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A Brief History of the Iowa County Fair |
The oldest piece of fair literature so
far identified has been a regulation and premium list for the 35th
annual exhibition of the Iowa County Agricultural Society which was
held in Marengo, September 13-15, 1893. The piece is located at the
Iowa County Historical Society in Marengo. After the establishment in Iowa County of the Iowa State University Extension Service and Farm Bureau in 1918, 4-H commodity clubs were formed. The first was a market pig club followed by a market beef club. Other commodity clubs were purebred sow and litter, potato, sheep, and corn. In 1924 girl’s community clubs were formed in Hilton, English, Lenox, Sumner, Pilot, and Troy townships. Extension 4-H achievement shows began in 1921 sponsored by towns and individuals. Shows were held wherever a town was willing to provide space and premium money. Between 1921 and 1951 North English hosted the show for four years, Williamsburg hosted it for four years and Marengo hosted for 22 years. At those shows livestock would be shown in the city park or at the sale barn. Tents, churches, and schools were used to house exhibits. In 1931 the Iowa County Short Course Association was formed to organize financial sponsorship. It became the Iowa County Fair in 1950 when Extension and Farm Bureau separated and the fair incorporated as a non-profit organization. The current fairgrounds was purchased in 1951.
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