“We are so happy,” said Webster County Fair Manager Heather Stewart. “The Kids Zone has been packed with events and activities. All the free entertainment has been full. Last night we had the IRR rodeo and from every corner of the stands and beyond, it was packed full. The Grandstand has had great attendance. We are just so happy that everyone is enjoying the fair and coming out and taking it all in.”

Specific attendance numbers aren’t available because the fair board doesn’t take tickets or charge admission. But just looking at the crowds has convinced Stewart that this year’s fair is really attracting people.

Friday’s Webster County Fair events opened with the naming of a new fair queen and runner-up. On Monday, Kara McGonegle was named fair queen alongside Ryan Wicklein as fair king. However, McGonegle will be unable to attend the Iowa State Fair to represent Webster County, so she abdicated the role to Harley Eckert, who was previously the runner-up.

“I’m so excited to be named fair queen,” said Eckert, who is a 2024 Southeast Valley High School graduate from Lehigh. “It’s gotten me so involved in the fair. I haven’t had a chance previously to attend the sheep show, the goat show, or the poultry show. I’ve really enjoyed participating in the fair this week. I can’t wait to go to the Iowa State Fair in August and participate in their fair queen contest as well.”

-Submitted photo
Gabby Stewart, left, and Harley Eckert were named to the 2024 Webster County Fair Court on Friday. Eckert was named the fair queen following the resignation of Kara McGonegle. Stewart was named the queen runner-up.

Gabby Stewart, of Harcourt, also a 2024 Southeast Valley High School graduate, was named fair queen runner-up.

Friday’s Webster County Fair events also included the 4-H and FFA beef show as well as Barnyard Olympics, the horse game class show, and the Cat and Pet Project Show, and closed with the 4-Wheeler races and Tuff Trucks.

The fair will continue throughout the weekend with 4-H and FFA events taking place as well as free entertainment, Kids Zone activities, and grandstand events. Tonight’s truck pulls have been moved up an hour to accommodate the high attendance numbers.

The Webster County Fair will close on Sunday with a vendor show. According to Stewart, more than 50 vendors will be on-site and the carnival will continue as well.

“We also have the Parade of Champion market auction happening at 6:30 p.m.,” said Stewart. “This auction isn’t bidding for the animal, but the kid and their ribbon. This auction financially helps these 4-H and FFA-ers with next year’s animals and projects. We’d really love it if people came out to cheer on and support all of the hard work that these kids have done.”

-Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News
Harley Eckert was named the 2024 Webster County Fair Queen on Friday. Eckert is a 2024 Southeast Valley High School graduate and hails from Lehigh.

Schedule of events

Saturday

9 a.m. Open Baking Class (East Auditorium)

10 a.m. 4H/FFA Horse Show

10:30 a.m. Theme Cake Class by Hummingbird Confections

-Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News
Gabby Stewart smiles as she receives a college scholarship from Bruce Long of the Webster County Cattlemen’s Association. Gabby is a 2024 Southeast Valley High School graduate and plans to attend Iowa Central Community College in the fall.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Stingray Encounters

11 a.m. Ken the Fire Ninja (Free Stage)

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Watermelon Feed

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Local First Responders (West Auditorium)

11:30 a.m. Magic Show

-Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News
Spencer Suchan and younger sister, Liberty Suchan, usher their cattle into the show ring Friday as part of the Webster County Fair’s 4H and FFA cattle competition.

11:45 a.m. Nature Nick’s Animal Adventure

12 p.m. Scott’s Amusement Carnival

12 p.m. The Steamers Thrill Show

12 p.m. Buffalo Wild Wings Challenge

1 p.m. Kids Pedal Tractor Pull

1 p.m. Antique Tractor Pull

1 p.m. DJ Bingo

1 p.m. Ken the Fire Ninja

2 p.m. Cookie Eating Contest (Free Stage)

2-5 p.m. Semi-Truck Pull Show (South of Carnival)

2:30 p.m. Nature Nick Animal Adventure

5 p.m. Sweet Corn Feed

5 p.m. Evan Pratt Concert (Free Stage)

530 p.m. All Iowa Trivia Contest

5 p.m. Open Truck Pull (Grandstand)

7 p.m. Share The Fun (East Auditorium)

Sunday

10a.m.-2 p.m. Vendor Show

10:45 a.m. Registration for Bacon Buddies (Indoor Arena)

11a.m.-2 p.m. Stingray Encounters

10:30a.m. Nature Nick’s Animal Adventure

11:30a.m. Bacon Buddies (Indoor Arena)

12 p.m. Scott’s Amusement Carnival

12 p.m. The Steamers Thrill Show

12 p.m. Hot Dog Eating Contest (Free Stage)

1:45 p.m. Magic Show (Next to Kids’ Zone)

3 p.m. 4H/FFA Market Ribbon Animal Auction Only

4:30 p.m. Livestock Exhibits Released

4:30 p.m. Start of Releasing 4H/FFA Static Exhibits

5 p.m. Parade of Champions Dinner (Invitation Only)

6:30 p.m. Parade of Champions in East Side Auditorium