ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa - Lyon County’s 149th annual fair got underway Sunday with a gospel concert by Four for Him at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids.
“Our kickoff to the fair is a praise and gospel concert on Sunday afternoon,” Lyon County Fair Board President Wes DeGroot said. “On Monday evening of the fair, there is a Farmer City Picnic for all to enjoy.”
The community picnic represented a chance to celebrate fun-filled years with neighbors and friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
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“The Lyon County Fair is the place for family-friendly fun,” DeGroot said.
The Lyon County Queen Contest was set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday. Each of the eight towns in Lyon County selects a queen, and they then compete to be chosen to represent Lyon County at the Iowa State Fair. The contestants go through several tasks that include modeling formal and casual wear, performing a talent and answering an impromptu question Then, that afternoon, they are interviewed by a panel of judges. This year’s contestants are Lauren VandeKamp (Miss Lester), Jacee DeVries (Miss Inwood), Stevie-Marie Janssen (Miss Doon), Katrina Gilbertson (Miss Larchwood), Emily Popkes (Miss Rock Rapids), Jill Nachtigal (Miss Little Rock), and Miss George (undetermined at the time of this writing).
“Our fair sponsors events for any age,” DeGroot said. “For entertainment on kids day [July 18] there are inflatables, a balloon guy, magician and a pedal pull. Of course, the inflatables will be around for most of the week.”
Looking for a snack? Grace Rens explained that the fair has “really amazing food stands,” listing off a few such as the Pizza Ranch stand, church stand and highly recommended strawberry smoothies.
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“If it is food that you need we have a variety from homemade meals, pizza, pork sandwiches, steak sandwiches, sheep kabobs, ice cream and pies,” Rens said. “We must also mention the 4-H concession stand with a variety of food for everyone. The pork and beef producers also provide an evening meal, and how about a strawberry smoothie before you walk through?”
Animal lovers won’t want to miss the Zoomobile Wednesday, July 19 as well as some fantastic 4-H showings throughout the week.
“If your interest is in animals we have 4-H livestock shows, beef, dairy, horse, swine, sheep, rabbits, poultry and even a pet show,” said DeGroot, who also encourages everyone to come see the 4-H and the open class exhibit building. “Once inside you will see the amazing handcrafted items such as woodworking, baking, sewing and the list goes on and on.”
Anyone excited about vendors, too, are welcomed.
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“If your interest is seeing what the vendors have to offer in the commercial building, then that is the place to be,” DeGroot said.
The fair will also present an annual garden tour at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 18. This year, like last, will be a pantry garden. This type of garden focuses on cultivar trials and donating produce to local food pantries. There will also be food samples from the garden and from local farmers markets.
“So why the Lyon County Fair?” DeGroot asked. “There is something for everyone and a time to renew friendships, and a time to make memories. Come and enjoy our fair where we ‘Sew It, Grow It, and Show it.’”
4-H/FFA exhibits schedule:
Monday, July 17
6:30 to noon, all livestock in stalls
9 a.m., judge 4-H horticulture
10:30 a.m., beef animals to be scanned on fairgrounds
Noon to 10 p.m., 4-H Exhibit Hall open
Noon, required livestock exhibitor meeting In Show Arena
12:30 p.m., bucket calf interviews, VIP Building
1 p.m. Pet Show in Show Arena
3 p.m. 4-H Bucket Calf Show in Show Arena
5 p.m. Rabbit Show in Show Arena
Tuesday, July 18
8 a.m., Horse Show in Horse Arena
9 a.m., Dairy Show in Show Arena
Noon to 10 p.m., 4-H Exhibit Hall open
1 p.m., 4-H consumer judging in VIP Building
3 p.m. Sheep and Goat Show in Show Arena
7 p.m., Penned Beef Show in Show Arena
Wednesday, July 19
8 a.m., Lead Beef Show in Show Arena
Noon to 10 p.m., 4-H Exhibit Hall open
12:30 p.m., Poultry Show in Poultry Barn
2 p.m. Horse Show in Horse Arena
Thursday, July 20
8 a.m., all building exhibits released
8 a.m., Swine Show in Show Arena
Noon, all livestock released
