The Gopher Count is an annual community festival held in Viola, Minnesota, United States. Since 1874, the event has been on the third Thursday in June. Some the events include a parade, a tractor show, a nail-driving contest (women only), a pie-eating contest, fireworks, and dancing. Gopher Count is one year older than the Kentucky Derby. The festival is named for the practice of collecting a bounty on killed gophers, still paid by the township , though other aspects of the festival are more actively promoted. References External links Viola Gopher Count website Explore Minnesota: Gopher Count Festivals in Minnesota Tourist attractions in Olmsted County, Minnesota