Summer Smith, 15, of Donnellson showing off one of the photographs she entered in the Lee County Fair
Jason Parrott / TSPR
2 of 3
Connor Moore, 13, of Primrose posing with his calf, Louise
Jason Parrott / TSPR
3 of 3
Olivia Tennant, 9, of Donnellson taking care of her pigs, Suess and Hamlet
Jason Parrott / TSPR
The Lee County Fair is the oldest county fair in Iowa, dating back to the mid-1800's. Thousands of local kids have participated in a wide range of friendly competitions on the fairgrounds in Donnellson during the past 175 years, including more than 150 in 2016.
The vast majority of them are members of the local 4H club: The Harrison Huskies. They came from all over the county to participate.
Some of them walked away with hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars following the sale of their livestock in the auction ring. Others left with ribbons and certificates commemorating their hard work in fields such as photography, gardening, home improvement, and mechanics.
Tri States Public Radio got to meet a few of them during this year's fair. They each said they loved participating and getting to spend time with their family and friends, riding carnival rides, eating fair food, and enjoying the outdoors.