About

The O’Brien County Fair began in 1924 under the newly formed O’Brien County Stock Show & Agricultural Association. In its early decades, the fair rotated between towns across the county until 1951, when the City of Primghar purchased land on the east side of town to create a permanent home. Three livestock buildings were constructed that year for just $6,900—thanks largely to volunteer labor from local businessmen—and by 1960, the grounds had grown to a total of eight buildings.

Growth continued through the late 1980s with the addition of a new office/administration building, a poultry and rabbit barn, and a horse barn. In the 2010s, the west side of the fairgrounds expanded again with the Open Class Building and the Wayne Maass Memorial Stage. Most recently, the Show Ring underwent a significant renovation beginning in 2023 and was completed in 2025. Between large-scale projects, the fair has steadily improved facilities through upgrades such as remodeled scale-house space, roll-up garage doors, air conditioning in the Open Class Building, and ongoing landscaping care led by the “master gardeners.”

Entertainment has always been part of the O’Brien County Fair’s story. Early attractions included tractor rodeos, a 1960 tractor pull, and the first demolition derby in 1969. The Figure 8 Races, launched in 1972 and operated by the Primghar Jaycees since 1974, remain one of the fair’s most popular summer traditions. In 2025, the fair added a new highlight: its first rodeo, presented in partnership with Honey Creek Rodeo. Other crowd favorites over the years have included the 4-H Ag Olympics, the children’s Tractor Pedal Pull, and musical performances by groups such as Pure Emotion, The Interstate Cruisers, and the a cappella group Home Free.

Today, the O’Brien County Fair continues its mission as a youth-focused, agriculture-based event. Each year, local 4-H and FFA members exhibit hundreds of livestock and non-livestock projects, showcase their talents through “Share the Fun,” and participate in educational demonstrations. Open-class participation continues to grow, adding even more community involvement. With the support of O’Brien County, the State of Iowa, and countless volunteers, the fair remains free to attend and is dedicated to celebrating local agriculture, family traditions, and the next generation of leaders.

O’Brien County Fair Board Members