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Every few years,the Pipestone County Fair board comes up with a new activity.
In recent years, the Ag Olympics has become a popular feature, and it’s on the docket again in 2025. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the grandstand.
(For more information, read a full preview on the Pipestone County Fair on the front page.)
Ag Olympics help drive youth involvement during the Pipestone County Fair. (Contributed graphic)
“We try to get both children and adults involved,” said Pipestone County Fair board of directors member Ryan Bosma, who is in charge of these Ag Olympics.
Bosma said there will be both round and square bale activities, four events in all that serve as either a test of skill or strength.
“They’re all fun and challenging games,” Bosma said. “We encourage everyone to come out and have some fun watching local athletes in this family-friendly event.”
Teams are made up of four people, men, women, boys and girls.
They are made up of FFA members and from local corporations.
Last year, 12 teams participated with the Rock County Rocks taking the championship trophy along with gold washers resembling medals.
Ag Olympics typically center around activities using both round and square bales. There will be four events contested on Wednesday, July 30, in the grandstand at the Pipestone County Fair. (Contributed Graphic)
Luann’s Gas and More was second, winning silver washers, a foursome with Damian Skyberg, Brayden Burmeister, Finley Whipkey and Caradee Gorter.
Elite Landscaping was third overall, a squad featuring Weston Reinhard, Taylor Post, Kellen Johnson and Connor Holt.
The event will take roughly one hour, with an awards presentation to follow.
Bosma requests all participants arrive 30 minutes prior to the competition for rules meeting. Participants under the age of 18 years old also must sign a waiver, he reported.
The admission fee is $5 for adults. Children will not be charged.
Bosma said all money collected from the admission fee will be donated to a non-profit. Previously, money was given to the Pipestone County Area Food Shelf and the future Pipestone Veterans Memorial in Moore Park.
Like last year, the top-3 teams will receive trophies — along with some serious bragging rights.
Also on tap
There are several other sports-themed events at the fair as always.
Horse pole bending takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31 — with exhibitions beforehand — in the rodeo arena.
The National Tractor Pullers Association will have a pull in the grandstand at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and the Great Plains Tractor Pullers, Inc., have a show from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2.
Birch Coulee Arena, LLC, will conduct a ranch rodeo at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Look for detailed previews on these events in the July 31 edition of The Pipestone County Star.