Central Nebraska residents are being invited to the Stuhr Museum's Agricultural Fair, a re-creation of the agricultural fairs that existed in the 19th century.
The fair at Stuhr Museum is planned for Saturday and Sunday.
"The agricultural fair was one of the biggest social events of the season," said Kay Cynova of Stuhr Museum.
One of the things that made the Agricultural Fair such a big event is that it operated almost as an agricultural college on the county level, Cynova said. "A lot of people would go to learn the latest technology in agriculture, such as the latest hybrid for corn."
There also would be exhibit halls, but instead of national companies, local companies would have the exhibits.
Agricultural Fairs didn't give out ribbons, but local businesses would give out "premiums" to people who entered winning pies, preserves or vegetables.
At this weekend's fair at Railroad Town, there will be a plethora of vegetables, canned goods, needlework, textiles, baked goods and more on display.
Cynova said people who raise produce can bring it out to the museum on Friday afternoon and pick up their entries Sunday afternoon.
Attractions include "J.P. Black's Booth of Curiosities," featuring odd items from all over the world, as well as the fair games.
There will be many hands-on activities available on both days, such as carnival games; an apple peeling contest; drawing a picture and entering it into the fair, and an appearance by Madame Wanda, fortune teller extraordinaire.
The Silver Cornet Band will perform its final concert of the season at 2 p.m. Saturday, and all day Saturday and Sunday will feature J.P. Black's Curiosities, as well as the "newest" models of agricultural equipment.
In addition to activities, anyone can enter the produce competition by signing up beforehand. Log onto www.stuhrmuseum.org for an entry form.
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free, as are Stuhr Museum and Hastings Museum members. For questions, call Stuhr Museum at 385-5316.
Stuhr Museum Agricultural Fair
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Events include:
Saturday:
10 a.m. - Fair grounds open
11 a.m. - Baked goods judging
12:30 p.m. - Announcement of best of show
1 p.m. - Madame Wanda arrives, games and contests continue
2 p.m. - Railroad Town Silver Cornet Band concert
5 p.m. - Fair grounds close for the day
Sunday:
Noon - Fair grounds open
1 p.m. - Madame Wanda arrives, games and contests continue
5 p.m. - Fair grounds close for the day
