“We have been working hard on cleaning up the grounds, getting organized, and we’ve had a big project of painting,” said Heather Stewart, Webster County Fair manager.

According to Stewart, when the fairgrounds were built in the 1970s, brown was a common color for buildings. But this summer, the auditorium, Farm Bureau picnic shelter, and the A-frame building have all been painted.

“A big thanks goes out to Cody and Amanda Wirt and Tyson Nelson,” said Stewart. “They did a great job on it. They had to paint in between all the rain we’ve been getting.”

The Webster County Extension Office has also been prepping for the upcoming fair readying 4-H competitions, entries, and even student camps and meals

“Staff are checking fair entries, sending out judges letters for confirmations, holding the last project meetings before fair, and working with volunteers as they plan their shows,” said Linda Cline, program coordinator for ISU Extension and Outreach in Webster County. “We’re also communicating with parents, answering fair questions, and encouraging youth to attend state fair in livestock.”

This is also the first Webster County Fair for Kristyn Klemp, who is completing her first year as Webster County youth coordinator for ISU Extension.

“Since I am experiencing the fair for the first time as an employee, I am so excited about it all,” said Klemp. “It will be fun to see all of the partnerships we’ve gotten throughout the year come together, and I can’t wait to find volunteers to husk for the sweet corn feed.”

Volunteers are also needed for 4-H judging on July 15 to write judges comments. Stewart says the fair is also looking to utilize volunteers as well as sponsors.

“We are still looking for sponsors to make the fair free,” added Stewart.

Stewart said camping outlets are ready, vendor spots will soon be marked off, and even more free entertainment has signed on to come to the fair. The Grandstand is also packed with fun events including Mini Madness on July 17, ATV and Tough Truck races on July 18, and the Webster County Truck Pull on July 19. Free entertainment at the fair includes Rocketman Valencia – The Human Cannonball, Wolves of the Wild, Agri Golf, and the Kids Zone.

“We just want people to come out and enjoy the fair,” said Stewart. “We put a lot of time into putting on a great fair for everyone.”

Advanced fair tickets are available through July 16 by contacting Stewart at 515-351-7385.

The Webster County Fair is July 16-20 at the Webster County Fairgrounds on Old Highway 169 south of Fort Dodge.