Linn County Fair

From Linn County Fair Website:

History of The Linn County Fair

In 1888, at a meeting of the Linn County Farmers Institute held at the Jordan's Grove Baptist Church, the Wapsie Valley Fair was launched on its successful career. A town with a train that ran through it determined the location for the fairgrounds. Both Central City and Springville met that requirement so the one raising the most money by subscription to promote the enterprise would be chosen. A certain time was allowed to raise the money and it was found that Central City had raised the most and the present site of about fifty acres, picturesquely located on the Wapsie River, was purchased.

In early fair days, special trains came from Cedar Rapids to bring fair goers from the city and backed all the way back to Cedar Rapids. The fair ran smoothly for several years and then started to suffer financially. It was then changed to a stock holding institute and shares were sold throughout the county. It was rated as the best livestock exhibit of any fair in Iowa, outside the State Fair.

In July 1937, this original Linn county fair became the Linn County Fair Association. As in early days of the fair, a carnival and entertainment were brought in to bring in the city folk and others not involved in showing.

In 2006, a carnival was brought back after a 40 year hiatus and grandstand events have grown over the last eight years with entertainment ranging from truck and tractor pull, demolition derby, moto cross, harness racing, thrill stunt car show, draft horse pulls, fun horse shows and both Country and Christian music concert. A free entertainment tent offers a wide variety of shows for every age.

Three of the five remaining original buildings have been restored and many others added over the years. A free gate and parking is still maintained to welcome all who visit the fair. The fair's main focus is still on the 4-H and FFA youth and continues to be a strong youth oriented fair for them to showcase their achievements for the year.

Come visit Linn County's Original Fair!!