bingo at Bingo Tent
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Mollie B & SqueezeBox with Ted Lange at Entertainment Center
Internationally-known, award-winning polka band
3:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information
3:30 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge  
4:00 pm: 4-H Cloverbud Horse Show at West Arena
4:00 pm: Flower Arranging Contest at Tent between Commercial Building & Entertainment Center
More info
4:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
6:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
6:30 pm: NTPA Tractor Pull at Grandstand
FREE with gate admission!
Gates open 1 hour prior to the start of the event.
More info
6:30 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge
7:00 pm: 4-H Horse Drill Team Exhibition at West Arena
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Chopper - World's Nuttiest DJ at Show Tent
The best party/dance tunes from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, OOs, to present day, country, and morel FREE. All ages
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm: The Jason Paulson Band at Patio
An Americana group from Waconia
7:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information
7:30 pm: Human Tractor Pull at Grandstand
During NTPA Tractor Pull (start time is approximate)
More info
8:30 pm - 12:00 am: Jacuzzi Puma at Entertainment Center
Playing a bunch of songs you didn't know you loved... David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Talking Heads, Prince, Rush, The Who, The Band, Joe Walsh, Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Elton John, and many more Must be 21+ years of age and have state-issued picture ID
Photos, video & more
8:30 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge

Saturday, August 12, 2023

8:00am - 10:30 pm: Carver County Sheriff’s Office Coin Hunt at Fairgrounds
Find the hidden coin to win 2 free nights of camping at Baylor Regional Park!
More info
8:00am - 10:00 pm: Exhibit buildings and barns open
8:00am - 10:30 pm: Gates Open
9:00am: 4-H & FFA Dairy Judging Contest at Judges' Square
9:00am: Open WSCA Horse Performance and Youth Show at West Arena
View PDF for more information
10:00am: 4-H Market Auction & Buyer's Brunch at Show Tent
Auction at 10:30 a.m.
10:00am: Be A Dairy Ambassador! at Dairy & Beef Barn/Judges' Square
Boys and girls ages 10 to 12
10:00am - 2:00 pm: Bubbles & Chalk at Bingo Tent
Supplies provided
10:00am - 9:00 pm: Commercial buildings open
10:00am - 9:00 pm: Exotic Zoo at Exotic Zoo
10:00am - 8:00 pm: Free Games for All Ages at Carver County Historical Society Log Building
Visit webpage for more information
11:00am - 3:00 pm: Dairy Fun and Games for Kids with Dairy Princesses and Ambassadors at Dairy & Beef Barn
11:00am: Kids' Pedal Tractor Pull at Entertainment Center
Registration at 10:30 a.m.; Ages 4 to 11
11:00am - 9:00 pm: Pony Rides at Across from Llama Barn
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Comedian DonB! at Throughout Fairgrounds
Comedy, unicycling, juggling and the art of illusion
More info
12:00 pm: Midway opens at Midway 
Hours may vary.
12:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
12:45 pm: Plate of Muffins Contest Entry time 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More info at Agriculture Building
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm: Diaper Derby Registration at 1:00 p.m. at Entertainment Center
1:30 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information
2:00 pm: 4-H Share the Fun at Patio
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Country Fried Grubers at Entertainment Center
Music from Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings to Lynyrd Skynyrd and John Mellencamp. And let's not forget the ladies... HwylOl. Tiffany. Patsy Cline and more!
2:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
3:00 pm: 4-H Arts-In Performances at Patio
Following Kids' Prize Give-Away Drawing
3:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Bingo at Bingo Tent
3:00 pm: Kids' Prize Give-Away Drawing at Patio
Ages 12 S under; Sign up from 11:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Must be present to win.
4:00 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge
4:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building
4:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show Visit webpage for more information
4:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Bill Litzau and Open Highway at Entertainment Center
Songs from Waylon, Merle, Cash, Hank, Zac Brown and originals by Bill Litzau
5:00 pm: 4-H Llama Show: Cloverbuds & Juniors at Show Tent
5:00 pm: Out-of-Field Tractors, Semis and Pick-ups Pull  at Grandstand
The locals are back! FREE with gate admission!
Gates open 1 hour prior to the start of the event.
More info, rules and entry form
6:00 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge  
6:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building    
6:30 pm: Horse Ranch Rodeo at West Arena
View PDF for more information
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm: The Bingos at Patio
Rock 'n roll music from Waconia specializing in fun and danceable classic rock music. Lots of 60s, 70s, to current, along with some popular country too.         
7:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture        
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information
8:00 pm: 4-H Llama Costume Show (following Cloverbuds & Juniors) at Show Tent           
8:00 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge  
8:30 pm - 12:00am: Eli Alger and The Faster Horses Band at Entertainment Center
Both kinds of music... country and western!
Must be 21+ years of age and have state-issued picture ID
Photos, video & more

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Gate admission is FREE beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening!

8:00 am - 8:00 pm: Carver County Sheriff’s Office Coin Hunt at Fairgrounds
Find the hidden coin to win 2 free nights of camping at Baylor Regional Park!
More info         
8:00 am - 10:00 pm: Exhibit buildings and barns open
8:00 am - 8:00 pm: Gates Open
Get in FREE beginning at 6 p.m.!                               
9:00 am: Open NSCA Horse Show Hosted by MN Circuit Riders at West Arena
View PDF for more information                                
10:00 am - 11:00 am: Church at the Fair: Reverend Howie Krienke with music by Jolly Ramblers at Entertainment Center 
10:00 am - 8:00 pm: Commercial buildings open
10:00 am - 9:00 pm: Exotic Zoo at Exotic Zoo        
10:00 am - 6:00 pm: Free Games for All Ages at Carver County Historical Society Log Building
Visit webpage for more information
11:00 am - 9:00 pm: Pony Rides at Across from Llama Barn           
12:00 pm: 4-H Pet/Cat Show at Show Tent           
12:00 pm: Midway opens at Midway
Hours may vary.
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Midway special: Pay one price (wristbands) $35 at Midway 
12:00 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge
12:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building   
1:00 pm: Amateur Talent Contest at Entertainment Center
Visit webpage for more info, rules and entry form          
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Jolly Ramblers at Patio
Wide variety of musical styles from German/Czech old-time to modern and swing to 50s, country, and country-rock                      
1:30 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information      
2:00 pm: 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Contest at Show Tent
2:00 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building                    
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Bingo at Bingo Tent  
3:00 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge                  
4:00 pm: 4-H Arts-In Performances at Patio
4:00 pm: Demolition Derby at Grandstand
Age 7 through adult: $8.00; Children Age 6 & under: free
Gates open 1 hour prior to the start of the event.
Ticket info, rules and entry form
4:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture        
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information               
4:30 pm: Story Time with Tippy at Agriculture Building    
5:00 pm: Pig Races at Shady Oak Ridge                  
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Sparrow Road
A group of local Waconia kids playing classic rock, Americana, country, 90s-modern day alternative music at Patio             
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Shaw Band at Entertainment Center
Southern Minnesota's premier rock 'n roll band
All ages
Photos and more info
7:00 pm: Tiger Encounter at Tippy's Pasture
An education, conservation and preservation animal show
Visit webpage for more information                                      
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Agriculture Building exhibit pick-up at Agriculture Building
Departments 17–27 & 117           
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Education Building exhibit pick-up at Education Building
Departments 28–30                       
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Shaw Brothers at Entertainment Center
A premier Minnesota band performing classic rock, country and pop music
All ages
Photos and more info

Date: August 9-13, 2023

Location: Carver County Fairgrounds - 501 West 3rd Street, Waconia, MN 55387

Click Here For More Information