Gladbrook Clover Kids 4-H Club member Peyton Faircloth, left, of rural Toledo along with her younger brother Cooper, age 4, snuggle up beside their family’s two-year-old English springer spaniel, Baxter, while seated on the giant Adirondack chair located in the Tama County Master Gardeners’ Fair Play Garden on Tuesday, July 16. Earlier that afternoon, Peyton and Mr. Baxter – who became a first-time dad this summer! – competed in the Clover Kids Pet Show and ‘did amazing,’ according to Peyton’s parents, Joel and Casey Faircloth. In addition to showing Baxter, Peyton also exhibited goats, sheep, and chickens during this year’s fair. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TAMA/GRUNDY COUNTIES – The Tama County Livestock and Fair Association and the Grundy County Fair Board hosted their respective 2024 county fairs last week beginning Monday, July 15, with Tama’s taking place at the fairgrounds in Gladbrook, while Grundy held theirs on the fairgrounds in Grundy Center.

It was another stellar fair week for both counties’ 4-Hers and FFA members alike marred by perhaps only the Monday evening weather which included strong storms and wind.

Weather delays aside, Tama County Extension Youth Coordinator Jenny Hulme had nothing but good things to say when asked for comment following the conclusion of this year’s fair.

“The 2024 Tama County Fair had a hot start but beautiful weather the rest of the week,” Hulme said. “I love to see the creative and well thought out exhibits that the Clover Kids and 4-H members bring to the fair.”

Hulme continued, “Seeing their faces light up when they visit with the judges and hear what ribbon they earned is another highlight of mine. Hearing the laughter and voices of 4-H youth from all over the county getting together to learn, show and play for an entire week just makes me so proud to be a part of this amazing organization.”

The 2024 Grundy County Fair King and Queen candidates pictured ahead of this year’s coronation ceremony on Wednesday, July 17, at the fairgrounds in Grundy Center during Family Fun Night. Candidates include (left to right) Clayton Van Loh, Elle Schipper, Leah Larson, Sarah O'Donnell (2024 Queen), Alana Husmann, and Will Rogers (2024 King). PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

Following the conclusion of the ‘All-American Grundy County Fair,’ organizers posted to the fair’s Facebook page, “Let the fair blues begin. The entire fair board would like to thank all of the exhibitors, volunteers, visitors, sponsors, and community for making this an amazing week! We couldn’t have asked for better weather and I’m pretty sure everyone took advantage!”

“From amazing livestock shows, to exciting races, great [4-H] projects, and laughter throughout the grounds…that’s why we love putting on this great All-American Grundy County Fair! To see the fairgrounds come to life is an amazing thing! Thank you for coming out and supporting our youth!”

Congratulations to the following exhibitors who were chosen to represent Tama County at the 2024 Iowa State Fair with their static project(s):

-Poster Communication: Scout Ridout and Claire Bacon

-Agriculture and Natural Resources: Lilly Bru (two exhibits), Lauren Keller, Ryan Hosek, and Ty Guthrie

The 2024 Tama County Fair static award winners selected for the Iowa State Fair. Those pictured include, front row, left to right: 2024 Tama Co. Fair Queen Amaya Peterson, Emilie Claussen, Lilly Bru, Ryan Hosek, Mason Hosek, Ty Guthrie, and Wyatt Silhanek; back row, left to right: Adeline Campbell, Emma Siemans, Rachael Murty, Alaina Lyon, Claire Bacon, Codi Jackson, Scout Ridout, Kailiee Keen, Savannah Piper, and Michael Henry. PHOTO BY JENNY HULME

-Creative Arts: Ryan Hosek, Alaina Lyon, Amaya Peterson (two exhibits), Michael Henry, Ty Guthrie, Adeline Campbell, and Stella Betts

-Family & Consumer Sciences: Savannah Piper, Mason Hosek, Kailiee Keen, Belle Werner, Codi Jackson, and Emilie Claussen

-Personal Development: Ty Guthrie and Michael Henry

-Science, Engineering & Technology: Mason Hosek, Rachael Murty, Wyatt Silhanek, Ryan Hosek, and Emma Siemens

And another hearty congratulations to the following exhibitors who were chosen to represent Grundy County at the 2024 Iowa State Fair with their static project(s):

A Clover Kids 4-H member participates in the Bucket Calf Show on Friday, July 19, in the Wheelock Building during the 2024 All-American Grundy County Fair. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

-Animal Science: Quinlyn Beenken, Juan Meester, and Melanie Meester

-Creative Arts:: Leah Larson (two exhibits), Page Messmore, Will Rogers, Makenna Steinmeyer, Westin Steinmeyer, Colton Rogers, Savannah Moeller, and Melanie Meester

-Family & Consumer Sciences: Quinlyn Beenken, Greeley Everts, Daniel Hommel, Olivia Petullo, Avery Smith, Emerson Strohbehn, Clayton Van Loh, Mikala Luiken, Will Rogers, and Makenna Steinmeyer (Thrifty Meal Challenge)

-Science, Engineering & Technology: Anna Meyers, Will Rogers, and Karver Schwager (all woodworking exhibits)

The 2024 Iowa State Fair will take place August 8-18 this year. Static exhibits including those selected from Tama and Grundy counties will be on display for public viewing in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building each day.

Grundy County Fair Board member Brandon Van Loh pictured with his certificate of recognition last week after being honored for his 25 years of service. According to a Grundy County Fair Facebook post, Van Loh’s journey with 4-H began in 1989 when he was in the fourth grade and “he hasn’t looked back since.” Following graduation, he joined the Grundy County Fair Board “and has been a cornerstone of our fair ever since.” PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

2024 Grundy County Fair Queen Sarah O'Donnell and 2024 Grundy County Fair King Will Rogers smile for a photo following the 2024 coronation ceremony on Wednesday, July 17, which took place during Family Fun Night. As part of their titles, O’Donnell will receive a $250 scholarship, while Rogers will receive a $150 scholarship. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

2024 Grundy County Fair Princess Kinlee Woebeking and 2024 Grundy County Fair Prince Lane Anderson smile for the camera. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

FFA exhibitor Prycley Beard steadies her horse while bending down to grab a flag during the Grundy County Fair Horse Show held on Wednesday, July 17. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

Ava Monat, left, a member of the Clutier Cowboys and Cowgirls 4-H Club smiles while holding her Champion Market Chicken alongside the 2024 Tama County Fair Queen, Amaya Peterson, following the Poultry Show on Wednesday, July 16. Monat also won Champion Reserve for her Pen of 3 Market Chicken during the show. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER MONAT

Children enjoy the three-legged sack race during the 2024 Grundy County Fair’s Family Fun Night on Wednesday, July 17. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

Family Fun Night participants pictured at the 2024 All-American Grundy County Fair on Wednesday, July 17. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

Exhibitors Cat Brown, left, and Reagan Buskhol compete in the 2024 Grundy County Fair Sheep Show held on Thursday, July 18, in the Upper Show Arena. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

Grundy Center FFA member Lydia Hook, right, guides her dairy goat entry around the Upper Arena show ring under the watchful eye of 2023 Grundy County Fair Queen Cora Berends during the Dairy Goat show held on Wednesday, July 17. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR

Participants in the 2024 Grundy County Fair Rabbit Show keep their eye on the judge (off frame) on Wednesday, July 17. PHOTO BY KATRINA HEMANN/GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR