MERRILL - The show must go on, so today, even without their historic grandstand the Lincoln County Fair opened its gates for food, fun, rides… And more food.

Lincoln County Fair director Dale Christiansen sums up one of the fair’s most popular attractions like this:

"I think a lot of it is the cheese curds."

Ned Seubert with the Merrill Optimists agrees. His favorite part of the fair?

“Eating cheese curds!"

The Merrill Optimists plan to churn out about 3,000 pounds of the crispy concoction this year, with proceeds benefiting the community through their club.

But if fried cheese curds aren't your thing, don’t worry. Just about everything else you could possibly fry, or put on a stick is available. Plus, a whole lot of entertainment to watch or join in.

"There's a lot of free shows going on, carnival rides. We've got a butter carving contest... You name it, you can probably find it at the Lincoln County Fair," says Christiansen.

For 4-H kids though, the fair isn’t all fun and games, it’s about showcasing pride and hard work. Today the youths spent much of the morning cleaning, prepping and caring for their furry companions.

"It's fun to comepete,” says 15 year-old Adrianna Schultz, “I like showing rabbits, and it's fun to compete."

"I just like animals," says 10 year-old Mariah Lemmer, with her yearling cow, Reasons.

And for others the fair is about getting together with family and friends

“You know it's family and friends you don't get to see sometimes throughout the year and visiting the 4-H stands and exhibits, and seeing what the youth of the county have been working on for a whole year," says Seubert.

For the 124th Lincoln County visitors seems to agree.

This year the grandstand has a temporary replacement, after the historic structure was damaged by June’s severe storm. Grandstand performances include a "Catch-a-Pig" Show on Friday, Comedians on Saturday and the Demolition Derby on Sunday.

Story By: Kailey Burton