SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa - The Dickinson County Fair kicked off Wednesday with static entry and fashion judging at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Spirit Lake. This weekend marks the beginning of the livestock portion of the multi-day event.
Saturday afternoon will bring a new twist to a traditional contest. With the outbreak of avian flu in Iowa, the state 4-H office and Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship banned the exhibition of birds at all fairs in Iowa for this year. The Dickinson County Fair is complying with the regulation by having a birdless poultry show.
“It sounds kind of odd, doesn’t it?” Kristi Peck chairperson for the Rabbit and Poultry committees asked about the birdless moniker.
Peck said competitors can compete in “Custom Clucks” by creating the next species of bird with man made and recycled objects. The birds will be displayed in cages in the place of their live counterparts.
4-Hers are encouraged to also bring a poster with a picture of them with their bird along with the animal’s feet and head. The kids must also provide information on the breed of their bird. Senior exhibitors have been challenged to offer information on the avian flu and it’s effects in a third category while younger exhibitors are encouraged to speak on feathers, colors of eggs and other topics.
Peck added that a fourth category will have exhibitors indicate the parts of a bird by using a bird statue to make the best out of the situation.
Below is a list of all upcoming events during the fair:
Saturday
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Rabbit Show (Indoor Arena)
4 to 6 p.m.: Birdless Poultry Show
Sunday
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Exhibit Building Open (Community Bldg.)
9 a.m.: Horse Show (Outdoor Arena)
5 to 7 p.m.: Beef Producer Dinner
8 p.m.: 5K Glow Walk/Run
Monday
8 a.m.: Sheep Show (Indoor Arena)
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Exhibit Building Open (Community Bldg.)
10 a.m.: Goat Show (Indoor Arena)
4 p.m.: Horse Show – Fun Classes (Outdoor Arena)
5 to 7 p.m.: Pork Producer Dinner
6:30 p.m.: Pie Auction Entries
7 p.m.: Pie Auction (Expo Bldg.)
Tuesday
8 to 9 a.m.: Feeder Calf Check-In (Beef Barn)
8 a.m.: Beef Buddies Show (Indoor Arena)
8:30 a.m.: Beef Show (Indoor Arena)
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Exhibit Building Open (Community Bldg.)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Okoboji FFA Lunch (Indoor Arena)
2:30 p.m.: Pet Show (Expo Center)
3:30 p.m.: Dog Show (Expo Center)
5 to 7 p.m.: Beef Producer Dinner
7:30 p.m.: Farm Chore Olympics (Outdoor Arena)
Wednesday
8 a.m.: Swine Show (Indoor Arena)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Exhibit Building Open (Community Bldg.)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ag Machinery Program - Josh Sievers, ISU Research Farm Intern
1 to 3 p.m.: Shooting Sports Club Demo & Invite (Indoor Arena)
1 p.m.: Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull (Expo Center)
2:30 p.m.: State Fair Exhibitor Meeting
5 p.m.: Overall Showmanship Contest (Indoor Arena)
6:30 p.m.: Fair Awards Program and Photos of State Fair Selections, Outstanding Juniors, Champions, Overall Showmanship Winners, and Club Leaders (Expo Bldg.)
Thursday
6:30 to 8:00 a.m.: Pancake/Sausage Breakfast (Indoor Arena)
8 a.m.: Livestock Sale (Indoor Arena)
1 to 4 p.m.: Clay County Fair Entry Processing (Extension Office)
8 to 11:00 p.m.: Youth Dance (Community Bldg.)
