The Brown County Fair has been providing entertainment and promoting family unity since the 1880's. It began as a small county fair where livestock, vegetables, grains, and machinery were brought for display. In the 1920's, it became known as the Tri-State Fair (Minnesota and the two Dakotas) which ran a full week and was popular for its competitions among purebred animal producers. The Tri-State Fair also featured huge machinery displays, horse racing and auto racing. It was a major social and entertainment event before the days of radio and television.

Since those early days, the fair has opened up to all residents of the county and includes a large variety of exhibit choices: all breeds of livestock, poultry, field crops, garden crops, flowers, arts and crafts and several home arts divisions.

The County 4-H Clubs have become a very important part of the fair as their youth take part in a variety of programs offered by 4-H. These young people have become the backbone of the future as they display their interests, efforts and leadership skills which they have learned through this training.