Maasdam Barns in Fairfield hosts Barnyard Bash

FAIRFIELD — Attendees at the Barnyard Bash Friday night in Fairfield were grateful the event returned after missing 2020 due to the pandemic.

Fairfield resident Danny Qualters Jr. was there with his wife and kids and said the bash gave the family a reason to get out of the house.

“We wanted some exercise,” Qualters said. “This really showcases what Jefferson County has to offer. I’m from San Jose, California, and we didn’t have many kid-oriented activities like this.”

Begun in 2018, the Barnyard Bash at Maasdam Barns in Fairfield is a celebration of the community’s agricultural heritage, featuring the horse-drawn carriages of yesteryear paired with the most sophisticated farm equipment of the present day. It is presented by the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Pilot Grove Savings Bank and Jefferson County Farm Bureau.

The event is designed to appeal to young and old alike, with children finding entertainment at the bouncy house, barrel train rides, yard games and more. The Harvest Band of Tom Robinson, Jim Robinson and Mark Bailey performed throughout the night.

Maasdam Barns hosted a few demonstrations to show people what farm life was like decades ago, such as a demonstration of the Louden hay carrier and how to make rope. An Air Evac helicopter was another featured exhibit, though unfortunately the helicopter couldn’t stay long since it was called to an emergency just a few minutes after landing in Fairfield.

The Jefferson County Cattlemen and Jefferson County Pork Producers sold meals at the event. Erin Johnson, a member of the Jefferson County Pork Producers, said sales were “OK” for the event, though she said the group’s main purpose was to expose the public to the products the pork industry has to offer.

“This is good fellowship. It feels nice to be together again,” Johnson said. “It’s hot, so the crowd is down just a bit.”

Tim and Mary Smith of Brighton said they attended the event for the socialization and the fresh air.

“We’ve run into people we haven’t seen in a long time,” Tim said. “And we’re looking forward to the delicious root beer floats.”

At one point that evening, root beer floats were being given away for free. Tim said he appreciated that the event was free, which he said was like the “old days when people and not have to pay to be entertained.” Tim and Mary said they particularly liked getting to see horses in the barns up close.

Elly Stremsterfer, whose husband Wade is on the Farm Bureau board, said the event is an opportunity for the public to glimpse a “simpler life from years ago.”