Fairfield kicks off county fair season

FAIRFIELD — After weeks of volunteer efforts and sponsor support, plus a dust-controlling rain shower on Sunday, Greater Jefferson County Fair Board president Mike Filson said the week of festivities was off to a great start Monday morning.

“It takes a lot of volunteers, a lot of money and a lot of time to put on a good show for everybody, and that’s what we’re after,” he said. “The grounds look great, and I feel good about everything. I think we’re going to have a great fair.”

Filson said this year’s fair features many of the same attractions as last year’s, back by popular demand. That list includes staples like the tractor pull, quad races, the Midway, auctions, and plenty of food vendors.

It’s not all repeat programming, however. Popular fair performer “The Circus Man” will have a show at this year’s events, and the fairgrounds will make use of a newly installed motocross track on Saturday. A full schedule of events can be found at the Jefferson County Fair’s website at jeffersoncofair.com.

Filson said this week’s livestock shows would have more participation than usual. The change is most evident in poultry entries, which left volunteers scrambling to build enough chicken pens to meet demand.

“The swine barn should be full, cattle numbers are up a bit, too,” he said. “It’s pretty awesome to see the numbers improving a little bit. We’ve kind of seen a steady decline over the years and it’s good to see them come back up.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com