“We have a bright future ahead of us.”
That’s what Kelsey Meyers, Muscatine County Fair Manager had to say as she praised the support of local youths showing FFA and 4-H projects at the annual fair that produced record attendance and record profits.
While Meyers said the task of running the fair and it’s grounds is a “huge challenge” because of rising inflation, the Muscatine County Fair is growing and was “extremely memorable” with record attendance daily, calling it “exciting and humbling” after producing record figures in 2022 only to be topped in 2023.
With attendance over the five days in mid-July up 27 percent at the front gate, pre-fair fun pass sales up 38 percent over the previous year and amphitheater sales up 47 percent, Meyers called the fair a huge success, It’s hard to say exactly why we saw such fantastic numbers this year, but our big contributing factor was the weather,” Meyers said, calling it “perfect all week.”
She said although the stock car races opened the fair with a large grandstand crowd, Thursday’s donkey races pulled fairgoers from all over the county “excited to see something new.” The six-class tractor pull drew an extremely strong crowd Friday night, but it was the Josh turner concert that brought in the crowds Saturday night followed by more record numbers on Sunday with a demolition derby and the always-popular trailer races.
Meyers reported that outside the fair there were a number of summer activities including seven nights of races put together by Bud Kile of Kile Racing, who ended the meeting with a $10,000 donation to the board. Meyers said a “new crowd” rodeo drew 1,600 to town and all the buildings on the grounds saw increased usage – in particularly the floral hall that had nearly doubled in usage in the past two years.
The fair manager said she’s open to any new ideas and suggestions on improving the fair, along with answering financial concerns. She pointed out $40,000 in funding by the Muscatine County Boar of Supervisors was not included in the annual report financial figures because it was paid directly toward a fair debt, not getting into the fair books.
The fair had 2023 capital expenses of nearly $14,500, including nearly $8,800 in campground improvements and over $3,500 in electrical enhancements.
Ticket sales were bigger than ever with nearly 1,000 pre-sale passes sold and nearly 2,100 overall. There were nearly 7,500 fair gate tickets sold to adults and another 1,365 for children.
Open, 4-H and FFA exhibitors also saw an increase at the fair, as there were over 600 FFA students participating and 284 4-H club members, 63 more than a year ago.
New leadership
President Troy Schlapkohl of Durant thanked everyone for his support while leading the group the past two years, from the board to his family, pointing out he has been proud to see the transition of his own daughters showing livestock to now his granddaughters.
“Thanks to all who make this fair go,” he said.
In taking over as the new president, Steve Alt of West Liberty said he got involved in the fair because of his love for history and antique equipment, joining the board in 2001. He called the progress since then by the board has been “amazing” and said he’s looking forward to working with the fair board and all involved. “This is our fair,” he said, noting he’s always looking for suggestions on improvement the event and the fairgrounds. “If you have any comments, please come talk to us,” he said.
The fair elected new officers and directors, reelecting directors Nolan Kirkman of Muscatine, Mark Chalupa of Muscatine, Kelsie Lampe of Nichols, Jason Wertzbaugher of West Liberty and Nick Snider of West Branch to two-year terms along with newcomer Brian Nollman of Atalissa.
Other directors include Gene Wilkerson of West Liberty, Heath Snider of West Liberty, Jennifer Gandia of Muscatine, Matt Dayfeldt of West Liberty, Ed Heath of Muscatine, Brian McKillip of Muscatine, Donovan Yoder of Atalissa and Kurt Kirchner of West Liberty
Past president Andy Carter of Nichols was moved to the advisory board and Adam Mauer of Wilton was named the first vice-president of the group while Troy Schlapkohl of Durant was given duties as a past president. Tim Nichols will retain the role of treasurer.