‘Blue Ribbon Fair’ Award to MHCF

CRESCO - The Mighty Howard County Fair, held in Cresco, has been awarded the 2016 ‘Blue Ribbon Fair’ Award by the Board of Directors of the Association of Iowa Fairs. 

The award was presented to the Fair’s Board of Directors at the Association’s 2016 Conference and Annual Meeting, which was held Dec. 9-11 at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines, IA. The Mighty Howard County Fair was chosen to receive the award from all the Fairs in the Association’s Northeast District.

“One member Fair in each of the Association’s six fair districts in Iowa is presented this award each year.” stated Thomas Barnes, Executive Director of the Association. “The Fair that receives this award must have shown progress in providing service to the youth programs in their community, plus show distinguished service in the community, in both the Fair and interim events. 

“Our AIF District Directors have visited the Mighty Howard County Fair several times and have found it does indeed serve very well the community as outlined in the guidelines of this award.

“The Board of Directors of the Association of Iowa Fairs would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Mighty Howard County Fair Board and their spouses for their commitment to their Fair, and to the fair industry in Iowa.” Barnes added. 

“We also would like to thank the Howard County Extension Service, 4-H leaders and members, area FFA Chapters and all the many other area volunteers that are involved with the Fair. They all combined make the Mighty Howard County Fair a Blue Ribbon Fair.”

The Association of Iowa Fairs is the organizational body of the fair industry in Iowa. It has as its members the 105 county fairs of Iowa and the Iowa State Fair, and 148 associate members such as carnivals, entertainment agencies, festivals, chambers, concessionaires, special attractions and suppliers of the industry. 

Together, the members of the Association work together to promote and strengthen the fair industry in Iowa.

The 2016 officers of the Association are President Jim Sloan of Eldon, First Vice President Tricia Rosendahl of Eagle Grove and Second Vice President Mark Drost of Tracy. The immediate Past President is Jerry Hopperstad of Northwood. Thomas and Susan Barnes of Cresco serve as the Association’s Executive Director and Executive Secretary/Treasurer respectively. For further information on the Association of Iowa Fairs, visit www.iowafairs.com