Woodbury County Fair Association
About WCFA
The history of the Woodbury County Fair in Moville, IA, stretches back to 1928. Every year, we grow and evolve. Keep browsing this page to learn more about the county fair, or contact WCFA for inquiries and additional information.
Our Story
When the Interstate Fair, which had been held in Sioux City for many years, was discontinued the 1926 season, the Woodbury County Farm Bureau joined with representatives of Plymouth County, IA, Union County, SD, and Dakota County, NE, to hold an inter-county fair in Moville, IA in September 1927. It was named the Big-4 Fair, with Ralph McElrath of Moville elected as organization president. Unfortunately, the fair did not succeed due to a lack of cooperation.
In 1928, the Farm Bureau held the exposition at the fairgrounds in Sioux City. The Monahan Legion Post helped support the movement, and the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce donated $7,500. However, there still was little public interest.
In 1930, the Woodbury County Farm Bureau asked various towns in the county to bid for a county fair. Moville won with a bid of $8,000.
At that time, the new organization officers were Alvern Wendel of Bronson, president; Milford Beeghly of Pierson, vice president; Fred McDermott of Moville, secretary; and Henry Wood of Moville, treasurer. They have decided to hold the fair the following September 10, 11, and 12. With a total attendance of 13,105, the undertaking was successful, and the fair board realized a modest profit.
Some of the exhibits were displayed in booths on Main Street, while others were in today’s Masonic Temple. Some of the 4-H and FFA exhibits were also displayed in a garage on Second Street. At the east end of Main Street, livestock was shown in a large barn on the W. E. Hall farm. Fair attractions include afternoon baseball games, a hog and chicken calling contest, a horseshoe pitching contest in the town park, and foot races at the baseball park. Bands from the surrounding towns furnished music each day.
WCFA purchased 29 acres of the W. E. Hall farm in 1930, which joined Moville on the east. The large barn there, used during fair time for stock exhibits, was remodeled. A sheep barn and hog house were built as well as a women's exhibit hall.
An interesting item taken from a clipping of a Sioux City newspaper on August 27, 1931, states that "the following person financed and built the grandstand, which will eventually become the property of the Fair Association; F.L. McDermott, Wallace Rundall, James Anderson, J. C. Larkin, and C. C. Everhart." Several years later, a roof was erected over the grandstand. In 1962, there were 68 acres of land and 14 buildings; many additions and improvements have been made in the ensuing years.
Many attractions, including an Old Settler's Day, have been offered to boost attendance. Free admission was given to county locals who have been there for 50 years or more. Many noted speakers were also invited, including Milo Reno, president of the Iowa Farmer's Union (1930); Lieutenant Governor Nelson G. Kraschel (1933); and U. S. Senator Guy M. Gillette of Cherokee (1934).
On September 16, 1932, Henry C. Field of Shenandoah was the featured speaker. The total attendance for that day was 6,000, a record-breaker.
In 1930, the Woodbury County Farm Bureau asked various towns in the county to bid for a county fair. Moville won with a bid of $8,000.
At that time, the new organization officers were Alvern Wendel of Bronson, president; Milford Beeghly of Pierson, vice president; Fred McDermott of Moville, secretary; and Henry Wood of Moville, treasurer. They have decided to hold the fair the following September 10, 11, and 12. With a total attendance of 13,105, the undertaking was successful, and the fair board realized a modest profit.
Some of the exhibits were displayed in booths on Main Street, while others were in today’s Masonic Temple. Some of the 4-H and FFA exhibits were also displayed in a garage on Second Street. At the east end of Main Street, livestock was shown in a large barn on the W. E. Hall farm. Fair attractions include afternoon baseball games, a hog and chicken calling contest, a horseshoe pitching contest in the town park, and foot races at the baseball park. Bands from the surrounding towns furnished music each day.
WCFA purchased 29 acres of the W. E. Hall farm in 1930, which joined Moville on the east. The large barn there, used during fair time for stock exhibits, was remodeled. A sheep barn and hog house were built as well as a women's exhibit hall.
An interesting item taken from a clipping of a Sioux City newspaper on August 27, 1931, states that "the following person financed and built the grandstand, which will eventually become the property of the Fair Association; F.L. McDermott, Wallace Rundall, James Anderson, J. C. Larkin, and C. C. Everhart." Several years later, a roof was erected over the grandstand. In 1962, there were 68 acres of land and 14 buildings; many additions and improvements have been made in the ensuing years.
Many attractions, including an Old Settler's Day, have been offered to boost attendance. Free admission was given to county locals who have been there for 50 years or more. Many noted speakers were also invited, including Milo Reno, president of the Iowa Farmer's Union (1930); Lieutenant Governor Nelson G. Kraschel (1933); and U. S. Senator Guy M. Gillette of Cherokee (1934).
On September 16, 1932, Henry C. Field of Shenandoah was the featured speaker. The total attendance for that day was 6,000, a record-breaker.
“The 1987 Woodbury County Fair will be August 5-9 with Schnetter Amusements of Aurelia providing the carnival.”– From an Article Taken From the Moville Record (October 16, 1986)