Oldest County Fair in Iowa

7/12/13 To conclude this week's travel across Iowa to county fairs, the Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Directior, Kris Fish Kuhlmann, made a stop at the Lee County Fair. Little did we know, that this fair is actually Iowa's oldest county fair, founded in 1841!

Lee County has a very strong emphasis & presence upon livestock. They are proud to say that they were the first in Iowa to showcase such competition and create "learn by doing." Like all county fairs, heavily dependent upon volunteers, Frank & Betty are significant contributors to make it all happen.

Speaking of volunteers, they have a Fair Board with a very visible presence... not hard to find in their matching shirts. Director Lindsey & President Brian were extremely cordial and welcoming. So were the rest of them at the hog show.

Living history farm replica

They have a beautifully modern youth center, which plays host to year-round 4-H festivities. The same goes for the grandstand and weekly races/entertainment. They have one "kids day" at the fair where their living history farms-style replicas are bustling with activity. Otherwise, their fair activity rests mostly in the historical exhibits building and livestock shows.

Commodity producers take their turn for a day in the food building, marketing food stand items boasting of their best sellers.

The livestock photo set-up is top-notch and they won the award for best-on-state!

Make sure to check out our other blog post, County Fair Tour, to read about our stops at the Marshall (Central Iowa Fair), Cedar, Iowa and Davis County Fairs.

If we didn't make it to your county fair, don't worry! We will be out and about over the next two weeks. If you would like us to come for a specific event at your fair, let us know. Send your information to Brooke Young at brookey@iastate.edu. You can also share your county fair photos and stories with us!

Comments

ISU Women's Basketball Game a Big Hit!

4-H Night at the Iowa State Women's Basketball Game was a huge success Saturday. It was great to see everyone out and supporting the Cyclone's. We hope everyone had wonderful time. A recap of the night.... Over 1000 4-H guests were in attendance Glen and Mary Jo Mente were recognized on the court for all the great things they do the Iowa 4-H Program One lucky fan won a basketball autographed by Bill Fennelley and the women's basketball team 4-H alum interview with Anna Grimley was broadcasted on Cyclone Sports Radio Network AND..... Chris Clover, famous 4-H mascot, made his appearance at the game throughout the night Overall, everyone had a great time. We have some fun pictures that were taken during the game, and we invite you to check them out at our facebook fan page located at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Iowa-4-H-Foundation/59560467951?v=posts&viewas=16926868

Alumni Spotlight: Lindsay Mickelson

When one thinks of 4-H, they might not jump to music. However, 4-H allows youth to develop skills that help in areas of creativity and performance. Lindsay Mickelson was a Dayton Tiger 4-H’er from Webster County. Involved in several project areas, she loved to show pigs at county and State Fair, cattle for a couple years, photography, baking and Share the Fun. “I have so many great memories from 4-H. From playing cards in the cattle barns with friends to earning trophies for raising a fine-looking pig,” says Mickelson. “Fair time was always my favorite time of year because it combined my two favorite things: hanging out with friends and tending to the animals. I can remember the first year when I started 4-H, we had our calves so tame we would lay on them in the barn, just because they would let us. Half the time the calves couldn’t care less, as long as they had food and water, they were happy.” Mickelson identifies 4-H as a steppingstone growing up, teaching her how t

4-H Love Stories

Happy Valentine's Day! Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so we thought we'd share some 4-H love stories we've heard throughout the years. We hope you enjoy! You may even know some of the couples or have your own story to share. We'll start off by sharing a story about two generations in the same family who fell in love at 4-H camp! So what's your 4-H love story? Share in the fun by submitting your own story! Check back frequently to read more 4-H love stories! Happy Valentine's Day!

Iowa 4-H Alumni & Friends

Search This Blog