Out of 95 county fairs in the state of Minnesota, the Steele County Free Fair in Owatonna is the largest. Last year alone 277,782 people visited this event. It is in this environment that Northridge Church has committed to present the message, love, and presence of Jesus Christ on an annual basis.

Each year Northridge Church operates a booth in one of the main vendor buildings at the fair. Volunteers from the church staff the booth until around 10:00 P.M. each night of the fair. Information about the church is available through various forms of media so that those passing by can get a glimpse of what Northridge is all about. Though the look of the booth might change from year to year, the commitment remains the same: going into the world to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

In addition, during a typical day at the fair a number of different activities take place within the booth. In recent years cold cups of water have been provided during those hot days at the fair. Too, benches have been placed inside the booth for a place to sit down and take a rest. Volunteers have also provided candy for children as they walk by with their families. Furthermore, there have been special appearances by puppets and characters from Northridge’s Children’s Ministry, Kids Alive. Finally, ministry resources are utilized to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to visitors to the fair. Numerous Northridge volunteers have had the opportunity and privilege to share this Good News and pray for the many needs represented by those passing by.