Eight-year-old Brycen Allsup holds 1-year-old Ryatt Allsup as they go down a slide in a bouncy house at Barnyard Bash on Friday, Sept. 19. (Andy Hallman/The Union)

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FAIRFIELD – Maasdam Barns hosted the annual Barnyard Bash on Friday, Sept. 19.

This Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce event was presented by Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Agri-Industrial Plastics Company. Chamber Director Mendy McAdams said Friday’s event was the “biggest bash yet!”

“We are just thrilled to see this event grow every year,” said McAdams, who added that it provides a great opportunity for locals to learn about and experience agriculture first-hand. “As Iowans, agriculture is a vital part of our community.”

Many businesses and organizations had booths where they gave away candy and trinkets, and some had activities for children such as a ring toss or crafts. Maharishi School had a booth where guests could press apples to make apple cider. Shelter Insurance and Agri-Industrial Plastics each set up a bounce house, and Farm Bureau brought farm equipment such as a combine that families could climb inside. Jefferson County Cattlemen’s Association and Jefferson County Pork Producers both grilled meals for the event.

One of the new things at this year’s Barnyard Bash were a couple of cold refreshments to raise funds for local clubs. The Girl Scouts sold lemonade shake-ups, and Fairfield FFA sold snow cones. McAdams said both groups reported good sales, and Maasdam Barns used the leftover snow cone supplies to serve the following day at the Escaramuza Quetzalli Mexican horsemanship demonstration.

McAdams said she is thankful for the volunteers, sponsors and everyone who supported the event.