If and when the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic winds down, it’s going to be an exciting summer for the Muscatine County Fairgrounds according to manager Kelsey Morris, hoping action can get underway as early as May 9 when the stock car races come to West Liberty.
Morris talked about a new harness racing event, the stock car races, the annual Weekend at the Fair fundraiser and announced attractions for the 2020 version of the Muscatine County Fair, set for July 15-19 at the ever-developing fairgrounds on the south side of West Liberty.
“It’s very exciting,” Morris, who’s in the first year managing the fairgrounds, said. “It’s looking to be a great year. We’ve had very positive feedback.”
Morris said she’s really working hard at making sure the fair is involving as many people county-wide as possible, beefing up sponsorships and getting more businesses and organizations than ever involved.
She said the fairgrounds itself is getting upgraded this year, with the large show ring renovated late last year while the smaller show ring was razed and a new building will be constructed in it’s place. The horse arena also got new fencing and a new concession/entry stand building is also being constructed which will have storage capacity as well.
Morris said the season will open on Saturday, May 9, with the first of five stock car races, the second coming just a week later on May 16.
On Saturday, June 20, the annual “Weekend for the Fair” fundraiser is scheduled to take place, featuring a new event — a special horse harness race event that is expected to draw about 70 horses via the Harness Horse Racing Association, which found the fairgrounds an ideal home for their races, drawing enthusiasts from all over the state and beyond.
“We haven’t had harness racing here in years,” said Morris, noting the gates will open at 11:30 a.m. that day, with racing starting at 12:30 p.m.
Following will be a number of free events for youngsters to begin in the mid-afternoon behind the Midway Pavilion under the trees, according to Morris. She said games would include a corn hole tourney, a sand pile, coloring and even water balloons.
Meanwhile, at the pavilion, a silent auction will be set up as those attending get a chance to bid on dozens of items collected through donations from area businesses, organizations and families. Larger donations will be part of a live auction set that evening, following a dinner. Morris said food and beverages would be on hand throughout the day. Live music will cap the evening following the live auction.
Morris said she’s already busy collecting items for the event, which she says is the largest fundraiser in support of the fair annually.
But the big event is the annual fair, entering its 149th year, which will run Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19.
Morris said there will be themes for each day, but hasn’t made specific plans yet.
The opening day will feature the third stock car race of the season, beginning at 6:30 p.m. as area drivers compete for top prizes. The following day, Thursday, July 16, the fairgrounds will host a new event, truck drag racing, which is expected to attract 60-70 trucks from throughout the nation, beginning at 7 p.m.
On Friday, July 17, the big event will be the popular annual East Central Iowa Pullers Association tractor pull, which will feature six different size classes.
The highlight of the fair could be a Saturday, July 18, country music concert featuring country singer Neal McCoy and special guest Mo Pitney. Morris said tickets for the event, which do not include fair entry fee, are available through eventbright.com or at the fair office at the main entrance to the fairgrounds.
Morris said it should be quite a concert and she’s anticipating a big crowd from all over East Central Iowa.
The fair concludes on Sunday, July 19, with a special annual demolition derby at 11 a.m., followed by the popular trailer races at 3 p.m. A special “log hogger auction” benefiting the fair will also be held at 1 p.m. at the grandstand.
Morris said another new addition this year will be held at the Midway Pavilion, where a Latino band will play on late afternoon on Sunday.
The season concludes with an Aug. 8 stock car race, which will be followed by an Aug. 22 race. Morris said more details would be released as events approach.