Iowa Shines at County Fairs

August 1, 2019

By Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

 

I recently had a friend from Brazil ask what Iowa is like. Being summertime, my thoughts quickly turned to the county fair. In my mind, the essence of this state is encapsulated on the grounds of our county fairs.

Travel across the state during June, July and early August and you will have the opportunity to visit one of Iowa’s fine county fairs. Whether it is the Great Jones County Fair, Winnebago County Fair, Montgomery County Fair, Bremer County fair or the Des Moines County Fair you will be in for a treat. All the fairs across the state offer a glimpse at Iowa’s outstanding work ethic, empowerment of youth and traditions we hold dear.

A recent poll by the Des Moines Register reported 14 things Iowans love about Iowa. A clear majority of the 14 are tied to our county fairs and the Iowa State Fair itself. So, if you want to learn more about the people of Iowa, see family values on display, learn about livestock, taste some of Iowa's best food and watch a sunset from the top of a Ferris wheel, make plans to visit one of the remaining county fairs or plan a visit for next year.

You won't be disappointed!

 

A Ferris wheel ride reveals the beauty of the Jones County Fair at dusk. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association

Cale Jensen relaxes with Bella, his Angus heifer, during a practice session at the Bremer County Fair in Waverly. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

Macy Tiedt, Karissa Oldenburger and Cari Schroeder hold their cattle while waiting for a show at the Bremer County Fair in Waverly. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

A mother and daughter hold hands while walking through a livestock barn at the Bremer County Fair. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

Katelyn Bartels of Sumner relaxes on her steer while visiting with friends at the Bremer County Fair in Waverly. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

Lilly Fetkether and her mother Lisa Fetkether wait while their cattle take a during of water from a trough during the Bremer County Fair. Lisa Fetkether showed at the Bremer County Fair when she was in school so she said it is a neat experience watching her children participate too. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

Landon Lohring pauses for a portrait while washing his hogs at the Bremer County Fair. Lohring also was showing in the 4H woodworking division. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

An Oliver Tractor on display next to the Stars and Bars at the Bremer County Fair. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

Taylor Flaig waits for customers while manning the 4-H snack shack at the Bremer County Fair. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

Phil Vossberg (center) of Janesville flips pork burgers at the Bremer County Pork Producers grill during the Bremer County Fair. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

A boy leads his dairy cow from the barns while preparing for a dairy show at the Bremer County Fair. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

A large crowd packs the Jones County Fair in Monticello before the Hootie and the Blowfish concert. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

Grilled turkey legs and other tasty food items are always a staple at the Jones County Fair. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association

Midway rides light-up the night sky as teenagers enjoy the Jones County Fair in Monticello. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association

Harper flashes a smile while whirling on the car ride at the Jones County Fair. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association

Kaelee Knoll sings along with a Hootie and the Blowfish song while waiting for customers at a funnel cake stand during the Jones County Fair. Photo credit: Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association