The Redwood County Fair is a little late this year, but it's just as good as ever, organizers said. The fair, which runs today through Sunday in Redwood Falls, is still growing and attracting a wider circle of visitors, said fair board chairman Jim Sandgren.

"It's really getting to be a big event," Sandgren said.

There will be a full bill of entertainment, from the midway to events like bullriding, a demolition derby and a musical performance by Great White on the fair's free stage.

"Our free stage is really kind of a unique thing," Sandgren said.

Local talent will also be on display tonight at the Big Air Bash, as Wabasso brothers Derek and John Guetter do backflips and other stunts on their ATVs.

Some attractions will be available for visitors to see daily.

"We've worked pretty closely with the National Guard to bring in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car," Sandgren said. "It's an actual superspeedway race car that he will be racing, and everyone who comes to see it will get their picture taken with it."

Sandgren said the fair will also be hosting a national Dock Dogs competition, featuring hunting dog contests for speed retrieving, vertical and distance jumping.

The timing of this year's fair may actually have been a boost for participation in some events, said Redwood County 4-H coordinator Deb Hadley.

"It does seem like there are more exhibits than usual. The buildings are really packed," Hadley said. For some entrants, having a later fair date might mean more time to work on projects, care for livestock or grow perfect produce, she said.

Hadley said there will be lots of 4-H demonstrations this year, as well as some hands-on events for younger kids.

"One of our 4-H clubs got a grant, and will be putting on something called 'Farmer For a Day,'" she said. "Kids can come in and they can pretend to be a farmer. They can pick apples off of a tree, dig for potatoes and milk a (pretend) cow."

Schedule of events

Thursday

9 a.m.: Poultry show

9 a.m.: Horse show

Noon: Rabbit show

5 p.m.: Wally Pikel Polka Band

5:30 p.m.: Swine show

6 p.m.: Midway opens

6-Midnight: Wrist band night

7 p.m.: Pro/Am Big Air Bash, featuring Derek and John Guetter and X-Games silver medalist Justin Hoyer

8 p.m.: Chopper, the "World's Nuttiest DJ"

Friday

9 a.m.: Lamb lead

9:30 a.m.: Sheep show

9:30-11:30 a.m.: Daycare day

Noon-5: 4-H demonstrations

1 p.m.: Dairy show

1-6 p.m.: Kids' day on the midway

2:30 p.m.: Dairy and goat show

5 p.m.: Beef show

6 p.m.: The Zoo Man

Xtreme bull riders

Saturday

11:30 a.m.: Antique tractor pull

1 p.m.: Baumann Brothers

1-3 p.m.: 4-H demonstrations

1-2:30 p.m.: Livestock auction

2 p.m.: Senior citizens program

2:30 p.m.: Century Farms program

2:30 p.m.: Pet show

3 p.m.: Baumann Brothers

3:30-5 p.m.: 4-H demonstrations

5 p.m.: Livestock judging contest

7 p.m.: IMP demolition derby

8 p.m.: Sweet Siren, opening for Great White

10 p.m.: Great White

Johnny Holm Band

Sunday

10:30 a.m.: Non-denominational church services

1 p.m.: Pedal pull

1-2 p.m.: 4-H Fashion review

1-6 p.m.: Wrist band day

2:30-4:30 p.m.: 4-H demonstrations

3 p.m.: KLGR talent show

6 p.m.: Redwood Speedway