Siouxland’s County Fairs, Clay County, Spencer

Every summer I try to attend a couple county fairs. But haven’t been too successful the last couple of years because of conflicting schedules. This year though I did travel to Spencer to visit the Clay County Fair. It’s a rather large affair, bigger than some closer to my home but still encompassing those quintessential elements that all county fairs incorporate. One is 4-H and FFA where kids exhibit their projects for the year whether it’s agricultural in nature or another kind of project.

Controlled chaos as 4-H members show their sows during a competition at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And people stroll the midway and take in the sights that only fairs offer.

A scene at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A mother takes a photo of her kids with her phone during the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A family enjoys the rides at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

One young boy was admiring his freshly painted “ghoulish” face in the reflection of a doorway, not noticing a photographer standing nearby. Another couple was immortalizing their visit to the fair together.

A young boy checks out his newly painted face in a reflection of a doorway at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Jayden Helbing, left center, an Bailey Houston, right center, and both of Sioux Rapids, get their caricature drawn by Rex Rubenzer of Wisconsin at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

County fairs are where people come for a little down home entertainment. Some may think it a relic of the past but for small communities it’s one of those passing seasonal venues that people look forward to, relaxing (unless you are a 4-H parent), the chance to eat “bad” fair food like Funnel Cakes and cotton candy, take in some wholesome entertainment and a chance to forget about day to day activities. And these days, hopefully no politicians stopping by to impress people. A place where sometimes families enjoy reunions.

A family finishing taking a reunion photo catches another photographer taking a picture as well at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

So fairs can wear one out walking about and taking in all the exhibits but people still do it and enjoy it and look forward again to next year to repeat the affair.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Sometimes too much fair time can take a toll on a person as a man catches a nap in the shade at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A scene at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Just Enjoying a Day in Siouxland, Rural Monona County

Sometimes I can drive miles and not see anything that catches my eye or interest. And I try to stay observant while listening to some jazz cd’s traversing some back roads in Siouxland. When driving the gravel roads I am not in a hurry. Dust is flying and I generally keep my windows open, so going fast just creates more dust in the car.

But it’s the slow driving that allowed me to see something in the distance. And while I was not fast enough, I was able to catch a late morning deer having breakfast, or maybe brunch, in a field. Until he spotted me and decided it was time to leave.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A lone deer runs through a newly planted field beginning to grow in the Loess Hills region of rural Monona County in northwest Iowa, Monday June 4, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Seeing History in Siouxland, Marcus Historical Center

When I attended a fair earlier this summer at Marcus, Iowa I also stopped in at the Marcus Historical Center.

The Marcus Historical Center sits across from the Marcus Community Fairgrounds in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Most small communities have their own museum, or at least a place that is a repository of historical information about the community. It’s a great place when visiting somewhere new to learn more about the history of that place and get a better understanding of the community and area. At the time I was in the museum there were more older people looking and reminiscing about the “good old days”. Which to me always seems to be a matter of perspective and what side of the divide you happened to be on during that earlier period.

But there were some families there with children in tow. Taking a break from the fair and “seeing” some history. And every place has different items and events to tell. Many have yearbook photos from early and later days as well as newspaper clippings depicting certain memorable events that took place.

Visitors of the Marcus Historical Center look over exhibits in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The old saying of “If you don’t know where you’ve been so how do you know where you are going?” always comes to mind when I visit these museums. A lot of smaller communities were more robust in their early years when the railroad was first making its way across the nation. Communities sprang up, thrived, and then began to scale back a bit as businesses ceased and residents left and larger communities started attracting younger people who moved for opportunity. And in some cases, the railroad left as well, leaving behind memories but no clear direction of where the community would be headed.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Exhibits in the Marcus Historical Center in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A display at the Marcus Historical Center in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A photo of the Thomas John Woodhall barn built in 1890 is seen in the Marcus Historical Center in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A shotgun belonging to pioneer John Clarkson of England came to the United States in 1865 and settled in eastern Iowa, later resettling in western Iowa in Aurelia and opened a general store in 1869. When the railroad came through Marcus, Clarkson moved there and built another home. The shotgun was manufactured by Calvert Arms in Leeds, England and is on display at the Marcus Historical Center in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A fire hose and fire equipment from early days seen in the Marcus Historical Center in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Small town Siouxland fairs, Marcus

In August I spent part of a day at a small community fair in Marcus, Iowa. The community has about 1,000 residents give or take. But it prides itself on providing this summer time venue along with a parade that runs through the downtown area of the community.

A bright sunny day for the Marcus Community Fair in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Emergency vehicles and local school students are part of the Marcus Community Fair parade in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Residents, present and former come out to enjoy the day and spend time with family and friends. I missed the earlier activities involving 4-H and the showing and exhibiting of animals and crafts. Fairs in small towns these days seem a lot smaller to me now that I am older than when I was a kid. Remembering trying not to get lost at the fairgrounds my parents took us and during the 4-H events that were held there.

It’s just time nicely spent. No hurry and enjoying the memories from my youth and seeing others enjoy their day and making memories as well.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Part of the downtown area of Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Area residents take in the Marcus Community Fair parade in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Marcus Community Fair parade travels down a main downtown street in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Grandparents gather tossed candy during the Marcus Community Fair parade in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A mom and her son get their image immortalized by a caricature artist at the Marcus Community Fair in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

“Hot rods” on display doesn’t just mean cars at the Marcus Community Fair in Marcus, Iowa Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Summer Fading in Siouxland, Arnolds Park

Summer has faded in Siouxland, with days growing shorter and the feel of fall creeping in. On a visit to the Iowa Lakes Region during the week, it became evident that fewer people were rummaging about and those there were enjoying those fading remnants of summer. Especially on a lake where everything revolves around the water.

The summer livin’ is easy in Arnolds Park, Iowa August 18, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Summer boating in Arnolds Park, Iowa August 18, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

As the fall’s crisp days and colder evenings begin to settle into the area, people can wistfully think about the languorous summer days and how they spent them and dream of the following year and what adventures might await them for their next trip to the lakes enjoying the moment away from cares and daydreaming of those summer days as children.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Enjoying the waning days of summer in Arnolds Park, Iowa August 18, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Lawn chairs on a dock in Arnolds Park, Iowa August 18, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Surprises in Siouxland, Lake View

One Sunday driving around southern Siouxland I stopped by the community of Lake View and was pleasantly surprised when I found a carnival and small annual festival the town holds every year. It was a day I couldn’t spend a lot of time since I was headed to another destination, but am always happy when I find something unexpected of a pleasant nature popping up when one leasts expects it.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some folk enjoy a day on the lake as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival on shore at the park, Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A park runs along the shore line where residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Families enjoy a day out in town as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Kids hit the rides as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A couple enjoy a view of the lake as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A carnival ride operator demonstrates the heat of the day as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Spending Time at the Lakes in Siouxland, Arnolds Park

As summer winds down in Siouxland the area up around the lakes near Arnolds Park and Okoboji and others will begin to take on their fall demeanor. The trees turn color and it becomes very pretty, but the life begins to slow much like sap running through a tree. The lakes are a summer “thing” and people will begin to pursue other avenues of entertainment away from the lakes, except those who live there and others who like the fall.

The recent day I visited I had the chance to ride the Queen II and enjoy a cruise around West Lake Okoboji and learn more about its history. This was during the week. And while there were people about, the morning was pretty quiet as I made some photos and enjoyed a walk about.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A warm and breezy day in Arnolds Park, Iowa, Monday July 24, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A sandlot and volleyball net are idle during morning hours but games will pick up in the afternoon at a beach in Arnolds Park, Iowa, Monday July 24, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Boaters head out into West Lake Okoboji on a warm and breezy day in Arnolds Park, Iowa, Monday July 24, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Umbrellas shade diners on a warm yet breezy day in Arnolds Park, Iowa, Monday July 24, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A cloudy and breezy warm day in Arnolds Park, Iowa, Monday July 24, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A couple enjoys one of the beaches in Arnolds Park, Iowa, Monday July 24, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

While there seems to be many power boats on West Lake Okoboji a sailor skippers his small sail boat around in Arnolds Park, Iowa, Monday July 24, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)