Washington County Fair brings events, entertainment for all

Iowas are flocking to the Washington County Fairgrounds this week for a textbook snapshot of an Iowa County Fair. With a vibrant 4-H community and a myriad activities for attendees of all ages to peruse, the Washington County Fair is a staple for its community.

The fair takes place from July 16-21, booked with programming every day. Livestock shows are scattered throughout the week, while other shows and activities ensure there is always something happening on the fairgrounds during the week.

Maylee, Maveric and Mayrn Allen — three siblings attending the fair — were all looking forward to different events and elements throughout the week. Maveric Allen was most excited for the pie-eating competition with the hopes of becoming the champion again.

“We spend a lot of time at the fair,” Maylee, Maveric and Mayrn’s mom Amy Allen said. “I'm really excited about all the entertainment they have going on.”

Amy Allen said compared to previous years, she thought there were more shows and performances planned. Magic shows, circus acts, puppet shows and several bounce houses were littered across the fairgrounds for participants to attend and use.

Beyond the entertainment events, Washington County’s 4-H shows and Clover Kids are essential parts of the fair. Animals are held in facilities across the fair, with numerous goats, cows and pigs scattered around the area.

The Clover Kids act as preparation for kids who are looking to participate in 4-H shows when they are old enough. For certain events, the 4-H participants mentor the Clover Kids, showing them the ropes regarding how to present animals in a show.

Beyond livestock, the Clover Kids also participate in other events, including a Lego build-off and the Clover Kids Great Garden Fest. These programs allow for the kids to have more opportunities to participate in the fair.

Haylie Trowbridge, a summer intern for the Iowa State Extension and Outreach Office, led the Clover Kids Lego Build-off this year. She said her favorite part of the fair has been seeing and interacting with the kids.

“Everyone gets to work toward a little bit of something during the year, and then everyone gets to show it off at the fair,” Trowbridge said.

Taking up a good portion of the Washington County Fair, however, are the various 4-H shows. From rabbits to goats, cows and chicken, each animal and 4-H participant has the chance to show off their skills.

Brynn Conrad, a fair attendee, said she is most excited for her chance to showcase her chicken once again during the poultry show on Tuesday. Conrad said she is also participating in Tuesday’s sheep show for the first time this year.

“I like seeing how my birds are (judged),” Conrad said. “And seeing how everyone has done for the past few years.”