A 19 year member of the Plymouth County Fair Board has been chosen to receive the 2026 “Heart of the County Fair” award. Candice Farrer is one of six recipients across Iowa to receive this honor sponsored by the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, in sponsorship with Wyfells Hybrids and the Iowa State Fair.
The Heart of the County Fair Award was created to honor those whose dedication, leadership, volunteerism, and passion help strengthen the traditions and community spirit that make county fairs such an important part of rural Iowa.
“This award recognizes the people who often work behind the scenes, investing countless hours to ensure their county fair remains a place where youth can learn, families can gather, and communities can celebrate agriculture,” said Russ Parker, Operations Manager and owner of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
Candice and her family take part in work nights many weeks before the Plymouth County Fair in Le Mars. That has included painting and maintaining buildings, building display cabinets for the fairgrounds, deconstructing old flower beds on the fairgrounds and then re-landscaping, and building small livestock cages and setting up the poultry and rabbit barns for showing each year. The Plymouth County Fair is truly a family event for her family. Candice spearheads the ribbons, trophies, and banners for the fair, plus she is the board liaison for all open class departments and contesting. She also does all the marketing and advertising for the fair.
She came up with the slogan: “The Best Five Days of Summer- the Plymouth County Fair.” Farrer, also known as Candice Nash- a co-host of the KSUX 105.7 morning show- serves as emcee for many fair events including the cooking school, bucket calf show, and Farm Olympics.
Candice will be recognized locally during the Plymouth County Fair and will also be honored during County Fair Day at the Iowa State Fair on August 14. Each of the six district recipients will receive a commemorative plaque, a cash award, Iowa State Fair admission tickets, VIP parking, and food coupons as part of their recognition.
