Iowa may not be known as a top tourist destination, but it does boast the largest agricultural exposition in all of North America. Every year this major event draws crowds of over 310,000 visitors and is a great choice for a family-friendly activity. In fact, today the fair is the state of Iowa's second-largest tourism event. It is well worth visiting with hundreds of shows and attractions with everything one could hope to know about agriculture.
Iowa has plenty to do to keep one entertained and busy on a road trip - the state is much more than boring. There are plenty of awesome fairs to see and experience around the nation. If one is going to the San Diego State Fair, then there are some foods everyone has to taste.
History And Growth Of The Fair
The fair was organized in 1917 and the first fair took place in 1918 just six weeks before the Armistice of World War I. In its first year in 1918, the Clay Country Fair managed to attract around 30,000 guests than that continued to grow over the 1930s.
- First Fair: In The Closing Days Of WW1 In 1918
- Next Fair: September 10 to 18, 2022
- Location: Spencer, Iowa
- Record: 328,000 Visitors in 2011
After the success of the first fair and earning (a then) respectable $16,000 in gate receipts alone, plans were drawn up to make the next ones bigger and better. The second year managed to attract an estimated 48,500 attendees.
- Number Of Fairs: There Are Over 2,500 Fair Running In The US and Canada
By the third year, the press was already calling it "Iowa's Greatest County Fair." In 1928 it attracted a "madly enthusiastic crowd" of 110,105 people and became "The World's Greatest County Fair." Today it is firmly established as the largest Midwest county fair.
The Clay County Fair was canceled in 2020 for the first time since World War Two during the pandemic. But was held once again in 2021 at full capacity. People once again flocked to the great event of food, ribbons, and entertainment.
Attractions At The Clay County Fair
The fair boasts a carnival of over 80 rides and attractions, so there are certainly plenty of attractions to keep everyone occupied. While it has a massive area - being the equivalent of 35 square city blocks of space - the space routinely fills up and the space gets tighter every year.
The Clay County Fair is regarded as not only one of the largest county fairs in the United States but is also one of the most rural-oriented fairs still operating.
Every year the schedule is different, but here are some of the Clay County Fair's 2019 free entertainment lineup. The entertainment included daredevil stunts, magic shows, juggling, an Elton John and Billy Joel tribute show, an Elvis tribute, roving circus stars, and more. There were over 400 shows worth $200,000 in entertainment that was offered for free to fairgoers that year.
- Free Shows: There Were Over 400 Free Shows In The 2019 Fair
It is a county fair so other rural and farming-themed attractions include barrel racing, bull riding challenges, Cowboy mounted shooting shows, ranch rodeos, boy scout experiences, chainsaw artists, an antique tractor parade, and more.
- Vendors: Over 500 Vendors
The Fair hosts over 500 vendors, 60 vendors for fair food, and many performances and entertainment every day. When visitors are not eating, watching shows, enjoying joy rides, or looking at the many livestock, they are kept busy browsing the largest fair farm machinery and AG equipment show in the United States.
The fair has a "The World's Great County Fair Food" contest of 31 new and delicious foods. These included Pad Thai, apple pied donuts, pickle wraps, Biscoff and banana cheesecake waffle, and the pigtail sundae. The five finalists are then available for fairgoers to sample and vote on for the People's Choice Award.
Camping At The Clay County Fair
While most people like to stay in normal accommodation in nearby towns, the Clay County Fair also has a large campground. It is open from noon on Labor Day, September 6.
No reservations are taken and the space is available on a first-come first-service basis and is limited by the area's capacity. There is little need to worry as there is generally ample room.
- Fee With Electrical Hookup: $20 for 24 Hours - 30 amp Only (Approx. 350 Spaces with Electricity
- Fee Without Electricity: $12.00
- Campfires: Open Campfires Are Prohibited
- Showers: Shower Facilities Are Available and Are Open 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 3 p.m – 9 p.m.
Admission fees and the schedule for the next 2022 fair are not yet available, they will be posted on the fair's official website closer to the time. If one didn't have a reason to go to Iowa, now everyone does!