Although Webster County and surrounding county youth work hard all year long to showcase their animals and projects, bringing their best to the fair, it takes a lot of outside support in order for the fair to happen.

Heather Stewart, with the Webster County Fair planning committee, said they are currently seeking sponsorships for the 2021 fair.

Typically, Stewart said they do very well with obtaining the funds needed to put on the fair, but due to COVID they were unable to have their yearly fundraiser.

Without being able to hold the event, they are in need of support now more than ever.

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Bob “Farmer Bob” Hill, of Dysart, makes a balloon animal for Luke Muench, then 10, of rural Boone County, at the Webster County Fair in 2018. Hill roamed the fairgrounds entertaining with his old tractor, jokes, an infectious smile and hand-crafted balloon creations.

“We are looking for sponsorships for the 2021 fair,” she said. “We are looking for donations and sponsorships to help keep the fair free and to have all of the fun attractions and entertainment for the families.”

Stewart said they already have a lot of fun entertainment planned for this year’s fair, including the Los Moralitos Circus; Critter Close-Up; Wild Life entertainment Alligators — which was highly attended at the Iowa State Fair two years ago; and Agri Puppets.

“Agri Puppets is a traveling puppet show that drives around the fairgrounds interacting with people,” said Stewart. “Critter Close-Up has all sorts of animals including flying squirrels and monkeys. There will be the pedal tractor pull, watermelon feed, the sweet corn feed with entertainment and for the first year ever — a rodeo.”

Other fun events planned include an outdoor movie night. Webster County Conservation will be on hand at the cabin that has been moved to the fairgrounds and more fun will hopefully be announced later.

All of these events, in addition to watching the 4-H and FFA youth showcase their animals and projects, are free.

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Josie Matton, right, then 13, a member of the Gowrie Groundbreakers 4-H club, pets her horse, Colby, during the Webster County Fair in 2018. Matton’s younger sister, Jillian Matton, then 7, is behind her.

The only events that do come with a charge during the fair are the grandstand events.

“Without sponsors, we can’t continue our free fair and we want to have a free fair for everyone,” Stewart said.

She said after having to cancel last year’s Webster County Fair, they are still on the high, however, of a successful 2019 fair — which the planning committee feels was one of the best in Webster County Fair history.

“It was just awesome,” said Stewart. “I want to see that continue. We have new parking. Let’s get it filled up. I want to see that parking lot full.”

A sponsorship to the Webster County Fair, Stewart said, does not go unnoticed. There are several different levels of sponsorships that begin at $100.

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Zayzion Holden, then 11 months, from Fort Dodge, gently pets a sheep on the nose at the Webster County Fair in 2018.

A “Champion Sponsorship,” for example, starts at $1,500 and includes 40 grandstand tickets, radio acknowledgments, full summer grandstand signage, social media promotion, logo included on the fair’s website; inclusion on a sponsorship page, placement on a main sponsorship board as well as direct sponsorship of a show or exhibit during the fair.

Stewart said if you aren’t able to give a monetary donation, they would also appreciate any donations of time as well to get the fairgrounds ready. Volunteers are needed during and after for cleanup as well.

The Webster County Fair is going to be held a week later than normal this year, on the third week of July from the 14-18. The fair planning committee said social distancing and all COVID-related guidelines will be followed throughout the fairgrounds.