It’s only fair I write about Mower County’s biggest ag, 4-H, grandstand and carnival celebrations of the year (pun completely intended). In the meantime, check out more chances to see knights in shining armor, with Spam, of course.

Royal ham

The hilarious production of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” continues through Aug. 10. The Medieval, raucous comedy with flying cows and attacking rabbits, opens at 7:30 Friday and each following night except for Aug. 5 and 6, when there is no show. Tickets are $16 at the Riverland Frank W. Bridges Theatre’s box office, 1900 Eighth Ave. NW.

 2013 Mower County Fair

Put on your fairground shoes, and check out the 2013 Mower County Fair, which opens Tuesday, 700 12th St. SW. The opening ceremony at the Fair Square begins at 7 p.m., where Mower County Fair greatness, agricultural honors and more will kick off the night. As always, the fair is free.

 A neighborly outing

Austin is jumping the gun on this year’s National Night Out. The 30th annual event, to be held Tuesday around America, will be held on Monday night in Austin. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and features local law enforcement, games, food and demonstrations.

Beef is most definitely what’s for dinner

Who says it’s all the same at the fair every year? Sharpen those utensils and culinary skills for this year’s beef cook-off contest, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Mower County Cattlemen Association will judge cooks on the best beef recipes. Contestants must furnish their own equipment and will be judged on several criteria. Judging will begin at 4:45 p.m. To sign up, contact Taggert Medgaarden at 507-440-6596 or email taggert@hotmail.com.

Throttles, two wheels and tough terrain

The grandstand is back in prime shape, so check out the first-ever action in the bleachers during Motokazie Supercross at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Grandstand tickets are $10 for each event, but children 5 and younger get in free. Pin it to win it!

Other events

That’s only the beginning, folks. The Mower County Fair runs through Aug. 11 with plenty of livestock, midway and grandstand activity.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and at AustinDailyHerald.com.