Anoka County Fair

Holiday in Lights at the Anoka County Fair: the old schoolhouse and newer snowfriend

Holiday in Lights at the Anoka County Fair: different lights and the old post office is on the far end

The derby's

Holiday in Lights at the Anoka County Fair: inside the chapel. Yeah, there's an 1890s chapel on the fairgrounds!

Holiday in Lights at the Anoka County Fair: lining up for Santa

Holiday in Lights at the Anoka County Fair: the old post office building

Mini Adventure with the dogs

Holiday in Lights at the Anoka County Fair: inside the chapel, an old fundraising thermometer

Anoka County Fair holiday lights are being set up today

Holiday in Lights at the Anoka County Fair: looking toward the north entrance

Mark D.

★★★★☆

Dec 11, 2018

Well, I'll start out that I'm not a huge fan of outdoor fairs in swampy, humid Minnesota in the summer, but I also end up going to a lot of them.Anoka's county fair is a good one... maybe not the best, but a good one. (My favorite so far is the Steele county fair.) Better than the Ramsey county fair.You get the same feel of the State Fair on a smaller and more manageable scale: the smelly animals, the greasy, overpriced food, Midway rides and rigged carnival games, and plenty of crap for sale. Plus, if you go on the right (or wrong) day and time, you'll hear the loud sounds of a demo derby or tractor pull. The upside is that if you're not into roaring engine sounds and the aroma of diesel fuel, the grounds are actually big enough to get a bit away from that.So it sounds like I'm not a fan, but yet somehow I am. I do like this stuff in limited doses.There are also some musical acts as well-- we saw a good rock band, and I wish I could remember their name. Good story!Pro tip: word on the street (and their website) is that you need to get a seat right away for the demo derby. Pro tip 2: you probably won't find me there.Free parking is the in the giant lot across from the main entrance. From the south, turn left at the lights after the bend. From the north, turn right at the lights. Look for people in bright vests and throngs of people waiting to cross the street. There are probably better mappy app directions, but I'll leave those almost rural style directions for now (and forever).Have fun!!!PS: Holiday in Lights in early December is a better way to experience the Anoka fairgrounds, in my opinion, plus it's free admission / free parking, and nachos / popcorn / cider for free or for a donation. That is, if you can tolerate Santa, Jesus, inflatable Minions, and Christmas music at distorted levels over the PA system. I can. It has a small-town winter wonderland feel to it, somewhat vintage as well. Plus it's not 90 freakin' degrees out.