Despite Iowa flooding, Wright County Fair officials decide the ‘show goes on’

WRIGHT COUNTY, Iowa (WHO) — There’s never a good time for over five inches of rain to fall overnight, but there are better times than others, just ask officials with the Wright County Fair.

“All the work we did to prepare for the Wright County Fair, you just felt it slipping away a little bit,” fair manager Tricia Rosendahl said.

Places like Eagle Grove received over five inches of rain Sunday evening which inundated the southeast portion of the fairgrounds.

“We kick-off tomorrow for the Wright County Fair and it was all disheartening watching it all happen,” Rosendahl said.

Families ready to show animals like Larry Anderson, who lives on a farm between Clarion and Eagle Grove share Rosendahl’s frustration.

“Last night we got three inches of rain, some got five. One of my son’s farms down by Woolstock was pretty much hailed out,” Anderson said.

Knowing how much the fair means to families like the Andersons, fair officials knew calling the event off or postponing simply wasn’t an option.

“I’m not going to lie it was difficult to come in this morning, but we came in and the board met as a group as we started brainstorming how can we make this is important. ‘How Sweet It Is’ is our theme this year so whether it’s the flood or the puddles and ponds around the fairgrounds, we’re going to make sure this still happens because it needs to happen; it’s all about the kids,” Rosendahl said.

Rosendahl said some of the food vendors and exhibits may be relocated to other areas on the fairgrounds but they’ll be there and staff are ready to assist with any questions.

“Keep checking our Facebook page for the latest information, but the show will go on and and we’re looking forward to having a great Wright County Fair,” Rosendahl said.

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