Young fairgoers from Toledo including (l-r) brothers Cade (4) and Knox (5) Kalinay, and their friend Grant Mattingly (4) enjoy the new giant Adirondack chair located in the Tama County Master Gardeners' Fair Play Garden on Tuesday, July 11 at the fairgrounds in Gladbrook. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

GLADBROOK – The 2023 Tama County Fair took place last week on the fairgrounds in Gladbrook and as in years past, was another fantastic week of family fun.

Unlike some other county fairs in Iowa, Tama County’s fair is a true livestock fair centered on the farm and the family. From the 4-H/FFA static exhibits and livestock shows to the multiple entertaining, educational activities for kids to do – including the always popular Fair Play Garden sponsored by Tama County Master Gardeners – to the three square meals served daily by different volunteer groups, thoughtful planning from both county extension staff and members of the fair board goes into the schedule for every day of the weeklong fair.

“The thing I always love about our fair is it’s for the kids,” Jenny Hulme, Tama Co. Youth Coordinator, said on Sunday afternoon at the fair’s conclusion. “We do what we do to educate our youth in so many project areas — not just livestock — and we give them the opportunity to exhibit in a space that is filled with family.”

If you didn’t make it out this year, don’t miss your chance in 2024. It’s a great county fair!

Pick up a copy of this week’s News Chronicle for more photos!