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Family fun at the fair

By Lori Berglund 4 min read

There's just something about a county fair that is Iowa at its very best.

The Webster County Fair opened Wednesday and will continue through Sunday at the fairgrounds on Old Highway 169. Musical acts, helicopter rides, livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, and so much more -- including all the fair food -- will be a part of the annual event.

One of the crowd favorites every year is the vintage iron display from the Des Moines River Valley Antique Tractor and Engine Club. Art Moeller, a retired farmer and former ag teacher, has been in the club for some 19 years and brought his IH 706 to the fair this year.

"It's just like one we had on the farm when I was in high school," Moeller said. "I went with Dad the day he bought it. It did not survive all these years, but I found this one just like it in Illinois."

The 706 had rust and hydraulic issues, but Moeller had it looking beautiful again in only about a year's time.

While the tractor display is popular on the grounds, fairgoers should be sure to stop in the main building to check out all the 4-H exhibits crafted by young people throughout Webster County.

Karah Hayes and Autumn Jones are members of the Dayton Tigers 4-H Club and were busy Wednesday evening looking at the ribbons collected by 4-H'ers throughout Webster County.

"It's really fun to be a part of 4-H, and you learn a lot," said Hayes.

She has exhibits this year in visual arts, sewing and needlecraft, as well as chickens, goats and sheep.

Jones said getting to know people is a favorite part of 4-H, and that's especially true at the fair.

"You make so many friends, and the projects are fun," Jones said.

She is showing exhibits in visual arts, and food and nutrition. Both 4-H'ers will be juniors at Southeast Valley High School this fall.

Michael Illg is both a 4-H and FFA member from Humboldt. He was checking in hogs on Wednesday and looking forward to another show. An incoming freshman at Iowa Central Community College, Illg has been showing livestock since the fourth grade.

"I like seeing your hard work pay off," Illg said.

He plans to study agriculture at ICCC and hopes to one day to farm full-time with his dad.

Webster County Beef Queen Gabby Stewart and Princess Lauren Eslick were looking regal in blue jeans and tiaras as they served up hamburgers on the opening night of the fair. Both young women are active in their respective family's cattle operations, helping with chores, and helping build healthy herds.

In their roles as beef royalty, shaking hands and serving burgers seems to come naturally.

"I really enjoy meeting the people," Stewart said.

Talking about beef, and how it can be a healthy and delicious part of one's diet, is an important role for them.

"I enjoy telling people about the positive benefits of the beef industry in Iowa," Eslick said.

Of course, it wouldn't be a fair without plenty of rides and games. Destiny Morey calls Mountain Lake, Mnnesota, home, but is traveling this summer with Midwest Rides, the midway provider. She was stocking the duck pond and looking forward to seeing every kid win a prize in this traditional game.

"I meet so many different people, and I've made a lot of friends," Morey said.

Her family has worked shows for several years so she has been able to build those friendships over the years. Working shows like this also offers a glimpse of small town life in America. It may be fly-over country to some folks, but Morey loves getting to meet the common, working people of the Midwest.

Marlee and Zach Lacina, of Fort Dodge, were bringing their children, Lily and Maverick, to the fair on a mild evening to enjoy the games and see all the people.

"We love the fair food," Marlee Lacina said.

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