The 2022 Fair continues its mission of Ag Education
Spencer, Iowa – Fairgoers can expect lots of opportunities to learn more about one of Iowa’s largest industries – agriculture – at the 2022 Clay County Fair powered by SMU, Sept. 10-18.
“Ag education has always been one of the core missions of the Fair,” said Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons. “This year we are excited to spread those educational opportunities across the entire fairgrounds.”
One of the Fair’s most popular attractions is Grandpa’s Barn. Fairgoers can see Baby animals, visit the crop plots, and “drive” tractor cab simulators presented by Clay County Farm Bureau.
The AgCiting field trip program, along with the SciCiting field trip program, are staples of ag education at the Fair. Every year elementary students from local schools get the opportunity to visit the Fair and learn how the ag industry impacts and improves their daily lives. The two field trip programs are coordinated by ISU Extension Clay County.
Returning to the Fair this year is the Awesome Ag Magic Show, which focuses on how agriculture directly impacts our daily lives. While using his incredible talents in magic, storytelling, and balloons to help get his message across in a fun and entertaining way, Mike Klee will delight and amaze audiences and leave them wanting to learn more, September 10-18 on the Discovery Stage.
FFA chapters from Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska will have the opportunity to participate in a day of leadership opportunities and a college fair at the first-ever FFA Day on Tuesday, September 13. Sponsored by Summit Carbon Solutions, FFA Day will feature a college fair, a keynote speaker, and a leadership workshop. All three events are free (including gate admission) for the FFA chapter members and their advisors.
The Iowa Corn Growers Association brings Iowa Corn Day on Thursday, Sept. 15 with exhibits and presentations in Central Park showcasing the importance of corn in Iowa and beyond. Thursday is also Farmer Appreciation Day sponsored by CFE. Friday, Sept. 16 is Iowa Dairy Day sponsored by Western Iowa Dairy Alliance where fairgoers will learn about the importance of the dairy industry in Iowa through special activities and displays in Central Park.
New to the 2022 Fair is the Fair to Fork Market. Fairgoers will be able to enjoy a farmer’s market experience and learn more about locally produced food. Located in the former Art Barn south of the Outdoor Arena, the Fair to Fork Market will feature vendors selling fresh produce and other locally produced food items, as well as educational exhibits from the Iowa Food & Family Project. Vendors in the Market will switch out daily.
Also new at the 2022 Fair is the Dairy Experience sponsored by Farmer’s Business Network. Located in Cattle Barn #3, fairgoers can watch milking demonstrations, butter churning, ice cream making, and view Dairy Cattle all 9 days of the Fair.
For more information about ag education events at the 2022 Fair, visit claycountyfair.com.
About The Clay County Fair & Events Center Rooted in Tradition, the Clay County Fair & Events Center is a year-round facility that annually hosts more than 300 events, including its signature event, the Clay County Fair powered by SMU. Known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” since 1917, the Fair attracts more than 300,000 guests each September for nine days of world-class entertainment, competition, food, fun, and the largest farm machinery show at any fair in the United States. Additional information can be found at www.claycountyfair.com.
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