McLeod County Fair leaders describe rising attendance, economic benefits and ARPA‑funded improvements

Casey Walters, manager of the McLeod County Fair, told the McLeod County Board that the fair’s free‑admission policy introduced in 2022 has helped drive attendance, vendor demand and local economic activity.

"Since implementing the no cost admission at the gate in '22, our attendance has consistently averaged around the 50,000 plus attendee mark over a 4 day event in August," Walters said, describing a rise from a previous estimate of about 32,000 when admission was paid. He said the change also increased vendor interest and led to capacity fills for 82 indoor commercial spaces and 45 outdoor vendor spaces.

Walters highlighted partnerships with 4‑H and veterans organizations, described educational exhibits supported by the DNR and noted the fair’s role as a fundraising venue for local nonprofits. He said open‑class exhibitor entries exceeded 45,000 this year and that the association contributed $24,251 to local 4‑H programming, representing an average of $117 per 4‑H youth exhibitor.

The association credited federal American Rescue Plan Act funding with supporting facilities and programming; Walters said Century Hall’s permanent family space and improved restrooms allowed the fair to broaden indoor offerings and increase livestock participation in other buildings. He invited residents to the 2026 fair, scheduled Aug. 20–23 at the McLeod County Fairgrounds.

Board members praised the fair’s volunteer base and facilities; one commissioner noted that neighboring county officials complimented McLeod County’s fair. The fair manager said the operation relies on roughly 500 volunteers each year and that organizers are planning a local economic impact evaluation based on national fair data the association contributed.

Walters closed by thanking county staff and volunteers and by reiterating the invitation for next year’s fair.