The Clarke County Fair is a rich tradition that dates back to the early 1900’s and has always been a place for families to connect and bond together. The Clarke County Fair Board places a special emphasis on providing quality education and enrichment opportunities for county youth. In 2001 the Fair Board was contacted by the City of Osceola to consider relocating the facilities to allow for development of a new aquatic and recreation center. This was a difficult decision for the board to make because of memories and traditions, but due to the needs of the community the board decided to relocate to an undeveloped property just west of Osceola on Highway 34.

“A new fairground facility will be a tremendous asset to our county and will provide educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities to the members of the community.”
- Penny Gonseth, Murray Development


“As a Clarke County 4-Her and FFA member I believe that a new fairgrounds will be a great improvement and asset to our whole county. It would be a huge benefit to all ages young and old.”
- Ashley Graff, FFA and 4-Her


“We believe continuing a county fair is of major importance to the community and especially to our youth interested in agriculture.”
- Warren W. Keeler, Clarke County Farm Bureau


“The experiences received from our youth through 4-H and a quality facility promote self confidence, character, leadership, financial responsibility, friendly competition, and a sense of accomplishment.”
- Kevin Klemesrud, Exec VP American State Bank


“The new fairgrounds and event center is a wonderful project and a tremendous asset for the families and youth of Clarke County. Not only will the new fairgrounds and events center provide many activities for local 4-H clubs, it will also provide a venue for year-round family and community events and attractions.”
- Stacy Gibbs, Exec Director CCDC


“With a facility such as this, Osceola and Southern Iowa will surely have the ability to become a family destination for the many events that can be presented upon completion.”
- Diane Ogbourne, Clarke County State Bank


“4-H has been a thrilling and educational experience for me. I have learned how to get along with people while working in small groups. I have also learned how to get up in front of people and speak about a topic. I have learned to stay calm while presenting my project to the judge.”
- Emily K Flaherty, Triple Troopers 4-H Club


“In addition to quality of life issues, this project
will also provide economic development
benefits to our county.”
- Brian Oswald, Market President Great Western Bank
 

The Clarke County Fairgrounds and Event Center is a new, exciting, and growing venture in South Central Iowa. The facility is poised for development into the premier year-round entertainment venue for local, state and regional organizations, including livestock and machinery shows, judging contests, flea markets, camper rallies, races, and jamborees of various types.

What will the Clarke County Fairgrounds and Events Center do for the citizens and businesses of Clarke County?

Invest Campaign Goal = $350,000 This pyramid shows what is needed from locals to match a dollar for dollar grant provided by the Dekko Foundation to total the $687,000 to complete phase I. and phase II. of the Clarke County Fairgrounds and Events Center

The Events Center will serve as a first class venue for the annual Clarke County Fair and as a year round destination spot attracting events that educate residents, enrich local culture, and improve the economic well-being of the surrounding region. We challenge individuals, families, businesses and groups to personally pledge to this worthwhile project. This dream will soon become a reality with the many commitments of all those who all care about the educational, cultural and recreational opportunities of our region.