“Come Home” and see what is new at the Fair

With a Centennial Celebration in mind, the Clay County Fair will celebrate Sept. 9-17 with some new additions as well as some rearranging for fairgoers to enjoy for the next 100 years.

“When you invite people to come to your home for a special celebration, you always take the opportunity to clean out the closets and rearrange some furniture,” said Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons.  “It’s been no different here as we prepare for our big Centennial celebration.  We’ve done some rearranging.”

The Photography Center, formerly the Industrial Building located south of the Commercial Exhibits Building, will display blue ribbon photography and give viewers a chance to explore Fair history and classic cars with the Centennial Historical Exhibit, presented by the Clay County Heritage Center and the Iowa Great Lakes Car Club.

For daily educational opportunities at the brand-new FarmU, fairgoers will want to visit the Ag Marketplace, formerly the Innovation Pavilion. Ag vendors at the Fair will be given space and time to do daily presentations and demonstrations as part of FarmU.  In addition, this building will feature the Farm Gadget Show, as well as ag-related vendors.

Take in blue ribbon fruits, vegetables, grains, farm crops, scarecrows, and giant pumpkins at the newly renovated Fields & Gardens Building, next to the Art Barn.

More than 50 of the 500 vendors will be exhibiting in the Tower Gate Pavilion located on the east end of the fairgrounds.  This new 12,000 square foot building also includes restrooms.

Calling all thrill-seekers, Bull Riding has once again returned to the Fair. This event will be held on Sunday, September 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the Outdoor Arena. It will be free with gate admission and is presented by Barnes Rodeo Company.

In addition, there will be a new ride this year in the Gold Star Midway. 2Xtreme is guaranteed to raise adrenaline my spinning riders 360 degrees high in the air.

Embrace the change with the beginnings of Centennial Plaza, the new park that is being created on the site of the former Ag Building. This latest improvement project will feature educational opportunities and give families a place to take a break with the Family Place, a building devoted to guest services.

Experience various job opportunities in the Plaza area with hands-on simulators at the Northwest Iowa Opportunities Hub presented by the Iowa Lakes Corridor, Iowa Lakes Community College and IowaWORKS.