About Us

The rich history of our fair spans all the way back to the year 1928.

Our early founders set forth to create a memorable experience that would bring neighbors and friends together and showcase all that our beautiful county has to offer.

Nearly 96 years later, we continue to do just that. Nestled in the northern part of Woodbury County, we are proud to call Moville, IA home.

Our Early Years

When the Interstate Fair, which had been held in Sioux City for many years, was discontinued with the 1926 season, the Woodbury County Farm Bureau joined with representatives of Plymouth County, Iowa; Union County, South Dakota; and Dakota County, Nebraska, to hold an inter-county fair at Moville in September 1927.
It was named the Big-4 Fair, and Ralph McElrath of Moville was elected president of the new organization.

Lack of cooperation prevented the hoped-for success, but in the next year, 1928, the Farm
Bureau arranged for the exposition to be held at the fairgrounds in Sioux City. The Sioux City Chamber of Commerce donated $7,500, and the Monahan Legion Post also helped support the movement. There still was little public interest. In 1930, the Woodbury County Farm Bureau asked various towns in the county to bid for a county fair. Moville’s bid of $8,000 was the winner.
Officers of the new organization formed at this time were Alvern Wendel of Bronson, president; Milford Beeghly of Pierson, vice president; Fred McDermott of Moville, secretary; and Henry Wood of Moville, treasurer. It was decided to hold the fair the following September 10, 11, and 12.
The undertaking proved successful; there was an attendance of 13,105, and the fair board realized a modest profit.

Attendance in 1930

Some exhibits were displayed in booths on Main Street; others in what is now the Masonic Temple; and the 4-H exhibits were in a garage on Second Street. Livestock was shown in a large barn on the W. E. Hall farm at the east end of Main Street. Among the attractions at the fair were a baseball game each afternoon, a hog and chicken calling contest, a horseshoe pitching contest in the town park, and foot races at the baseball park. Bands from surrounding towns furnished music each day.

In 1930 the Fair Association purchased 29 acres of the W. E. Hall farm, which joined Moville on the east. The large barn there, which had been used at fair time for stock exhibits, was remodeled. A sheep barn and hog house were built; also, a women’s exhibit hall was erected.

An interesting item taken from a clipping of a Sioux City newspaper on August 27, 1931, states that “the following person financed and built the grandstand which will eventually become the property of the Fair Association; F.L. McDermott, Wallace Rundall, James Anderson, J. C. Larkin, and C. C. Everhart.” Several years later, a roof was erected over the grandstand. In 1962,
there were 68 acres and 14 buildings; in the ensuing years, many additions and improvements have been made.

1962 Growth – 68 Acres

1962 Growth – 14 Buildings

Many attractions have been offered to boost attendance. These included an Old Settler’s Day.

Free admission was given to all who had lived in the county for 50 years or more.

Also, there
have been many noted speakers, including :

(1930)Milo Reno, president of the Iowa Farmer’s Union

(1933) Lieutenant Governor Nelson G. Kraschel

(1934) U. S. Senator Guy M. Gillette of
Cherokee

When Henry C. Field of Shenandoah was the featured speaker on September 16, 1932, the attendance was 6,000, a record for any one day.

Woodbury County Fair Mission Statement

Impact the lives of our youth in a Positive, Outward and Morally Sound Way; To Provide Proven Leadership; an outlet that will enhance their ability to Lead a Productive and Respected Life

Our Team

Board of Directors

Jason Ingram – President

Darren Tooley – Vice President

Stan Todd – 2nd Vice President

Noel Plummer – 3rd Vice President

Kevin Allman – Treasurer

David Reyman – Executive Council             Janet Byers – Executive Council

Denise Wright – Executive Council             Joe Collins – Executive Council

Doug Baird – Executive Council                   Hannah Reyman – Executive Council

Scott Klaschen   – Executive Council           Troy Kelsheimer- Executive Council

Vickie Wilson- Executive Council

 

Austin Wilcox – Director                               

Becky Klaschen – Director

Ben Groth – Director   

Ben Howard – Director   

Bo Thomas – Director     

Brian Fleck – Director       

Brooke Nelson – Director

Christian Koch – Director

Dustin Brosamle – Director

Mark O’Connell – Director

Houston Scheer – Director

Janice Ingram – Director

Jared Schramm – Director

Jimmy Cockburn – Director

Joe Leekley – Director

Kalli Welte – Director

Kim Scheer – Director

Laura Brighton – Director

Makenna Lewis – Director

Chuck Holst – Director 

Matt Riddle – Director