There are some things in life that simply get better with time. The 170th Iowa County Fair is proof of that.
This year’s theme, "We Have a Good Thing Growin’," could not be more fitting. For 170 years, the Iowa County Fair has been growing-not just in size, but in memories, traditions, friendships and the strong sense of community that makes this county such a special place to call home.
Think about that for a moment: 170 years.
Generations of families have walked through the fair gates. Children who once begged their parents for a ride on the midway eventually brought children of their own. Young people have proudly shown livestock, entered projects, competed in contests and discovered that hard work brings rewards. Farmers have displayed the fruits of their labor. Neighbors have gathered, old friends have reunited and new friendships have been made.
The fair has changed over the decades, but its heart really hasn’t. It remains a celebration of the people of Iowa County.
And agriculture remains an important part of that story. "Growin"" isn’t just about crops coming out of the ground. It is about young people growing into responsible adults. It is about families growing stronger. It is about businesses growing and communities working together. It is about traditions being passed from one generation to the next.
Perhaps most importantly, it is about growing memories.
For some, the fair brings back memories of childhood-the excitement of walking through the gates, seeing the animals, enjoying the food, hearing the music and deciding which ride had to be conquered next.
For others, it means remembering early mornings in the barns, long hours caring for an animal or preparing a project, and the pride that came with seeing all that hard work finally displayed.
And for many, it simply means seeing familiar faces.
That may be one of the greatest things about a county fair. In a world that seems to move faster every year, the fair gives us a chance to slow down for a little while and reconnect-with our neighbors, our friends and our community.
The 170th Iowa County Fair is more than an annual event on the calendar. It is a living piece of our county’s history.
It belongs to those who came before us, who worked hard to build and sustain the fair. It belongs to today’s families, volunteers, exhibitors, farmers and fairgoers. And it belongs to the young people who will carry the tradition forward.
A 170th anniversary is something worth celebrating.
So as the gates open and another fair gets underway, let’s appreciate what we have.
Let’s appreciate the volunteers who give countless hours. Let’s appreciate the exhibitors who work so hard. Let’s appreciate the farmers who continue to feed our communities. Let’s appreciate the parents and grandparents who encourage the next generation. And let’s appreciate everyone who continues to believe that a strong community is worth investing in.
After 170 years, Iowa County truly does have a good thing growin’. And the best part? It’s still growing.