Just 15 Days Until the 2024 Clay County Fair Kicks Off!

Spencer, Iowa – The 2024 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, is set to take place from September 7-15, bringing a much-needed celebration of community spirit to Spencer and Northwest Iowa.

Starting this weekend, the fairgrounds will begin coming to life as outdoor vendors arrive, signage is installed, and barns are prepped to house livestock. Despite the challenges presented by the historic flooding in June, the Clay County Fair will go on as planned this September, reaffirming its vital role in uniting the community.

“This year, the Clay County Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the resilience and community spirit that define Spencer,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair Manager. “It will be a time for everyone to come together and support each other.”

During the floods, the Clay County Fairgrounds played a crucial role in flood recovery efforts:

• Event Center: Transformed into a temporary shelter in partnership with the Red Cross.
• Tower Gate Pavilion: Operated as a FEMA command center for recovery operations.
• North Parking Lot: Served as a temporary collection center for flood debris.
• Campgrounds: Will provide temporary housing for displaced residents through an R.V. park.

Governor Kim Reynolds also praised the resilience of the community and the importance of the fair, stating, “I’m so proud of the Spencer community. What you’ve done to pull together in the wake of the recent flooding is, simply put, heroic. And now, I’m thrilled to celebrate and enjoy some time at your great Clay County Fair. It’s my hope that Iowans from near and far support the Spencer spirit and carve time out of their schedules to eat good food, hear good music, show great animals, and tell great stories at the Clay County Fair. You certainly deserve it!”

The Clay County Fair has also launched a Flood Recovery Fundraiser to support ongoing recovery efforts. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to donate when purchasing tickets online, and donation stations will be available throughout the fairgrounds during the event. All contributions will go directly toward rebuilding and strengthening the communities affected by the flooding.

“Our staff and board are working tirelessly to ensure that this year’s Clay County Fair will be the best it can be,” Hertel added. “We look forward to seeing everyone in just 15 days for what promises to be a meaningful and memorable celebration.”

For more information about the 2024 Clay County Fair, event schedules, and ticket purchasing, please 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 325,000 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 claycountyfair.com.

 

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