Rice County Historical Society hosts fair weddings
By Janet Kubat Willette
jkubat@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 07/22/2010 9:16 AM
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FARIBAULT, Minn. — County fair season is in full swing across Minnesota and the Rice County Historical Society is celebrating by hosting a wedding.
Actually, they'll host up to four weddings or vow renewals on July 24, the Saturday of the Rice County Fair. The fairgrounds and the Rice County Historical Society are on adjoining land in Faribault.
"Weddings at fairs is a very old concept," said Susan Garwood, executive director of the Rice County Historical Society. "It's a continuation of something that's been happening for thousands of years."
In Europe, fairs were one of the only times people would gather and ministers would be on hand. It was much the same in early days of fairs in this country, with limited mobility and ability to travel. As recent as the 1940s, it was common to get married at the fair, Garwood said.
The Rice County Historical Society revived the tradition six years ago, offering free use of the church for one hour, an officiant to perform the service, an organist and festive decorations. It's easily a $600 value, Garwood said.
"It's a neat opportunity," she said.
Slots at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. were available last week, with the 4 p.m. slot booked for a vow renewal. Couples have the church for a half hour before the hour to a half hour after.
"Part of the fun of being married at the fair is it's a fun place," Garwood said.
Some people plan for the ceremony for a year in advance and come in full wedding regalia. Others come in their blue jeans and head for the Midway after the ceremony.
Jim Hermel, secretary and manager of the Rice County Fair, said the fair is about family, friends and fun. He's in favor of anything that brings more people to the fairgrounds to experience the fair.
"Anything we do on our fairgrounds is an asset to the fair," he said.
Besides the wedding, the historical society opens all its buildings and they are staffed by volunteers during the fair. They have candle making, soap making, fur trade demonstrations and a blacksmith. Children can try their hand at doing laundry using a basin of water and soap. They can mow the lawn with an old-fashioned push mower. There's a loom and spinning demonstration.
"History is most alive when people are involved in it," Garwood said.
There is no fee to partake in any of the historical activities. There is a small fee — $2 for adults, $1 for seniors — to enter the museum during fair week. The money will go toward ongoing care of the Civil War battle flag from Company C of the 6th Minnesota. The volunteer infantry was comprised of men from Rice County.
For more information about the Rice County Historical Society, call 507-332-2121 or email rchs@rchistory.org.
Reservations for a fair wedding at the Holy Innocents Church will be accepted until all the slots are filled or through July 19. A valid Minnesota marriage license is required. There is a fee for the marriage license.
To reserve a slot , call the historical society.