Photos from the Henry County Fair

The Fair really begins well ahead of the event schedule. The words “set up” do not adequately describe what really happens behind the scenes. Henry County was unbelievable lucky. The weather was ideal. A quick look at the Muscatine Iowa Weather Storm Team revealed Monday, July 15’s heat index at a sweltering 118 degrees, compared to Wednesday the 17th’s agreeable 55 degrees.

The animals are watched closely and well taken care of, but it is much easier when the heat index is not highly elevated. Muscatine compared Friday’s heat index to September readings.

The Exhibit Hall was busy last Wednesday, the first day of the fair. Each 4-H or Specialty Club is assigned a time to bring their entries in the Static Exhibit Classes. New London Lassies were assigned 8 a.m. and they were there ready to go. The New London Pioneers were to appear at 8:30. Of course, after checking in, one has to wait until their assigned judge calls them to bring their entry forward. While the judging is happening, some of the Lads, Lassies and Pioneers work on their booth.

Classes of Static Exhibits are varied and a 4-H member is sure to find more than one class that interests them. Photography is a popular category as well as Family Consumer Science, Creative Arts, Science, Engineering & Technology. The list contains 18 choices. After all the judging is done, the Exhibit Hall closes while the judges decide which of the projects will go on to the Iowa State Fair.

There are a great many sponsors of the Henry County Fair to thank. Sometimes forgotten are the parents, leaders, Henry County Extension and Outreach and volunteers. These groups work throughout the year planning and preparing for a great fair. If everything goes right, it appears flawless. Flawless is a good description for this year’s efforts. If not flawless the problem solution was superb.

Other events on their fair’s first day included the Pedal Pull, Queen Contest, 4-H Clothing Event and Share the Fun.