2009 Rice County Fair Open Class winners list Here's the winners list for the 2009 Open Class competitions

Awards champion list for 7/17 Here is the list of livestock show winners for 7/17

Borchert crowned 2009 fair queen FARIBAULT — Rice County’s 2009 Fair Queen is equally comfortable on stage in an evening gown or getting down and dirty and “mudding” in a four-wheeler. Pauline Schreiber

Contestants bake their best for the Chocolate Classic Carter Pavek, 6, spent the night before the Chocolate Classic changing last minute details to his Peanut Butter Mocha Brownies recipe. Megan LeMieux

Fair ready NEW PRAGUE — Matt Schoenbauer, 12, weighed the rabbits he plans to take to show at the Rice County Fair on Saturday. He found they weighed three to four pounds each. Pauline Schreiber

Fairgoers battle cooler than normal temperatures FARIBAULT — If Friday wasn’t quite the right temperature to be gallivanting around the Rice County Fair, snuggling up to a dairy cow may have been the best option for a little warmth. Corey Butler Jr.

Fairgoers gather to see who has the most muscles Nearly 50 spectators took a seat in the beer gardens to watch locals battle in the Wrist Wrestling competition Saturday afternoon at the fair. Megan LeMieux

Final livestock show winners list Here's the final list of winners for the last day of competition at the 2009 Rice County Fair.

Happenings at the Fair Here is the calendar of events for the 2009 Rice County Fair

Heavy metal: Metalsmiths at the fair In his real life, Rich Herman designs computers for third-generation aircraft. His hobby, however, takes him back a few more generations. Kay Fate

Livestock show winners for 7/15 Here is the list of winners for the Rabbit Show at the 2009 Rice County Fair.

Livestock show winners list for 7/16 Here is the list of the 2009 Rice County Fair Livestock show winners.

Livestock show winners list through July 16 Here is the list of winners in the county fair's livestock shows through July 16.

Locals prepare for horse pulling contest David Wickum’s horses were restless as he prepared them Wednesday at the Rice County Fairgrounds. Megan LeMieux

McCormick named senior of the year Ruth McCormick had tears in her eyes as she stepped onto the Bruce Sellner Memorial Midway Stage at the fair on Thursday afternoon. She had just been announced as the 2009 Outstanding Senior Citizen of the year. Megan LeMieux

Parade of Champions

Parking perks FARIBAULT — It was Kids’ Day at the Rice County Fair on Friday, and Wayne Kukacka was disappointed by the weather. By Kay Fate

RCHS fair activities The Rice County Historical Society has scheduled a number of activities during the Rice County Fair July 15-19.

Rice County Fair talent contest Singers, musicians, comedians and entertainers of every age are encouraged to put their talent before a live audience by taking part in the annual talent contest at the Rice County Fair on July 19.

Serving food for students If you hear the cowbell, you made a wise selection. Corey Butler Jr.

Tractor drivers show off their skills Obstacle courses of stakes and strings covered the field next to the grand stand Friday afternoon. Ed Terry, agriculture instructor at Randolph High School, leaned over the John Deere tractor that Katie Keller sat on, and reviewed how to drive it with her. Megan LeMieux

Daniel Fry concentrates on the screen as he performs “Sweet Home Alabama” at the fair. (Megan LeMieux/Daily News) Virtual rock stars show off their skills “Guitar Hero” fans gathered to watch and cheer on their favorite plastic instrument virtuoso on Tuesday evening. Megan LeMieux