Travis Thamert News Today

His festival has been around since 1936. It was originally created to help dairy farmers increase their business. According to the festival's website, many dairy farmers from Europe settled in the area, making it a prime spot for cheese production. Business declined in the 1930s, so the first Cheese Festival was organized to boost sales. The inaugural event took place on September 29-30, 1936.

Ye Old Beer Garden and the Steele Saloon at the Steele County Free Fair will be offering more than a cold beverage in 2023.

Ye Old Beer Garden and the Steele Saloon at the Steele County Free Fair will be offering more than a cold beverage in 2023.

Ye Old Beer Garden and the Steele Saloon at the Steele County Free Fair will be offering more than a cold beverage in 2023.

They're busy shining things up in Owatonna, as the finishing touches are being put in place for the 2023 Steele County Free Fair, running August 15th through 20th.

They're busy shining things up in Owatonna, as the finishing touches are being put in place for the 2023 Steele County Free Fair, running August 15th through 20th.

They're busy shining things up in Owatonna, as the finishing touches are being put in place for the 2023 Steele County Free Fair, running August 15th through 20th.

They're busy shining things up in Owatonna, as the finishing touches are being put in place for the 2023 Steele County Free Fair, running August 15th through 20th.

They're busy shining things up in Owatonna, as the finishing touches are being put in place for the 2023 Steele County Free Fair, running August 15th through 20th.

They're busy shining things up in Owatonna, as the finishing touches are being put in place for the 2023 Steele County Free Fair, running August 15th through 20th.