The Mower County Historical Society has announced expanded hours and new exhibits for the 2017 Mower County Fair.

Additional hours will be added this year. Historical Society buildings will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Aug. 8-10; from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11 and 12; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13.

Two new exhibits will be on display for the first time during the Fair. In the Pioneer Building, “Headlines of War” is featured and tells the story of Mower County’s World War I experience through newspaper articles, photographs, and artifacts. Many of the artifacts on display have been donated in recent years and have never been displayed before. This year marks 100 years since the U. S. entered the Great War.

The second new exhibit, called “MCHS at 70: 1947-2017” is in the Administration Building.  It celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Mower County Historical Society.

“We are excited to welcome visitors to our buildings and hope they find the new exhibits interesting, enjoy the old favorites, and take advantage of convenient parking on MCHS’ grounds.   We do our best to rotate exhibits and artifacts on display to keep things fresh and interesting each year,” says MCHS Curator, Jaimie Timm.

Fair parking is again available on MCHS’ grounds. Enter the south gate on 12th Street Southwest (by the brick Pioneer Building) and MCHS volunteers will assist you with finding a parking spot. Parking is $6 a day (motorcycles are $1/wheel) or $25 for the week. All parking proceeds directly support the historical society’s mission and operation and we are truly grateful for your support.

Admission to the Historical Society is free during the fair, but donations are always welcome. The Research Library is closed during the fair, but will re-open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15.  Call 437-6082 or email collections@mowercountyhistory.org for more information.