Clay County Fair

In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Iowa Tourism Office recently recognized the Clay County Fair for its contributions to the state’s $8.06 billion tourism industry.

National Travel and Tourism Week (May 7-13), now in its 34^th year, unites communities across the country to celebrate what travel means to employment, economic growth and personal well-being.

“We value and appreciate our partners for the work they do year-round to enhance the state’s economy through tourism,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “We’re taking this special week to recognize communities, events, attractions, restaurants and lodging facilities in all 99 counties and thank them for those efforts.”

“It was an honor to host Shawna and brainstorm ideas about how we can promote the Clay County Fair and, in turn, Iowa,” said Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons. “We take seriously our role as one of the largest tourism events in the state and the impact that it has on Spencer and Clay County.”

Travel is an integral part of the state’s economy because people who visit Iowa annually generate more than $450 million in state tax revenue that pays for programs that benefit residents. The industry also supports the jobs of more than 67,000 Iowans – jobs that can never be outsourced to another location.

Local numbers:

• 730 jobs are supported by travel and tourism in Clay County
• Travel and tourism generates $1.34 million in local tax revenue for Clay County

In addition to its benefits for the local economy, travel can also have a positive effect on personal well-being for residents of and visitors to Iowa. Numerous research studies have confirmed the positive health effects of travel and time off, from reducing the risk of heart disease to decreasing depression. Using time off to travel with family is good for everyone, especially our children—kids who travel with their families are more likely to attend college and earn more as adults.

Jeremy Parsons of the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa, was honored at the 2017 Management Conference of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) as a recipient of the Certified Fair Executive (CFE) designation.

The purposes of the CFE program are: a) to provide incentive for professional improvement in fair management; b) to recognize those who achieve the specific standards; and c) to develop professional status in the field of fair management. Certification also honors those members who have demonstrated their abilities through years of service to their fairs, fair associations, communities, and the Association.

He was one of 9 CFE recipients this year that were honored during a ceremony at the IAFE Management Conference in Spokane, Wash.

Parsons has served as CEO/Manager of the Clay County Fair since November 2011. Billed as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” and home to the largest farm machinery and ag equipment show at any fair in the United States, the Clay County Fair draws nearly 330,000 people each year during its nine-day run in September.

He also served as executive director of the Missouri State Fair Foundation, and prior to that, was a high school teacher and coach at Newtown-Harris R-3 in Newtown, Mo.

Parsons, a native of Leon, Iowa, is a 1995 graduate of Central Decatur High School and a 1998 graduate of Southwest Baptist University.

He and his wife, Kelsi, have three sons and live in Spencer.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS (IAFE)

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include non–agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields.

Applications now being accepted for 2017 Clay County Fair Queen Contest

Spencer, Iowa – The search is underway for candidates to compete for the title of 2017 Clay County Fair Queen. The winner, to be crowned Sunday, April 2, will reign over this year’s Clay County Fair and will also compete for the State Fair Queen title.

Females between the ages of 16 and 21 by August 10, the first day of the 2017 Iowa State Fair, may apply. Candidates must never been married, cannot be a professional model, cannot represent any other organization, and must reside in Clay County or an adjoining county if the majority of her activities are in Clay County. Applicants must be a member of at least one service organization such as 4-H, Girl Scouts or a church group. (Eligibility is not limited to 4-H or FFA membership.)

The Clay County Fair Queen will represent the Clay County Fair at the Flagfest Parade in June, the Iowa State Fair during the queen contest, selected celebrations during the summer, and the Clay County Fair in September. The Fair will be flexible with appearance dates if the queen has educational conflicts during her reign.

Contestants may pick up an application from their school counselor or online at www.claycountyfair.com. The application must be submitted to the Clay County Fair Queen Contest, PO Box 527, Spencer, Iowa 51301 or emailed to info@claycountyfair.com on or before March 13. A committee will then select the finalists who will compete for the title on Sunday, April 2 at the Spencer Community Theatre.

Finalists will be notified by March 20 and will receive more information regarding the next phase of the competition. Candidates will be judged on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership and citizenship, contribution to the community, overall appearance, charm poise and her three-minute or less self-expression portion. All judges’ decisions will be final.

Please call the Clay County Fair (712-580-3000) or email info@claycountyfair.com with any questions.