MUSCATINE, Iowa–With Josh Turner performing as the Muscatine County Fair’s headline musical performance, it only made sense to have the fair’s theme to allude to one of his most famous songs.The Muscatine County Fair’s organizer hopes you will ask your friends, “Would you go with me . . . to the fair?” this summer and come join them for five days of fun July 19 through 23.
For anyone who has ever enjoyed a trip to the Muscatine County Fair, this year’s will have many of their favorite events. Fans of racing will enjoy traditional stock car races on July 19 and a demolition derby and trailer races on July 23. Anyone into good old-fashioned fun will love the tractor pull on July 21. Josh Turner, a sensational country star, will perform Saturday night, giving a concert that will delight all ages.
Along with these cornerstone events, the fair has several new attractions lined up too. Muscatine County Fair Manager Kelsey Meyer shared that the fair will hold its first donkey races on July 20. In the grandstand, well-known county personalities and leaders will race each other on donkeys, seeing who can travel the distance the fastest.
Following the hog show on the afternoon of July 20, 4-H and FFA members who show pigs will work with children with developmental and intellectual disabilities to share the joy of showing animals with them through the Bacon Buddies program. Two 4-H or FFA members will work with each special needs individual, teaching them the basics of showing pigs. They will show their pigs to judges as a group and get assessed on how well they (and their animals) work together.
A 4-H goat show at the 2022 Muscatine County Fair Photo by Margaret Hurlbert.
In addition to the many special grandstand events, the fair will still feature its winning combination of animal shows, other exhibits, and carnival rides: “We have entertainment for everyone of all ages all five days. The grandstand entertainment will be great family fun, the carnival brings top-of-the-line rides, the livestock shows are fun and well run, (and) the open exhibits are also very exciting to see as many people throughout the county work all year long on them,” Meyers shared.
Many beloved food vendors will return, bringing people’s favorite fair treats back with them. Live music in the beer garden will encourage people to relax and enjoy refreshments. “We also have the best food vendors, so you won’t want to miss the food!” Meyers enthused. “I mean, who wants to pass up a chicken on the stick, a corn dog, tenderloin, turkey leg, funnel cake, lemonade, or cotton candy?”
Fun passes for this year’s Muscatine County Fair, valid for July 19 through 23 cost $15 apiece for 4-H and FFA members, $20 for children 11 and younger, and $55 for everyone 12 and up. Track seating upgrades in the grandstand cost $10 per person, and ride armbands cost $25 each. Anyone wanting to purchase a fun pass, upgrades, grandstand-only tickets, or daily tickets may do so through the fair’s website or at the gate. Myers especially encourages those purchasing Josh Turner tickets to do so soon, as they have proved immensely popular so far.
