Changes are in store for the Mower County Fair.

After more than three decades with Miriam Midway, the fair board is bringing in Gold Star Amusements to run the midway and rides at the 2014 fair on Aug. 5-10.

“We’re just always looking to improve things for the fairgoers and they are a Minnesota-based company that has really grown since they started,” said Mower County Fair Board Director John Mueller.

Gold Star’s midway will be about the same size with different, newer rides. Mueller commended Miriam Midway for the 30-plus year partnership and said the board was just looking for a change.

“We enjoyed our 30-year relationship with Miriam,” he said.

Gold Star Amusements will offer a “Passport to Mower Fun,” a ride pass good throughout fair week. The company will also have $1 rides on Aug. 5, its first day in Mower County. Passes will be $50 on fair week and $45 in advance. Other day passes for teens and children will be available.

The fair will add a large petting zoo along with the traditional 4-H, FFA and open animal exhibits. America’s Original Farmyard, which is operated by the FFA, will return too.

Opening ceremonies will be on the Farm Bureau stage at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The fair will also feature animals and displays at the Izaak Walton Game and Fish building, and several commercial displays in the Plager Building and on the grounds.

Thursday is Senior Day, which will feature free parking and special events in Godfather’s Fair Square. Sunday is Veterans Day at the fair, which will also feature free parking for veterans and special entertainment.

The popular Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s will return to the fair for shows on Thursday, and an Elvis tribute act will return for several shows. Other live acts will be featured in the beer garden and in fair square.

Grandstand entertainment will feature Motokazi Supercross on Tuesday night, a demolition derby on Wednesday night, a Thursday night tractor pull with the United Pullers of Minnesota, a free concert by Time Machine Friday night, a free Red Sled Truck and Tractor Pull show on Saturday morning, Great Frontier Bull Riding on Saturday night, and a Sunday demolition derby — both derbies are by Masters of Disaster.

A grandstand pass good for six tickets will be available for $42, plus savings at the fair’s Godfather’s Pizza booth. Bicycles and other prizes are given away at each ticketed grandstand event.

A beanbag tournament will be held Saturday afternoon, along with a Sunday Champion of Festivals tournament featuring the winners of each tournament from the small town festivals.

Fair admission will again be free.

Check the Herald, www.mowercountyfair.com and the fair’s Facebook page for more updates.