The First Clay County Fair
Excerpts from "Saluting
75 Years of People, Pride, Progress"
The 1918 Clay County Fair held September
24-27, was the largest county fair held in Iowa that year,
drawing more than 30,000 people and taking in a total gate
receipt of $16,000.
Beginning in the second year of America's
involvement in the war (WW I), the fair had a distinct military
note. The grounds were policed by the soldiers of
the "C" Company of the Fourth Iowa Infantry National
Guard.
In addition, Governor W.L. Harding visited
the first day as a guest of honor on the Dedication and
Patriotic Day. He opened the festivities by taking
part in the Grand Patriotic Automobile and Walking Parade
of Allied Nations. The best float representing "War
Times" and the best patriotically decorated automobiles
were awarded prizes.
The second day of the fair was "Old
Settler's Day" and began at 9 a.m. with a show by T.
Fred Henry Military Band. This was followed by various
animal and grain judging events. Also on the schedule
were several athletic events, including a baseball game
between Spencer and Sheldon, a tug-of-war contest between
the Mechanics and the Farmers, a greased pole climb and
a half-mile race for a purse of $100.
Children's day marked the third full day
of the fair beginning with a parade of school children to
the fairgrounds. The major event of the day was the
historical pageant, "The History of Clay County"
with a cast of more than 600 people. Also included
in the afternoon festivities were a pillow fight, a tub
game and a pie eating contest. In addition, there
was a wrestling match, a chase of the jack rabbits and a
bicycle race.
On the final day of the fair, the Jackie
Band from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and a
Drill Squad of U.S. Marines were guests of honor at the
fair. Speakers of national reputation and Veterans
from the Front delivered addresses.
Next, The First
Fair Buildings
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