(Le Mars) — Over the years, several changes have occurred at the Plymouth County
Fair, and one person who has witnessed the 25th…the 50th…and now the 75th
anniversary is Ruth Peters. Peters recalls the early days of the Plymouth County
Fair.
Peters says she started collecting the past fair books, and was nearly able to have
a complete set of fair books. I said, Nearly able to have a complete set.
Peters says by finally obtaining the 1944 Fair Book, the 75th Anniversary committee
was then able to finish the book detailing the history of the Plymouth County Fair.
Many people have wondered who actually owns the property of the fairgrounds? Is it
part of city property, or does the county own the ground? Peters sets the record
straight by saying the Plymouth County fair grounds is actually owned by the
Plymouth County Agricultural Society.
Peters says at one time, many of the Plymouth County communities held their own
fairs.
One of the unique special features of the Plymouth County Fair is no doubt the
famous round barn, but Peters says the decision to move the structure to the
fairgrounds was controversial.
The long-time fair volunteer says the growth of the Pioneer Village was a special
time for the fair, and she has a particular soft spot in her heart for the small
chapel located on the north end of the Pioneer Village.
Peters shares other memories of the Plymouth County Fair. She says the Sheep Barn
was the first building to be constructed on the fair grounds, and the money raised
to build the structure has an unique story.
Peters attributes the success and growth of the Plymouth County Fair to the pride
and dedication by so many volunteers.
