Grigg to be feted at Clay County Fair

Clay County Fair-goers will have a chance to celebrate an Everly man who earned a big state honor last month.

Al Grigg will be recognized on Monday, Sept.12 at noon, in the Indoor Arena for his recent induction into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Grigg has had a multi-generational presence on the local ag scene and has spent countless hours volunteering with area youth over the past several decades.

"It is a very good honor," Grigg said of his hall of fame induction. "I was completely blown away by it when it was announced to me."

Grigg began his career in equipment sales with Harms Implement, eventually becoming part owner and continuing there until it closed in 1993. Next up was KICD Radio as the farm director. Even though he enjoyed this line of work, Grigg wanted more, so he began a career as the Iowa State University Extension director for Osceola County. The Osceola County and Lyon County Extension offices eventually began to share Grigg as director and he served the joint position until his retirement.

Grigg's biggest passion has been serving youth. Over the years he has been involved with local FFA chapters, FFA quiz bowls, judging for FFA contests, assisting FFA students with learning and preparation of skills, AgCiting at the Clay County Fair, tractor and farm safety instruction, the KICD Annual Tractor Ride, tractor pull events at the Clay County Fair, area spelling bee announcer, and judging and announcing at local county fair livestock events.

"The biggest factor was seeing the young people respond to whatever programs I was helping with or putting on," he said. "That's a big thing. I try to instill that in one generation so they can help future generations as well."

In addition to time leading young 4-H individuals and others in the community or county, Grigg has served on the Clay County Extension Council as well as the Iowa State Extension Council. He has also served on the Everly City Council and Everly Municipal Utilities Board and is involved in the local church communities.

Grigg said he was humbled by the state hall of fame recognition and looked forward to celebrating with local friends next week at the World's Greatest County Fair.

"It was really, really a great honor," he said.