What We’re Talking About

According to their new website and social media handles, The Dixie Chicks–Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer–have rebranded as “The Chicks.”

The trio’s name change comes after weeks of social unrest that has put a spotlight on systematic racism and discrimination.

The Chicks will release their upcoming eighth studio album, Gaslighter, on July 17. The Chicks dropped a new song, “March March” yesterday, which you can listen to below.

Major League Baseball teams will play a 60-game season, so getting off a good start will be more important than ever if they want to make the postseason and have a shot at the World Series. But according to odds-makers, some teams have a better shot at getting there than others.

The Yankees and the Dodgers, at 7-to-2 odds, are considered co-favorites to win the World Series this year.

The Houston Astros, mired in a cheating scandal, are next at 11-to-1 odds, followed by the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins, who are both at 15-to-1.

The defending-champion Washington Nationals have 18-to-1 odds, and the worst odds belong to the long-shot Baltimore Orioles.

There’s going to be baseball in 2020.

The players’ union agreed to commissioner Rob Manfred’s plan for a 60-game schedule to start on July 24th, with “spring training” to begin on July 1st. The two sides still have to agree on health and safety protocols before an official announcement can be made.

The union and the team owners failed to reach an agreement on a modified schedule after weeks of negotiating. That triggered a previous agreement signed back in March that gives Manfred the authority to impose a season, with full pro-rated pay for players.

When you think of Steve Earle, the first two songs that come to mind are probably “Guitar Town” and “Copperhead Road”.  Those are both great songs, but he did have other hits on the country charts.  He had a top ten hit with “Goodbye’s All We’ve Got Left“, which peaked at #8 in 1987, and “Someday“, which peaked at #28.  The song “Someday” was also featured in the movie “Bridge to Terabithia” in 2007, which took in $138 Million at the box office.

After less than one year of marriage, Carly Pearce, 30, filed for divorce from Michael Ray, 32, on June 19, according to People.

Carly and Michael tied the knot on Oct. 6, 2019, after getting engaged in December 2018.

The couple last appeared in public together during a performance on the Grand Ole Opry on June 6. Last week, Carly and Lee Brice reached the top of both the Mediabase chart and Billboard Country Airplay chart with their duet, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The tune is Carly’s second No. 1 single.

Remember the band Ricochet?????  You probably remember their #1 hit “Daddy’s Money” in 1996, but they had other top 10 hits like, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride” and  “What Do I Know”.  The band is still active, their latest release 15 Years and Counting is a compilation of Hits, fan favorites, and newly recorded material which came out in 2012.

The clip below is from 1996, when the band appeared on TNN’s PTC(Prime Time Country).

Credit:  Eddie Kilgallon via YouTube

Since summer has arrived, it’s time to get into shape!  But going to the GYM is just too much work, so here some “GYM Alternatives that I found funny…enjoy a good chuckle!  -EK

• Resistance training: Training yourself to resist opening that bag of Doritos
• Getting a dog and naming him “Five Miles”. Then you can say that you walk Five Miles every morning.
• Jumping to conclusions
• Pulling your weight
• Chasing your dreams
• One-night stands
• Photoshop
• Prune juice
• Paying $30 a month for something that you actually use
• James

Producers of The Bold and the Beautiful have come up with a clever way to protect actors during the coronavirus pandemic.

The soap opera, which resumed production on Wednesday before shutting down again, will use blow-up dolls to film sex scenes. Bradley Bell, executive producer and head writer of the show, tells the New York Post, “When we were reviewing the scripts we started taking out all the romantic scenes and [the scripts] just fell flat. We put our heads together trying to figure out a way to make these scenes work without breaking the eight-foot [distancing] rule…and we brought out a doll we used years ago as a corpse.”

Bell said they tried it out and it resulted in a “very convincing” take. He added, “It’s a great doll and we’ll be using her with hair and makeup as a stand-in to match some of our leading ladies.”

Since they have only doll, the producer said, the show “may be investing in more dolls,” including male ones.

Josh Turner will celebrate his musical heroes on his upcoming album, Country State of Mind, which will be released on Aug. 21.

The 12-song collection features popular tunes and deep cuts from many of Josh’s influences, including Randy Travis (“Forever and Ever, Amen”), John Anderson (“I’ve Got It Made”), Johnny Cash (“The Caretaker”), Vern Gosdin (?I Can Tell By the Way You Dance”), Hank Williams (“Alone and Foresaken”) and more.

In addition, a number of artists contributed vocals on the new album, including Kris Kristofferson (“Why Me”), Chris Janson (“Country State of Mind”), Maddie & Tae (“Desperately”), Runaway June (“You Don’t Seem to Miss Me”), Randy Travis (“Forever and Ever, Amen”), John Anderson (“I’ve Got It Made”) and Allison Moorer (“Alone and Foresaken”).

Country State of Mind Track Listing

I?m No Stranger To The Rain
I?ve Got It Made (Duet with John Anderson)
Why Me (Duet with Kris Kristofferson)
Country State Of Mind (Duet with Chris Janson)
I Can Tell By The Way You Dance
Alone And Forsaken (Featuring Allison Moorer)
Forever And Ever, Amen (With Special Guest Randy Travis)
Midnight In Montgomery
Good Ol? Boys
You Don?t Seem To Miss Me (Featuring Runaway June)
Desperately (Featuring Maddie & Tae)
The Caretaker

On this day (June 17th) in 1994, O.J. Simpson and his friend Al Cowlings led police on that “low-speed pursuit” in O.J.’s white Ford Bronco. He was eventually arrested when police caught up with him at his house.  Watch the entire deal below….

Credit: Eric M via YouTube

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will still happen — but with some changes.

TMZ says the event will take place at a “private location without fans” and that the competitors have been reduced by a third “to ensure social distancing.”

All staffers will wear masks and gloves, and all eaters will be tested for COVID-19 before the event.

Also Major League Eating, the organization behind the contest, and the eaters will donate to local food banks and will honor essential workers in New York City.

The board of governors responsible for the Academy Awards has voted to postpone the 2021 ceremony.

ABC will broadcast the Oscars on the final Sunday in April rather than the last Sunday in February. In addition, movies released through the month of February will be eligible for consideration. Typically, the period starts and ends in the same calendar year.

Hollywood studios have not released a major movie to theaters for three months. They’ve drastically altered schedules, jockeying for the best position for once the movie-going public is ready to sit in crowded theaters.

The Oscars were delayed following the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Before that, the Academy postponed the ceremony in April 1968 when Martin Luther King Junior was assassinated and rioting ensued.

If some people have their way, Britney Spears and Dolly Parton will replace Confederate statutes in their home states.

A petition has begun to tear down the nearly three dozen Confederate statues and monuments in Louisiana, and replace them with Brit’s likeness. As of Sunday night, 25,000 people have signed. The petition calls on the state’s officials to “do the right thing: Replace Confederate statues with an actual Louisiana hero and influential human being, Britney Spears.”

Meanwhile, more than 4000 people have gotten behind a petition to erect statues of Dolly in place of the Confederate figures in Tennessee. The petition creator writes, “History should not be forgotten, but we need not glamorize those who do not deserve our praise. Instead, let us honor a true Tennessee hero, Dolly Parton.”

Historical statues have been toppled across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

Katherine Williams-Dunning, 27, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 79 in Henry County, Tennessee, on June 13, according to WKRN.com.

Katherine is the daughter of Hank Williams Jr. and his third wife, Mary Jane Thomas. Henry County is approximately 115 miles west of Nashville.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol as reported by WKRN, “Katherine Williams-Dunning was the driver of a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe involved in the single-vehicle crash near Antioch Road. The SUV was towing a boat at 7:44 p.m. southbound on Highway 79 when it crossed the dividing median in the highway and rolled over, crossing northbound lanes and coming to a rest on the shoulder. Williams-Dunning was killed in the crash.”

Katherine’s husband, Tyler Dunning, 29, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where his condition is currently unknown.

Katherine and Tyler are the parents of two children ages 5 and 2.

Another fair in Northeast Iowa has had to cancel most events to COVID-19.  The Delaware County Fair in Manchester will be moving forward with just a 4-H and FFA shows.

DELAWARE COUNTY, IOWA – The Delaware County Fair Society has been working relentlessly for the past year to put together an All-Star Lineup for the 2020 Fair, July 13-19 in Manchester, Iowa. After much conversation and deliberation between the Fair Board, local health officials, Delaware County Extension, and other community representatives, the Delaware County Fair has decided to move forward with the 4-H and FFA programming only.

While we had hoped to host an outstanding and safe fair this year, under the current restrictions and recommendations in place for COVID-19 the ability to continue forward with other portions of  the fair has become much more difficult. At this time, we have canceled all free on grounds entertainment, concerts, and carnival. More information regarding concert ticket refunds can be found on etix.com. In an effect to keep all participants, volunteers, fairgoers, staff, vendors, entertainers, and the whole community safe and healthy, we must scale back to a 4-H and FFA show.

While this decision does not come lightly, we do so to maintain the safety and health of our community. Thank you for supporting the Delaware County Fair, even in these difficult times. We will fight on and look forward to July 2021 when we can all come together and celebrate the Delaware County Fair.

Garth Brooks is set for a concert event at 300 drive-in theaters across North America, only on June 27th.

The concert will be created exclusively for this event, making this a once in a lifetime experience. The concert will be the largest ever one-night show to play at outdoor theaters across the United States and Canada.

The event will be produced by Encore Live, a leading event production company.

“I am so excited to get to play again. I have missed it so much and want to get back to it,” said Brooks. “This drive-in concert allows us all to get back to playing live music without the uncertainty of what would be the result to us as a community. This is old school, new school, and perfect for the time we are in.”

Tickets will be on sale Friday, June 19th at 12:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM CT/ 10:00 AM MT / 9:00 AM PT. They will be on sale at Ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks There, you will also be able to review the drive-in theaters available in your area. Tickets are General Admission and of Limited Availability. They will cost $100, all inclusive. Each ticket will admit one passenger car/truck. The event will take place rain or shine and will begin at dusk.

Josh Blake had a chance to catch up with Northeast Iowa native Cory Farley.  Cory talks about opening up for Alan Jackson, writing some new music, and whats been happening in Nashville during the Coronavirus.  Take a listen to their conversation below!

***UPDATE***  The Wisconsin DOT now says work on hhe closure of Highway 82 across the Mississippi River between Highway 35 and Lansing, Iowa, has been extended to July 2.

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – June 11, 2020 – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation began a project on June 5 to repair overflow bridges in the marsh area on WIS 82 on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River. This project caused the closure of the Iowa 9 (Black Hawk) bridge over the Mississippi River at Lansing, Iowa. The closure was scheduled to end June 15, but delays are causing the closure to be extended until June 24, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office.

During this closure, the Iowa DOT has replaced two deck panels on the Iowa side of the bridge. Electronic message signs will be in place along state highway routes in both Iowa and Wisconsin prior and during the road and bridge closure to alert motorists.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

Source:  Iowa DOT

The band Lady Antebellum has changed their name.  They will be now known as Lady A from now on.  The band released a statement on why they have decided to ditch the “Antebellum”.

“As a band, we have strived for our music to be a refuge…inclusive of all. We’ve watched and listened more than ever these last few weeks, and our hearts have been stirred with conviction, our eyes opened wide to the injustices, inequality and biases Black women and men have always faced and continue to face everyday. Now, blindspots we didn’t even know existed have been revealed.

After much personal reflection, band discussion, prayer and many honest conversations with some of our closest Black friends and colleagues, we have decided to drop the word “antebellum” from our name and move forward as Lady A, the nickname our fans gave us almost from the start.

A girl tries to rescue a squirrel from a small pool….let’s just say they squirrel was ungrateful.  -EK

Credit:  TaraNicole333 via YouTube

NASCAR announced yesterday that it is banning the Confederate flag at all of its races and venues, a striking decision as the flag has long been a common sight at its races. The announcement came ahead of last night’s race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, during which the car driven by BUBBA WALLACE, NASCAR’s only black driver, had a #BlackLivesMatter design.

There will be no Iowa State Fair this year….the first time since World War II.  Check out the statement from the fair.

“Dear Fair Friends,

The Iowa State Fair Board today made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Iowa State Fair due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The decision was complex and considered a wide array of factors. The Iowa State Fair’s top priority is protecting the health and safety of Fairgoers, staff, volunteers, exhibitors and entertainers. Amid the pandemic, we couldn’t, in good conscience, put on the Fair when we knew access to emergency safety services at the Fair could be limited, public transportation to and from the Fair would not be possible, the constant sanitization of a seemingly infinite amount of high touch surfaces lacked feasibility and social distancing in lines to get your favorite Fair food or walking the Grand Concourse would be difficult.

While we can’t predict what the COVID-19 pandemic will look like in August, we can make educated decisions based on information and guidance available today from health. Waiting any longer to make a decision would have been more potentially damaging to our great Fair partners and our planning. 

Not getting together this August at the Iowa State Fair will be disappointing. Our staff, volunteers, entertainers, vendors and sponsors love to come together to put on 11 fantastic days each summer. We know that the Fair isn’t just an event; it’s a way of life for many, including our friends in agriculture and our young exhibitors.

Thank you for your patience in allowing the Iowa State Fair Board, staff and partners the time we needed to thoroughly review our options for the 2020 Iowa State Fair.

And thank you for your unwavering support. We can’t wait to get together again in 2021.

“Fairwell” for now and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Gary Slater- CEO and Fair Manager”

Source:  Iowa State Fair Website

HBO Max has removed Gone With the Wind from the streaming service.

On Monday, a Los Angeles Times op-ed successfully convinced HBO Max to shelve the 1939 classic film because it “romanticizes the horrors of slavery.” Academy Award winning writer-director John Ridley said the Civil War drama “perpetuates some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color.”

The Best Picture winner 80 years ago is the all-time highest grossing film adjusted for inflation. It consistently ranks among critics as one of the best movies in Hollywood history.

A spokesperson for HBO said late Tuesday night (quote) “Gone With the Wind is a product of its time. It depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society. These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today. These depictions are certainly counter to WarnerMedia’s values. So Gone With the Wind will return with a discussion of its historical context and a denouncement of those very depictions.”

Flood Warning for Fayette County in northeastern Iowa, Southwestern Winneshiek County in northeastern Iowa, and Eastern Chickasaw County in northeastern Iowa…Until noon CDT Wednesday. At 534 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated rainfall of 4 to 6 inches has fallen since yesterday with some rivers and streams continuing to rise. Additional rainfall around half an inch is possible today.

The Flood Warning continues for
The Turkey River at Spillville.
* until Thursday afternoon…Or until the warning is cancelled.
* At 4:30 AM Wednesday the stage was 11.1 feet.
* Flood stage is 9.0 feet.
* Moderate flooding is occurring and Moderate flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…The river will continue rising to near 11.6 feet by
today. The river will fall below flood stage this evening.

Forecast flooding increased from Minor to Moderate severity…
The Flood Warning continues for
The Turkey River at Elkader.
* until Saturday morning.
* At 3:45 AM Wednesday the stage was 11.5 feet.
* Flood stage is 12.0 feet.
* Moderate flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…Rise above flood stage by this morning and continue to
rise to near 18.1 feet by Thursday morning. The river will fall
below flood stage by Friday.

Forecast flooding increased from Minor to Moderate severity…
The Flood Warning continues for
The Turkey River at Garber.
* from this afternoon to late Friday night.
* At 4:15 AM Wednesday the stage was 13.0 feet.
* Flood stage is 17.0 feet.
* Moderate flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…Rise above flood stage by today and continue to rise to
near 21.5 feet by Thursday morning. The river will fall below flood
stage by Friday morning.
* Impact…At 19.0 feet…County Road X3C at the south end of Garber
becomes inundated.

The Clayton County Agricultural Society has decided to postpone the 2020 Clayton County Fair.  Read their statement below.

A woman was arrested for attacking her boyfriend with a hamburger in Florida yesterday (Monday).

Tanya Cordero and her unnamed boyfriend were arguing inside of their mobile home when things took a turn for the worst and got physical. Largo police says that the 47-year-old woman was upset that her boyfriend closed a window in her room, so she smashed a hamburger in his face.

When the cops arrived, her boyfriend had shards of meat still stuck in his ear, though Tanya denied assaulting him. Police added that she’d “hoped he choked on the burger.”

Cordero was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery and was ordered to stay away from her boyfriend.

After nearly two weeks of protests after the death of GEORGE FLOYD, NASCAR took a few moments before its Cup race yesterday at Atlanta Motor Speedway to say it must do better on racial justice. NASCAR President STEVE PHELPS said, in part, “Our sport must do better. Our country must do better. The time is now to listen, to understand and to stand against racism and racial injustice.” The drivers then observed a 30-second moment of silence, and the broadcast played a video made by a number of Cup drivers. Several drivers also tweeted the video promising to “listen and learn,” “no longer be silent” and “work together to make real change.”

Elmer J. Fudd’s gun license has been revoked.

Showrunners for the updated Looney Tunes shows say the cartoon hunter won’t be allowed to have a rifle in new episodes on HBO Max. According to Deadline, “Fudd will still be hunting, but will use a scythe. That’s a modification in response to U.S. gun violence.”

Executive producer Peter Browngardt tells The New York Times, “We’re not doing guns. But we can do cartoony violence – TNT, the Acme stuff.”

Hot and somewhat humid weather briefly returns to the area on Monday with temperatures climbing into the low to mid 90s for most of the area under mostly sunny skies. The weather will then take a turn Tuesday into Wednesday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Cristobal cross the region, bringing heavy rain and windy conditions.

Credit:  NWS La Crosse

Grab the kids, the gear, and enjoy the great outdoors during the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) free fishing weekend June 5, 6 and 7th.

Free fishing weekend is a great time to take kids fishing. Outdoor fun awaits at hundreds of Iowa lakes, thousands of miles of rivers or a neighborhood pond. There are plenty of options to help you find a spot that is less crowded, so you can easily keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and other groups.  If the parking lot is full when you get to a fishing spot, pick a new location or come back at a time that is not so busy like early morning or later at night.  Check out the Iowa DNR’s interactive map to find a fishing spot near you!

Check out some tips for taking kids fishing here.

The Crawford County Fair will not be happening this summer in Gays Mills.  Check out the press release from the Crawford County Fair Board.

“The Crawford County Fair has joined with the people of Crawford County to provide a place to gather with friends and family to catch up with each other.  The purpose of the Crawford County Fair Association has been to promote the interests of agriculture, household and the industrial, mechanical and cultural arts through its annual fair and its exhibits.  It provides an arena to showcase the efforts of both junior and open class exhibitors.

   After contact and consultation with the Crawford County Health and Human Services department, Crawford County Emergency Management, the fair board met to discuss the future of the 2020 Crawford County Fair.  After consideration of the health and societal issues surrounding the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is with an extreme deal of sadness and regret that the difficult decision to cancel the Crawford County Fair scheduled for August 27-30, 2020 was made. 

  We fully realize how Covid-19 has had negative effects on big moments, experiences and milestones in all of our lives.  The cancellation of the fair brings a great deal of disappointment to those people who plan, attend, exhibit, participate and support the fair.  However, the safety and well-being of all involved are of utmost importance.  The difficulties encountered in social distancing, limiting the number of attendees, maintaining a high level of sanitization and insuring a safe and healthy experience as well as the liability involved were huge.

  The Crawford County Fair is so grateful and appreciative for all the effort and support from everyone who has had a part in the planning of the 2020 Crawford County Fair, no matter how large or small.  It was one of the most difficult decisions that the fair board has to make.  We wish everyone good health and thank you for your support during this time.  We are going to work hard on the 2021 fair making it one to remember to celebrate our past traditions and to make new memories at the 2021 Crawford County Fair.”

An update from the Allamakee County Fair Board.

“The Allamakee County Fairboard is looking forward to offering fun and affordable family activities.

Although guidelines prevent us from having the full fair experience that we all know and love, we are still dedicated to offering the best experiences we can. At this time, we are sorry to inform you that the scheduled concert and the rodeo have been cancelled, however 4-H and FFA activities will occur with certain guidelines being implemented. The Fairboard continues to consider and evaluate the Governor’s Proclamations, as well as CDC and IDPH guidelines. More information regarding grandstand events and ground entertainment will be finalized as more information becomes available.”

A Romanian shoemaker has come up with a shoe design that he hopes will help people respect social distancing rules.

According to The Telegraph, Grigore Lup has created a specially-designed leather shoe that features a really long nose for keeping people far apart.

It’s said that these long-nosed shoes will ensure that people stand at least five feet apart.

Lup says of the shoes, “I saw people crowding and not respecting the social distancing rules and I said to myself let’s make a shoe either to punish them or something they could actually wear and maybe that way they will keep the distance.”

A pair of these social-distancing shoes costs $115, about takes about 10 sq. ft. of leather to make.

Today will be mostly sunny, but be on the lookout for scattered late day and overnight showers and thunderstorms. A few storms could be severe with a risk for hail and damaging winds, particularly this evening. At this time, widespread severe storms do not appear likely. Sunshine along with dry and much less humid conditions return for the end of the week and into the weekend.

Credit:  Storm Prediction Center

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – May 26, 2020 – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be completing a project to repair overflow bridges in the marsh area on WIS 82 on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River which will require temporarily closing the Iowa 9 (Black Hawk) bridge over the Mississippi River at Lansing, Iowa beginning Friday, June 5, until Monday, June 15, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office.

During this closure, the Iowa DOT will replace two deck panels on the Iowa side of the bridge. Electronic message signs will be in place along state highway routes in both Iowa and Wisconsin prior and during the road and bridge closure to alert motorists.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special, on June 3 at 7 p.m. CT.

Lineup: Blake Shelton, Gary Sinise, Jake Owen, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Olivia Munn, Reba McEntire, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Penn, Bobby Bones, Cody Alan, Zac Brown, Brandi Carlile, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Kane Brown, Kristen Bell, Lauren Daigle, Luke Combs, Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett.

The special will feature one-of-a-kind tributes and performances as the stars perform from their own homes. The show will highlight stories of unsung heroes who have done exceptional things for their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In words and music, participating artists will recognize the following categories of COVID-19 heroes: Healthcare, Education, Business, Community Leaders, Food Industry, Infrastructure, First Responders, U.S. Military and more.

CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special will air on June 3 at 7 p.m. CT on CMT, Paramount Network, Pop TV and TV Land.

The 2020 Fillmore County Fair will not be happening due to COVID-19, the Fillmore County Ag Society released a statement on their Facebook page.

“We, the Fillmore County Ag Society, were hoping to not have to make this announcement, but after careful consideration and consultations with the county, state and other organizations regarding the health and safety of everyone in our community, visitors, volunteers, exhibitors, our long time fair partners and supporters, it is with heavy hearts that we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 163rd year of the Fillmore County Fair that was scheduled for July 21-26th in Preston, Minnesota.
With the current restrictions concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, wearing masks and the need to sanitize everything, it would be impossible to meet the standards for attendees to gather safely in a large group setting. The fairboard, in good conscience, cannot risk people getting sick, or worse, because of attending the Fillmore County Fair. It is the reality of the current situation.
While we know this announcement is upsetting for our supporters and participants, who look forward to the Fillmore County Fair, it is also unimaginable for the fairboard members as well. The Fillmore County Fair is extremely proud of the public support it has received over the years, all of our awesome sponsors, those that volunteer, the community organizations, the vendors, the exhibitors and everyone that provides a positive experience and contributes to the success of the Fillmore County Fair, for not only the last 162 years but the future!
With this decision made we can refocus our energy towards the continued improvements and projects on the fairgrounds that will help us focus on our mission, to promote agriculture and education in our county. We would like to thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.
July 2021 will be here before you know it, when we can gather and celebrate 163 years of the Fillmore County Fair because “We are Fair Strong!”

The Winneshiek County Agricultural Association has made the difficult decision to cancel grounds and entertainment activities for the 2020 Winneshiek County fair.

This cancellation includes Fair Races, Rodeo, Tractor Pull, Joe Stamm Band for Friday night, and Saturday night acts Gabby Barrett and Jordan Davis. All carnival and grounds entertainment are also cancelled. The Nitty Gritty Dirt band, scheduled for Friday night, had already canceled their appearance at the 2020 Fair. Public Health comments, CDC guidelines, along with legal guidance from the County Attorney were considered throughout this decision making process, in addition with the concern to keep residents of Winneshiek County safe and healthy.
Should the CDC guidelines still be in place at the time of the fair, it was felt that the 6 foot social distance rule would be virtually impossible to enforce in most, if not all scheduled activities. The rule also severely limits the Fair’s ability to remain financially viable. Due to the requirement of only 50% capacity at any event, revenue deficits are simply too great to overlook.

The Fair Board is working with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to find a workable solution to schedule the 4-H and FFA shows. Details will come in the near future.

A great amount of time and thought was put into this decision. While it is deeply disappointing the Fair Board looks forward to 2021. We are all very grateful for the great community support we receive each year to be able to put on the “Biggest Little Fair in Iowa.” Thank You to each and every one of the businesses and individuals who help make this fair what it is.

Minnesota baker Bill Hanisch and his ex-wife Robin Hanisch are working overtime to decorate 800 cakes for graduating high school students. The bulk of the cake order is due by graduation day, June 4th.

Bill owns Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop, which was voted “Best Bakery in Minnesota.” He said, (quote) “These cakes are a way to let the kids know that we’re proud they made it through 12 years of school. Even though they can’t graduate together, they deserve to be recognized.”

Hanisch originally agreed to bake for free 220 cakes for seniors at his alma mater, Red Wing High School in Red Wing, Minnesota. His Facebook post went viral and people donated to his bakery. Then more schools in the region along the Mississippi River reached out asking Hanisch to bake cakes for their graduating seniors.

Happy birthday to Dana Carvey. The comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member turns 65. He’s best-known for characters such as “The Church Lady” and “Garth Algar” from Wayne’s World, and impersonations of George H.W. Bush and Ross Perot.

Credit:  Saturday Night Live via YouTube