A long time coming

The Clay County Fair returns Saturday after a 721-day break, but who's counting?

Jeremy Parsons, for one. The fair's CEO and manager is ecstatic to welcome visitors back to Spencer following a two-year hiatus. The big event was canceled last year due to the pandemic for only the fifth time in its 104-year existence, and Parsons, fair board members and other organizers are chomping at the bit to get back at it.

"I'm extremely thankful and grateful to have a fair this year. After not having a fair in 2020, it makes me appreciate it even more," he said. "I used to complain about rain at the fair...