The World's Greatest

Organizers of "The World's Greatest County Fair" are once again planning to give its slogan meaning.

The Clay County Fair kicks off this Saturday and runs through Sept. 17. New Fair Manager Jerome Hertel is thrilled to welcome guests during his inaugural year.

"We're looking forward to putting on a colossal celebration for everyone," he said. "Come out and enjoy the last big event of the summer."

Hertel was hired by the fair board in March to succeed Jeremy Parsons, who left Clay County to become CEO of the Iowa State Fair. The past six months have been a whirlwind for Hertel, who came to northwest Iowa with 24 years of upper-level management heading events like the Alaska State Fair and Sioux Empire Fair.

"I've been very busy learning everything about setting up the fairgrounds, coordinating livestock load in, exhibits moving in, and over 460 vendors started moving in this past Monday," he said. "There is a tremendous amount of coordination, planning and scheduling that takes place."

Hurtel said local residents' passion for the fair has been palpable. Not only are people excited to show up, but they've been eager to get things ready.

"I've been surprised by the number of volunteers and staff who have already been working around the clock to get ready for the fair," he said. "When something doesn't go right or is delayed, it can throw everything off. Fortunately we have volunteers and staff who are used to making adjustments and getting others to be flexible."

A variety of new events and offerings have Hurtel excited to welcome guests to the fairgrounds in Spencer during the next week. Twenty-one new food items are featured as well as the Tasting Room at the BARn, which offers a variety of craft beers from local and regional breweries

He also looked forward to the many new free stage acts this year including Brunos Tiger Show and some old favorites like The Britins and The Eclectic Barn Boys.

Still, the big stage will be hard to ignore.

"I think fairgoers are most excited about the grandstand lineup," Hurtel said.

Headlining evening grandstand showcases this year are: Parmalee, with special guest Thompson Square (Sept. 9); Katy Nichole, with special guest Community Worship Collaborative (Sept. 10); Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, with special guest The Association (Sept. 11); Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars & SLMR Late Models (Sept. 12); IMCA Blue Ribbon Showdown (Sept. 13); Jo Dee Messina with Diamond Rio (Sept. 14); Hairball (Sept. 15); Dylan Scott with special guest Ingrid Andress (Sept. 16); and Outlaw Truck and Tractor Show (Sept. 17).