Polk County Fair starts Saturday with goat costume design, horse barrel races

Itching for the Iowa State Fair? Head to the fairgrounds this weekend to get a first dose of fair life with the free Polk County Fair.

In light of bird flu outbreaks, the Polk County Fair is encouraging families with ill birds to leave them at home to help limit the spread of the disease. More severe measures are not being mandated at this time.

"We're following guidance from the state veterinarian," county coordinator Marci Vinsand said. "They're not requiring any extra measures at this time."

While the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture is requiring testing for dairy cows before they're transported to fairs across the state, Visand said the Polk County Fair hasn't shown dairy cows in eight years.

A bird flu outbreak began in Iowa on May 28, in a flock of chickens in Sioux County. Since then, it's spread to 13 cattle herds across northwestern Iowa. Bird flu is a highly contagious disease that can kill entire flocks.

For all other animals, the fair does require exhibitors to be verified by Youth for the Quality Care of Animals, which checks for biosecurity protocols. In addition, all entries must be checked by a vet.

What can I do at the Polk County Fair?

Though it's not as big as the State Fair, the Polk County Fair offers many events for youth to showcase their talent and hard work. These include traditional animal shows like dog rallies or horse barrel races, but also more unique events like a goat costume design class on Monday.

"It's exactly what it sounds like," Vinsand said. "Exhibitors will design a costume for themselves and their goat."

The costumes display as much creativity as would be expected. Vinsand recalls costumes from the "Back to the Future" trilogy, "Frozen," and more.

There also are two talents shows: the Bill Riley Talent Show on Sunday and Share the Fun on Tuesday. Acts include singing, dancing, skits, piano recitals and more. The top performers at both shows can advance to the Iowa State Fair.

One of Vinsand's favorite events, Bacon Buddies, takes place on Thursday.

"It's a chance for youth with disabilities to show livestock with the help of another 4-H or (Future Farmers of America) member," she said. "A chance for them to really shine."

Vinsand also is excited for the 10th annual Clover Dash, a 5k in memory of former county youth coordinator Joy Nikalsen, who died in a 2014 car accident. The event raises money for scholarships and grants for local 4-H participants.

The Polk County Fair is operated and managed by an elected volunteer board comprised of Polk County 4-H and FFA Fair Association members, and is implemented as a cooperative effort between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff, Polk County Extension Council, Polk County 4-H and FFA Fair Association.

For more detailed information, visit polkcountyfairiowa.com.

Ryan Magalhães is a reporter for the Register. Reach them at rmagalhaes@dmreg.com.