File photo

The final setup of the Emo Fall Fair is taking place today.

Entries for the Exhibition Hall will be accepted later this afternoon.

President of the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society, Sherri Hay, says they are looking for another strong turnout.

“Last year was super exciting. We had record attendance last year, so we’re hoping for the same thing this year,” says Hay.

The gates will open tomorrow with the midway getting underway

The Emo Fall Fair is getting set for another year.

Admission is free for Thursday only.

The crowning of the mini-king and queen will take place at 6 p.m., upstairs at the Emo-LaVallee Arena, with a new fair queen named at 7 p.m.

Friday will kick off a busy two days, with the gates opening at 8 a.m.

“Advanced tickets are on sale at businesses for $35. So there is actually a $10 savings to purchase the advanced tickets because it gets you into the fair plus your wristband to ride the rides all day,” says Hay.

Entry into the fair on Friday and Saturday is $5, with children, 5 and under getting in for free.

And there will be a full day of activities.

“Equipment displays also are 8 a.m. The logger’s competition is at 9:30 a.m. (The) Market Square. They’re calling it the Emo Fair Market Square is in the arena and it starts at 10 a.m. The exhibition hall opens at 10 a.m. The beer gardens, and the Lakers will be doing our beer gardens this year, starts at noon. Select Shows starts at noon. The beef show starts at 1 p.m.”

There is also a horse show beginning at 1 p.m. Nighthawk will perform on stage beginning at 2 p.m., while Borderland Racing Association will stage the first of two race nights starting at 6 p.m.

The activities continue on Saturday, with the gates opening at 8 a.m.

“The Emo Fair Market Square in the arena is open at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The exhibition hall opens at 10 a.m. We have changed the parade time this year. The parade lineup in front of the Emo Hospital is at 11:30 a.m. instead of 10:30 a.m., and parade judging will be at 12:30 p.m. The parade starts at 1 p.m., and it will come through the fairgrounds again.”

The midway and beer gardens also open at noon.

Other key events on Saturday include the 4H Beef Show (9 a.m.-2 p.m.), Nighthawk on stag from 2-6 p.m. and stock car racing at 6 p.m.

Raffle tickets are still on sale.

The grand prize is $25,000, with only 3,200 tickets issued.

The revenue raised will go toward ongoing improvements of the fairgrounds.