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"Going to the fair was a huge community event for years, as the various fairs provided
days of entertainment and competition. At one time, a fair was held in Clarion, but
sometime in the mid-1920's was moved to Eagle Grove. By 1929, the Eagle Grove
paper reported that buildings were going up in Greenwood Park. The fair was
competition for 4-H and FFA members, and open classes allowed adults to show off their
best talents.
Barns at one time were busting at the seams with cattle, hogs, sheep, and poultry.
Horses came and went with the different types of shows they entered. The "girls" 4-H
building was also filled, depending on the year's focus, with food, clothing, or home
improvement items. While the boys worked with their animals - teaching them to lead or
herd, teaching them to stand just right, bathing and brushing them to perfection, the girls
honed their skills in the home. Certainly the food years were enjoyed by the entire
family, as the girls practiced their baking skills over and over, until everything was just
right!
4-H families got to work on exhibits as soon as school let out for the summer. The "fair
books" were eagerly snatched up as as soon as they came out, to check the classes that
could be entered. A clothing year might have "skirts", "dresses", "outfits" whereas a food
year might be "cakes", 'breads", "cookies", and so on. It seemed each 4-H'er strived to
enter as many classes as possible! After entry, one or more days were reserved for
judging the items, and ribbons were given out. A purple ribbon usually signified the item
was going to the state fair - the other ribbons, blue, red, and white signified first, second
and third place.
Come fair time, the grounds bustled with excitement. With each of the buildings full, a
day could be used just to look at the talents and discussing the merits of one cow vs.
another. In addition to the barns and girls' building, was a horticulture and open class
building. There, flowers and vegetables lined up to be judged, and adult entries filled
tables. Another building boasted area businesses, eager to share their information. And
then there was the Grandstand! Days and nights were booked with shows - rodeos,
races, tractor pulls and singers. Contests- Fair queen, rooster calling, yodeling brought
friendly laughter. Finally - the mid-way beckoned - ferris wheel, merry-go-round, tilt-awhirl
and other amusements rides lit up the sky at night.
The fair still offers days of fun and exhibits, but the barns are not as full. As the family
farms have dwindled, so has the number of children in 4-H. In an effort to attract more
town children into entering 4-H, the fair now has rabbits, more poultry, photography, and
even a dog show. Girls and boys are encouraged to enter animals and other items.
There is still plenty to see and do! Wander thru the exhibits and look at the hard work
the kids have done - some of it is amazing! Grab some cotton candy and have lunch at
one of the stands, then finish up with some pie and ice cream before you head for
home. Enjoy a tradition that is over 100 years old!