[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 101 (Tuesday, July 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAMSEY COUNTY FAIR

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 2013

  Ms. McCollum. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the many 
dedicated volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors and visitors of the Ramsey 
County Fair on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of this community 
festival. This annual fair attracts thousands of attendees through a 
wide variety of events and activities that entertain families today.
  The Ramsey County Fair began in 1913 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota as 
a simple agricultural event where farmers showcased produce and 
livestock as well as recent innovations. As the rural parts of Ramsey 
County gave way to suburban development during the 1950's, the fair had 
to adjust its events to appeal to a new generation of visitors. 
Creative arts activities and shows became more prevalent than 
traditional agriculture. As local historian Jim Lindner has said ``the 
fair had to change to stay relevant, and it did.'' In 1953, the White 
Bear Lake School Board purchased the former fairgrounds to expand a 
local school, forcing the fair to find a new home. The fair opened in 
its current location in Maplewood, Minnesota in 1954 on what was known 
as the Ramsey County Poor Farm.
  As the Ramsey County Fair prepares to begin its second century of 
community celebration, the event continues to educate, entertain and 
delight families from across the Saint Paul-Minneapolis metropolitan 
area. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Ramsey 
County Fair, I am pleased to submit this statement.

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