By Nick Pedley
News Editor 

A long time coming

Clay County Fair returns to form this weekend

 

September 9, 2021

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There's something for the whole family at the 2021 Clay County Fair, which runs Sept. 11-19.

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 and I will never do that again because I now know that there is something worse than rain at the fair – that's having no fair at all."

New this year is the Farm Nutrients Small Animal Barn. The facility, located on the south side of the fairgrounds in the former Ag Marketplace, includes coop and pen spaces, a show ring, and an educational space for fairgoers to learn more about poultry and rabbits. The fair board felt it was important to expand amenities to house small animals, as they've become increasingly popular among young exhibitors in recent years.


Vendors who were previously in the building when it was the Ag Marketplace have been moved to new locations on the fairgrounds, and the old Small Animal Barn will be turned into additional space for the fair's growing horse show.

Another new highlight is the Midway Stage, which Parson said will give fairgoers the chance to laugh and be entertained the second they walk through the gate. Featured acts include: The Mighty Mike Show, Pogo Fred, Pork Chop Revue, Hillbilly Bob, ROCK-IT the Robot and The Flyin' Hawaiian Show.


"I feel pretty strongly that when people come to the fair this year they are looking to laugh and have a good time," Parsons said. "By placing a new stage right inside Gate G (north entrance), people will be entertained right away."

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Agriculture and entertainment will combine Sept. 11-19 at the 2021 Clay County Fair.

Free entertainment and other special shows complement this year's big hitters at the grandstands. The lineup includes Skillet, Josh Turner, Darci Lynne, Ryan Hurd, Tracy Lawrence, Bellamy Brothers and Herman's Hermits.

Parsons was hesitant to guess whether the fair's return would set a new attendance record – weather is the biggest factor in crowd size, he said. However, he expected folks to show up in force.

"We have a great fair planned and I know our fairgoers will appreciate being able to attend," he said.

 
 

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