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The purpose of the fair is to:
Bring individuals and resource specialists together;
Create a respect and concern for our natural resources for everyone who attends
Promote stewardship through wise management of natural resources.
We would like to thank everyone involved in the planning and running of the 2024 fair! We are always looking for volunteers for the fair!
Volunteers
Dedicated residents from throughout the county, representing lake associations, civic groups, and sportsmen’s clubs assist with running the fair.
Funding
Local foundations and trusts, civic organizations and groups, lakeshore associations, and a variety of local, state, and federal agencies support the fair. Expenses have ranged from $2,000 to $5,000 and vary mainly with the cost of presentations.
Presentations
Featured presentations have included birds of Aitkin County, an area historian, and statewide attractions such as the Raptor Center, Loons by the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and International Wolf Center.
Exhibits
A wide variety of local, state, and federal agencies along with lake associations and watershed groups provide informational booths
Planning Committee
A planning committee consists of the University of Minnesota Extension Service Aitkin County, Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota DNR, Aitkin County Environmental Services Office, county lake associations, and citizen volunteers.
History
The Rivers and Lakes Fair began in 1997 when the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Aitkin County, identified the need to expand the understanding of water quality impacts. There was a clear need for residents and visitors to better understand water quality issues. The foundation of the fair was the Shoreland Research and Revegetation Project.
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