The Steve and Sheryl Brown Family of rural West Liberty gave $5,000 to the Muscatine County Fair Event Center for landscaping infrastructure. Steve and Sheryl have five children, Marty Brown, Laurie Derby, Michelle Elizondo, Kristi Brown, and Eric Brown.
The Muscatine County Fair holds life-long memories for Steve and Sheryl from Steve working the Church Stand in his youth to involvement in 4-H. Both Steve and Sheryl were nine-year members of 4-H. Four of Steve and Sheryl’s five children were also involved in 4-H, while Sheryl served as a 4-H leader for several years.
Steve and Sheryl feel the fair is important to Muscatine County as it is a showcase for agriculture, both current products as well as ideas for the future. It’s a great meeting place for the exchange of ideas, as well as catching up with old friends.
“The fair also provides a wonderful opportunity to help children develop into responsible adults whether it be within the 4-H program, or the contests provided in the open class categories. There seems to be something for everyone to enjoy.” Said Steve
“Steve and I look to the fair as a time to visit with friends, learn something new from the exhibits and enjoy the entertainment. Oh, I forgot the food!” Said Sheryl.
The Brown Family sees the new building as an opportunity to bring groups to West Liberty for both large and small meetings and events. The Brown Family hopes the new building will be well known for being one of the best meeting places in the county and Eastern Iowa.
“Our county does not have a large capacity facility,” said Fair Manager, Kelsey Meyers. “The closest 500 headcount capacity facility is over 40 miles away. We are losing revenue to other counties. We already have beautiful facilities and a great hotel option 25 minutes away in Muscatine. This building will give us the entire package. I’m very thankful to the Browns for all they do for the fair and this gift.”
The landscaping features will create an inviting look and tie into other outdoor spaces on the grounds. There are plans for outdoor spaces around the event center including a patio and outdoor bar and refreshment area. The facility will complement the look and of the existing fair buildings and add a modern touch.
If you are interested in sponsoring an area of the project, please contact Kelsey Meyers at the Muscatine County Fair Office or at muscatinecountyfair@gmail.com or at 319-627-2414.