(Le Mars) — The famous Tonsfeldt round barn, located on the grounds of the Plymouth County Fair, is turning 100 years old this year, and fair-goers are encouraged to help celebrate the round barn’s anniversary.
The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, the organization that supervises the annual round barn’s agricultural education exhibit, is focusing on showcasing several of Plymouth County’s characteristic and historic barns. The Chamber Agriculture Committee has chosen the theme: “Plymouth County Barns: Landmarks on the Landscape.”
Jordan Sitzmann, Vice President of the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Division says, “In honor of the round barn’s century anniversary, we will feature photos of several selected unique and distinctive barns located within Plymouth County. People attending the fair and visiting the famous round barn will see several photos of all types of barns including Gable, Gambrel, Monitor, Gothic and other style barns all found within Plymouth County,” said Sitzmann.
Sitzmann says, “The local FFA chapters are joining the Chamber Ag Committee by featuring exhibit displays showcasing the different types of barns, their origins, and histories. People will find the information interesting, especially at a time when we are seeing so many of the historical barns are disappearing,”
This year, visitors to the round barn will also see an agricultural time line showing the year of significant events involving agriculture and Plymouth County history.
Through the generosity of sponsorships and grants, the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee was able to obtain additional new “hands-on” interactive educational displays.
“Visitors will learn the difference between truth and myth involving Genetically Modified Organisms with an unique interactive educational exhibit,” said Sitzmann, “and children of all ages will enjoy tossing the bean bag for the popular tailgate game of corn-hole,” said Sitzmann. The game board contains interesting facts and statistics regarding corn and soybean production. “Attendees will have fun and at the same time learn about agriculture,” said Sitzmann.
In addition, the round barn will feature agricultural-related puzzles, a “hands-on” simulated grain auger system, and the popular working bee hive exhibit.
New this year inside the “aROUND the farm in the BARN” agricultural educational exhibit will be a children’s play area.
“The round barn children’s area has a background scene of a barn with animals that was created by Beth Schlichte and the Gehlen Catholic Art Department,” Sitzmann said. “We are thankful for their contribution to the round barn agricultural education exhibit,” said Sitzmann.
