NORTHWOOD, Iowa – The local fair season kicks off this weekend with the 123rd annual Worth County Fair.

Thursday, June 21, 2001

NORTHWOOD, Iowa – The local fair season kicks off this weekend with the 123rd annual Worth County Fair.

Thousands of visitors are expected to Northwood for the five-day event, said organizer Lonnie Harris. For $5, people can purchase a fair button that gives them access to all the fair’s events, including the popular grandstand events each night.

Holding the first fair of the season, Harris said, has its advantages.

&uot;For a lot of people, the Worth County Fair is the first event of the summer. We kind of start the whole season,&uot; Harris said. &uot;We’ve thought about going later in the summer, but if you’re going to be early, you might as well be first.&uot;

Harris said the 4-H shows have always been the heart of the fair. Families who bring their sheep, cattle, hogs and horses highlight the area’s agriculture. But the biggest draw has always been the Saturday night demolition derby.

&uot;It’s hard to say if there’s one main thing people come to see. But, if I had to pick one, it would be the derby,&uot; Harris said. &uot;People are always excited about it.&uot;

Other highlights of the weekend include figure-8 races on Thursday, a tractor pull on Friday night and a concert by country music performer Kevin Morris on Sunday.

The amusements remain a popular draw for young people, said Harris. About a dozen rides and attractions, from mini golf to &uot;The Sizzler,&uot; are an essential part of the weekend.

&uot;We won’t have the fair without the amusements,&uot; Harris said. &uot;That’s one reason we’re a little earlier than everyone else. It’s the only time we can arrange for the excellent company that sets up their rides here for us.&uot;

Organizer Pat Nelson said the community meals are also a Worth County Fair tradition. Thursday’s turkey feed is the first big meal, followed by Saturday’s 4-H pig roast and BBQ beef on Sunday.

Harris said the people or Worth County have always supported the fair, a fact reflected by the immaculate grounds and well-maintained buildings. More than 4,700 buttons were sold last year, and most of those people came to the fair at least three of the five days, he said.

&uot;Our numbers are steady; we hope to see them go up this year. We’ve got nice weather forecast, and that always makes a big difference,&uot; Harris said.