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2024 O’Brien County Fair Dates Announced!

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PRIMGHAR – The O’Brien County Fair has announced its Fair Dates for 2024. The O’Brien County Fair will be held from July 20-25, 2024. The O’Brien County Fair will also celebrate its 100th Anniversary during the 2024 Fair!

Formed in 1924, the O’Brien County Stock Show & Agricultural Association sponsors O’Brien County Youth in their 4-H and FFA endeavors. From 1924 to 1951, the O’Brien County Fair was moved from city to city within O’Brien County. In 1951, the City of Primghar agreed to purchase land on the east side of town to create a permanent fairground location. Three livestock buildings were constructed for the 1951 fair; by 1960, eight buildings had been built.

The late 1980s brought more fairground construction, including the administration building, horse barn, and swine barn. During the 2010s, the Open Class Building and Wayne Maass Memorial Stage were added to the west side of the fairgrounds. The O’Brien County Fair Board has continued to update the fairgrounds and buildings over the years. The Fair Board has recently been busy with plans to renovate the Show Ring for 2024, with construction starting in 2023.

The O’Brien County Fair hopes to see you in 2024 at the 100-Year Celebration of the O’Brien County Fair, which runs from July 20-25, 2024!

2023 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees

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Congratulations to Bob and Kim Steinkamp on their induction into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame!

 

Bob and Kim Steinkamp have been actively involved in 4-H and the O’Brien County Fair since their kids started in 4th grade.

Kim served as a 4-H Leader for the Highlanders 4-H Club for eighteen years. As a leader, Kim was always looking for new projects for her 4-H’ers to try. Kim remained up to date on new guidelines and rule changes to help her 4-Hers succeed in their projects and their record keeping. During the fair, she could often be found on the grounds helping with clean up, doing building watches, and helping in the 4-H concession stand. To this day, Kim continues to volunteer her time as a comment writer during non-livestock judging day.

When their kids joined 4-H, Bob helped his kids with their livestock projects over the years. He also helped other 4-H members find livestock to purchase and helped them prepare their animals to be ready by the fair time. Bob became an active volunteer for the O’Brien County Fair, especially within the Swine Department. Bob served on the O’Brien County Fairboard for seventeen years and as a Swine Superintendent for eight years. He volunteered his time, equipment, and knowledge to help make improvements to the fairgrounds each year. He took great pride in how the grounds looked for fair week and continues to volunteer his time to this day. Bob and Kim have been known to visit other fairs in the area to see what improvements would be beneficial to the O’Brien County Fair.

As a family, Bob, Kim, and their kids never missed an Iowa State Fair while in 4-H. They have always enjoyed helping the Pork Producers grill and serve food in the pork tent. The rest of their time at the fair was spent watching 4-H exhibitors show and looking at non-livestock exhibits. To this day, Bob and Kim continue to volunteer in local 4-H programs and the County Fair. They enjoy helping their grandkids with projects and watching them show in the same arena that their kids did and participate in Open Class Exhibition.

2023 O’Brien County 4-H Awards

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The O’Brien County Fair is proud to present the 2023 4-H Award Winners!

 

This year the O’Brien County Fair is awarding four 4-H members the Achievement Award. This award recognizes 4-H’ers who have shown outstanding personal growth through participation in various 4-H projects and involvement. A 4-Her can receive this award once as a Junior, an Intermediate, and a Senior. This year’s winners are Aubree Dodge, John Puhrmann, Carter Koerselman, and Braylynn Pederson.

The O’Brien County Fair is also awarding four 4-H members with the Merit Award. This award recognizes 4-H’ers who have shown outstanding personal growth through citizenship, community, and club leadership. While also demonstrating unselfish service to others. A 4-Her can receive this award once as a Junior, an Intermediate, and a Senior. This year’s winners are Dax Noteboom, Ryleigh Fuller, Makenna Hofmeyer, and Chris Freese.

The O’Brien County Fair also awards five 4-H members the Danforth I Dare You Award. This award recognizes 4-H’ers who have shown a working knowledge of the 4-H program and challenge other youth to develop their skills for future endeavors through life and service to others. This award is only presented to 11th graders. This year’s winners are Justice Frerk, Makenna Hofmeyer, Ellen Hunt, Jayson Stamer, and Hailey Dobbins.

Finally, the O’Brien County Fair awards three 4-H members with the Outstanding 4-Her Award. This award recognizes 4-Hers for their outstanding leadership to their local 4-H Club, County, and possible out-of-county activities through a project. The 4-Hers receiving the award should be involved in activities outside of 4-H, such as school, church, and community activities. This award is only presented to senior-level 4-Hers. This year’s winners are Kourtney Dekker, Abby Stout, and Bryce Dodge.

Congratulations to Our 2023 Fair Royalty!

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Congratulations to the 2023 O’Brien County Fair Royalty!

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2023 Fair Queen is Ellen Hunt daughter of Steve and Julie Hunt of Granville. 2023 Fair King is Jayson Stamer son of Kevin and Karie Stamer of Hospers. 2023 Fair Princess is Kourtney Dekker daughter of Kirk and Tina Dekker of Sheldon.

Other candidates are MaKenna Hofmeyer, Whitney Einck, Morgan Grooters, Bryce Dodge, Justice Frerk, Samantha Wilbur, and Claire Wagner.

2023 Non-Livestock Judging Schedule

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2023 O’Brien County Fair

Non-Livestock Judging Schedule

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Primghar Community Building

Club Schedule

Time Club
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Clover Kids
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Caledonia Ramblers
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. O&O Kids and G&W Feeders
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Highlanders and Center Farmers
12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Lunch for Volunteers
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Western Workers

 

Thank You, O’Brien County Foundation!

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PRIMGHAR- The O’Brien County Fair Board would like to thank The O’Brien County Foundation for awarding the fair grant funds that we will be using to improve the Show Ring prior to the 2024 100th Year Celebration of the O’Brien County Fair!

We are so lucky to have a foundation that continues to provide great support to our County Fair!

 

2023 O’Brien County Fair Royalty Candidates

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PRIMGHAR- Judging for the 2023 O’Brien County Fair Royalty was held Sunday, June 4th at Grace Lutheran Church in Primghar. Candidates participated in individual and group interviews. Our candidates are, (Front) Morgan Grooters, Makenna Hofmeyer, Jayson Stamer, Ellen Hunt, Claire Wagner, (Back) Kourtney Dekker, Justice Frerk, Bryce Dodge, Samantha Wilber, and Whitney Einck.

Coronation will be held Monday, July 24, at 8:00 p.m. at the Wayne Maass Memorial Stage on the fairgrounds in Primghar. The 2023 Fair Royalty will be crowned by our 2022 Royalty, Queen Grace Fuhrman, King Dain Moermond, and Princess Makenzie Meyer.

 

Congratulations 2023 O’Brien County 4-H Graduating Seniors!

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O’Brien County is home to 14 graduating senior 4-H members. As they graduate and enter their post-high school endeavors, these graduates remind us what 4-H – and life – are all about.

Seniors took a minute to reflect on a beloved memory or share advice for younger 4-H members as they round out their time in O’Brien County 4-H.

Joseph Billings: “My favorite 4-H memory is winning beef of merit with my steer off of my first heifer. My favorite part of 4-H is watching new members get involved and work with livestock. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to ask questions and be involved. Find a good mentor; it can be a family member, a friend, or a neighbor.”
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Kourtney Dekker: “My favorite 4-H memory is showing my Grand Champion steer at the Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair in 2022. My favorite part of 4-H is showing livestock and meeting a lot of new friends throughout the years. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to have fun, get involved with your 4-H club, and try new projects.”
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Bryce Dodge: “My favorite 4-H memory is bringing in a couch table for a woods project to the county fair and it went on to the State Fair. My favorite part of 4-H is making friends with new people and learning new skills, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to try everything you can. New experiences aren’t always bad. They will lead to new memories and possibly unlock new skills.”
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Whitney Einck: “My favorite 4-H memory is when I modeled on stage for fashion review in fourth grade for the first time with my best friend and we couldn’t stop laughing. My favorite part of 4-H is getting to show off you hard work that you’ve spent with your animals and projects at the fair and spending the week with your friends. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to try everything before you count yourself out.”
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Payton Farquhar: “My favorite 4-H memory is when Bob Steinkamp gave me a hug after selling my 4H pigs for the first time. My favorite part of 4-H has been showing my pigs, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers, try all different kinds of projects to find your interests.”
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Morgan Grooters: “My favorite 4-H memory is staying at the fairgrounds during fair. My favorite part of 4-H is doing good in the ring and seeing the little 4-H kids showing for the first time. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try a new animal to show.”
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Dante Johnson: “My favorite 4-H memory is going to the Plunge [into 4-H] camp all three years with my friends. My favorite part of 4-H is spending time at the fair with friends, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to never be afraid to try new things in different project areas. Trying new things helps you grow as a person and 4-Her.”
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Brayden Meyer: “My favorite 4-H memory is hanging out with friends and family in the beef barn and having water fights. My favorite part of 4-H is showing cattle and having a great 4-H leader, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try new things and have fun.”
Dain Moermond: “My favorite 4-H memory is having water fights in the wash rack and representing the O’Brien County Fair as 2022 Fair King. My favorite part of 4-H is showing swine, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try out lots of different project areas. You never will know if you will like something unless you try it.”
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Leo Sells: “My favorite 4-H memory was competing at the Western National Roundup 4-H Meats contest back in January. We got fifth as a team and I got 16 individually. My favorite part of 4-H is it’s a good time with all the people, animals, and activities going on, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to work hard and make sure to take good care of your animals.”
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Abby Stout: “My favorite 4-H memory is showing sheep and rabbits with my brother. My favorite part of 4-H is showing projects and hanging out with my friends at the fair, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try something new and pick a project outside of your comfort zone.”
Colton Vande Brake: “My favorite 4-H memory is helping my sister show her first year. My favorite part of 4-H – I enjoyed being treasurer. The last year we have had several high school-age kids and it is fun to connect with everyone on a different level. I love my goats and am excited to show them. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t think you can’t come back if you take a year off. Don’t be scared to try something new, show a new animal or run for leadership. You will enjoy it and be successful and surprised in the end!”
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Grant Wagner: “My favorite 4-H memory is my calf escaping during the fair. My favorite part of 4-H is meeting new people, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to get involved with many different opportunities. You will learn many things and be a better person because of it.”
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Samantha Wilbur: “My favorite 4-H memory is participating in the clothing event at the state fair. My favorite part of 4-H is getting to be a mentor for younger kids and helping them in their 4-H journey. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try something new. It might turn out to be one of your favorite things to participate in!”
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It is evident that the memories made, fun had, and lessons learned in 4-H will remain with these graduates for years to come.
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Congratulations O’Brien County 4-H Graduating Seniors! 

Congratulations to Our 2022 Fair Royalty!

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Congratulations to the 2022 O’Brien County Fair Royalty!

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2022 Fair Queen is Grace Fuhrman daughter of Mark and Beth Fuhrman of Paullina. 2022 Fair King is Dain Moermond, son of Joshua and Rebecca Moermond of Sutherland. 2022 Fair Princess is Mackenzie Meyer, daughter of Mike and Becky Meyer, of Paullina.

Other candidates are Jackson Albert, Payton Farquhar, Madison Fischer, Morgan Grooters, Samantha Wilbur, and Grant Wagner

2022 O’Brien County Fair Royalty Candidates

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We have great representation for the next King & Queen for the 2022 fair. What a great group of young adults. Good luck to all of you!

King candidates – Grant Wagner, Dain Moermond & Jackson Albert.
Queen candidates – Samantha Wilbur, Morgan Grooters, Makenzie Meyer, Payton Farquhar, Madisen Fischer & Grace Fuhrman.

Our new royalty will be crowned Monday, July 25th at 8 pm by our 2021 Fair Royalty.

The 2021 Fair Royalty is Queen Kaeley Einck, daughter of Tony and Heather Einck of Primghar, King Jason Wittrock, son of Tracy and Shonda Wittrock of Primghar, and Princess Sydney Zeutenhorst, daughter of Christine Hunt and Tim Zeutenhorst of Granville.