With the Meeker County Fair running this weekend on the fairgrounds in Litchfield, many of us will be making a stop to see the animals, check out 4-H projects, enjoy some fair food and ride the carnival.

The fair has been a part of Meeker County history for 135 years now, and every year the fair board works hard to add new events for people of all ages. This year, a new grandstand event, Autocross, has been added to the fair line-up, as has a new carnival company, games and a reptiles and amphibians display.

Growing up I didn't attend many county fairs in my county, Blue Earth. I remember how my 4-H friends would live at the fair those four days as they showed their animals and worked the 4-H food stand. It seemed like such a good time as they talked about their friends from other Blue Earth County communities, friends they only saw once a year.

Now, here in Meeker County, I'm amazed at how little has changed. Many people, young and old, come out to walk the fairgrounds every year and to socialize with friends they may only see once or twice a year. Whether you're from Cosmos or Watkins, Dassel or Litchfield, your friends are at the fair.

With a pretty decent forecast ahead of us this weekend - maybe even some much needed rain - what are you looking forward to the most at this year's Meeker County Fair?