Our Vision, Mission & Values
Vision Statement
To be a vibrant celebration of Brown County that honors our agricultural heritage, inspires community pride, and helps build the citizens of tomorrow through education, creativity, and shared experiences.
Mission Statement
The Brown County Agricultural Society is committed to producing a successful free fair while maintaining and promoting our facilities for meaningful community use. We strive to explore innovative and creative ways to meet the educational and entertainment needs of our county, celebrating the talents and skills of residents of all ages while preserving our heritage and fostering the growth of future generations.
Values Statement
We value community, tradition, education, and innovation. We are dedicated to creating opportunities that showcase the diverse talents of our residents, support youth development, and strengthen connections across generations. Through our efforts, we aim to preserve the rich heritage of Brown County while helping shape responsible, engaged citizens of tomorrow.
Our History!
How the Brown County Fair came to be….
The very first Brown County Fair in New Ulm, MN took place in 1867 on the grounds of the historic Turner Hall. The Brown County Fair was managed by the Brown County Agricultural Society and continues to be to this day.
In early years the fair was always held in September, only lasting a weekend. Influenced by crop production in the given year; the fair often was announced only ten days before its opening.
After the Agricultural Society merged with the New Ulm Breeders Association, who had created a horse racing track on the north end of town in the height of the harness horse racing era, the fair was moved to its current site in 1896.
Currently, the oldest building original to our grounds is the Exhibition Hall, now known as the FFA Building, was built in 1909. Our grounds now includes an original Brown County school house & cabin, which were relocated to the grounds from their original sites.
In 2017, in celebration of 150 years of the fair, the brown county fair board commissioned Daniel Hoisington to write a book on our history. Meet Us at the Fair became available in print in July 2017, its full of fun local stories and wonderful photographs from the past!
Copies are still available through our Board of Directors and also at The Brown County Historical Society Museum in New Ulm.
If you have photographs or stories from the past that you would be interested in sharing with us please contact us through our email: info@browncountyfreefair.com
