Be a Vendor or Concessionaire

Clay County Fair Commercial Exhibits and Concessions FAQS

Thank you for your interest in the Clay County Fair!

Each year, the Clay County Fair runs for nine days, starting the Saturday after Labor Day, and features over 650 commercial exhibit spaces filled with the most interesting exhibit and concession mix possible.

Selection is based on uniqueness and quality of product and service, and while contract holders from the previous year are generally given the opportunity to renew their space, all decisions are made at the discretion of fair management. Applications are not held from year to year, so if you’re interested, you must reapply annually.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding applying for commercial exhibit and concession spaces. Please review this guide carefully.

Application Process

  • Who may apply?
    A.     Any individual (18+), organization, association, corporation, partnership, or other entity may apply. The responsible party’s name must be included on the space rental application.
  • When may I apply?
    A.     Applications are accepted starting January 1 each year.
  • Does the application date matter?
    A.     No. Applications are reviewed beginning mid-March, but spaces are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
  •  Will I receive confirmation of my application?
    A.     Emailed Applications: Receive an email confirmation. Mailed Applications: Only certified mail through USPS provides delivery confirmation.

Please do not call or email to inquire about a receipt.

  • How will I know if I’ve been accepted?
    A.     Notifications are sent by mid-June. If accepted, you’ll receive a contract. Otherwise, we appreciate your interest and encourage you to reapply next year.

Please do not call or email to inquire as to the status of your application.

Space Details and Cost

  • May I choose my space?
    A.     No. You can indicate preferences and minimum space requirements on your application, but final assignments are made by fair management.
  • What are the costs?
    A.     Indoor Booths range from $37 to $65 per front foot based on the building’s front foot rate. Booth sizes range from 8 to 24 feet wide and have various depths in the seven exhibit buildings. Outdoor Space is $0.11 cents per square foot.
  • Food and Beverage Concessions are charged 13.5 percent of after-tax gross sales against a guarantee.
  • Are there additional costs?
    A. Exhibitors: Insurance, water usage, and admission tickets. Food and Beverage Concessionaires: Insurance, water usage, electric usage, and admission tickets.

Insurance Requirements

  • Is insurance mandatory?
    A. Yes. Each entity doing business at the fair must carry general public liability insurance of no less than $1,000,000 combined single limits per occurrence on operations at the fair. Food and beverage concessionaires must also carry product liability insurance.

In most cases, you may purchase coverage through the fair’s insurance provider. Proof of coverage must be submitted before contract execution.

Permitted Items and Services

  • What may I sell, display, or offer as a service?
    A. Only items/services listed in your contract with the fair. Ensure you list all proposed products or services on your application.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Download the fillable Clay County Fair Space Rental Application from our website.
  2. Save the form to your device.
  3. Complete the form and attach supporting photos or information.
  4. Submit via email to: frontdesk@claycountyfair.com

Or by mail:

Clay County Fair Association, Inc

PO Box 527

Spencer, IA 51301

Applications can also be picked up at the Clay County Fair Administration Office located at 800 West 18th St, Spencer, Iowa.

Additional Questions

For more information or additional questions, please contact us by phone at 712-580-3000 or by email at frontdesk@claycountyfair.com.