Muscatine County Fair manager Kelsey Morris can’t wait.
After making lemonade from lemons in an unprecedented year that was stymied by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the second year organizer/promoter of the 150-plus-year-old fair can’t wait to see people enjoying the West Liberty fairgrounds again and she’s already got a great slate of entertainment and events planned that not only will bring thousands to the five-day fair in July, but at least a half-dozen other events that will begin as early as May.
From harness horse racing to star country music singers, Morris plans to bring back a post-COVID-19 fair on July 21-25 that promises to be as good or better than ever.
“It’s all about tradition,” she said, noting it was difficult to “skip a year” even though many of the 4-H/FFA events included virtual competitions, but she says her board and fair supporters throughout the county can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2021 when it’s hoped most of the pandemic will be in the rear view mirror.
“We’re really excited to bring things back in ‘20-21” Morris said. “We hope to see everybody there.”
She said county residents, organizations and businesses are excited about getting on board this year in support of the fair, already starting to get donations and volunteer help to make one of the biggest events of the summer a reality and success.
Pre-fair events/fundraiser
The “Weekend for the Fair,” an annual fundraiser that had to be cancelled last year, will take place Saturday, June 12, starting with harness racing beginning at 12:30 p.m. after the gates open at 11 a.m., sanctioned by the Iowa Harness Horsemen’s Association.
Morris said this is the second straight year harness horse racing was brought to the West Liberty fairgrounds following a 43 year absence, noting the oval on the fairgrounds was initially built for horse racing. She called the event “very family friendly,” encouraging residents to attend.
The horse racing event, expected to be completed by around 3 p.m., will open a day of family-friendly activities at the fairgrounds and will be followed by a slate of activities for youngsters in the shaded area behind the Midway Pavilion, where a variety of free “fun” activities for all sizes will take place, from competitive events to play-time areas that may include a new corn box activity for toddlers.
Morris said adults could enjoy some refreshments and begin bidding on silent auction items gathered from throughout the county inside the Midway Pavilion to raise money for the upcoming fair. A live auction of larger items will be held as well that evening, following a family-oriented meal, all held to raise money for the fair.
“Everyone’s invited,” said Morris, hoping families come out to spend the day at the fairgrounds.
She said donations are already being taken for the event and anyone interested in making a donation should contact the fair office in West Liberty.
Fair’s main attractions
The Muscatine County Fair will open on the evening of Wednesday, July 21 with stock car races sanctioned by the IMCA (International Motor Contest Association).
A new event, truck mud drag racing, will take place in front of the grandstand on Thursday evening, July 22, with several different classes participating. Morris said she’s excited to bring the event to the fairgrounds, noting if people like seeing mud splattered and competitive racing, it’s a “can’t miss event.”
The next night, Friday, July 23, the East Central Iowa Pullers Association brings to town the big tractors from all over the Midwest for a giant tractor pull event, where five different classes will compete.
On Saturday, July 24, country music legend Neal McCoy will bring his top hits to the fairgrounds. The Texas native, born to a Filipino American mother and Irish-American father, once toured as the opening act for Charlie Pride in 1990 and had singles hits like “That’s How Much I Love You” and “That’s American,” as well as “Where Forever Begins.” He had back to back number one singles in 1994 titled “No Doubt About it” and “Wink.”
Morris says McCoy will draw fans from all over the state and will be an attraction for all country music fans. The opening act that night will be a popular local band based in Blue Grass known as the “North of 40 Band.” Morris says the local band has a very strong following and will also bring new faces to West Liberty.
On Sunday, July 25, a pair of popular local events will take place beginning at 11 a.m. with the fair’s annual demolition derby, which is expected to feature some local drivers, followed at 3 p.m. by the unique “Trailer Races,” another local event that Morris says is “extremely popular” with local residents as trailers race around an eight-track course.
The annual “Log Hogger Auction” will surround the two races at 1 p.m., where items carved during the fair week from logs will benefit the fair through a live auction.
Other events happening
The MC Fairgrounds will also be the site this year of a Lucas Oil MLRA ((Midwest Late model Racing Association) stock car race event to be held at the fairgrounds on Saturday, May 15.
It will be followed by a pair of Hoker Trucking Super Late Model Racing events to be held Friday, Aug. 20 as well as Friday, Sept. 24.
The West Liberty Chamber of Commerce is planning the annual Muscatine County Fair Parade on Sunday, July 11 through the streets of West Liberty starting at the fairgrounds, followed by a “Picnic in the Park” event set for Kimberly Park afterward where children and family activities and a variety of food offerings by local organizations and churches are being planned. Any organizations, churches, businesses, first responders or fair associated groups are welcome to participate in the parade and should contact the Chamber for more informaiton.
New at the fairgrounds
Morris is requesting donations to help the fair board present at least two new “kid zone” areas, where toddlers and older youngsters can get some hands-on free fun. She said fair officials are looking for donations of new or good condition play items including trikes, scooters, play houses and such for the kid zone areas, giving youngsters a place to expend some energy and have some fun during the fair week.
She also said the board is hoping to create at least two “corn boxes,” which will be similar to sand boxes except with kernel corn, where youths, especially toddlers, can play. She said buckets, small shovels, toy construction equipment and various items of that type are being sought to be donated for the boxes.
“They don’t have to be new,” said Morris, noting the timing may be good with spring garage sales and cleaning in the near future. Any items for both play areas can be brought to the fair office. .
The fairgrounds does have three new permanent attractions that have enhanced the historic fairgrounds including a refurbished large show ring for livestock shows that was completed in the fall of 2019.
A new small show ring for livestock competition will also be highlighted, replacing an antiquated building with a new, modern structure on the south end of the fairgrounds.
Changes have also taken place on the horse arena area, where new fencing and a concession stand have been built.