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The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair kicks off in Emo today with the midway opening at 2 p.m. this afternoon.

The crowning of the mini king and queen and the fair queen will happen at 6 p.m.

The Society’s president Sherry Hay says it’s great to be back.

“I just think having people back on the ground, getting to see people and all the shows,” says Hay.

Fairs across the country were forced to shut down early in the pandemic but are getting the opportunity to stage events this year.

Hays says a lot of signature events from past years are also returning.

“It’s exciting to see the beef show back and the midway, which we are told, they are bringing some new rides this year. We don’t have any control over that, so it’s exciting to know they’ve chosen to send some new rides for us,” says Hay. “As well as the exhibition hall, the arena is open again with all the exhibitors in there and businesses. There is racing both nights, all food vendors back. It’s quite exciting.”

To entice people back to the fairgrounds, a cash raffle is taking place. The winner takes home $25,000.

The Society is raising money for a new 4-H food booth.

Members of the 4-H will be using the new facility this weekend.

It’s one of several new buildings in place as part of ongoing efforts to improve the fairgrounds.

For a schedule of events and times, you can click here.