Russell Dickerson headlines MHC Fair

Howard County - Spring is barely here, but loads of folks are already looking forward to summer. Every day puts us closer to one of the biggest summer events in the area — the Mighty Howard County Fair, which is taking place from June 23-28.

Get ready for “the next big thing,” as Russell Dickerson is known to his fans. The 2019 ACM Award nominee for “Song of the Year” will be performing at Party in the Pit on Saturday night. 

The country singer-songwriter charted three singles from his first album “Yours,” including “Blue Tacoma,” “Every Little Thing” and “Yours,” which has nearly 47 million views on YouTube.

Fair Board Secretary Tom Barnes said, “We’ve been after him for quite a while. He’s a hot commodity, and we are happy to get him.”

Opening for Dickerson is Madd Hoss Jackson, which is a band dedicated to blending of the sounds of Texas, Outlaw, Bakersfield and Red Dirt country music and mixing it with an upbeat, high-energy show.

They have been a staple of the Mighty Howard County Fair for several years and are a crowd favorite.

In addition, country music singer Walker Hayes will take the stage on Friday night. His big hits include “Don’t Let Her,” “90s Country” and “You Broke Up With Me.”

Barnes noted, “Both he and Dickerson put on quite a show.”

Jesse Allen, a morning personality on 93.9 The Country Moose in Mason City will open for Hayes.

 

Grandstand Shows

There are five big nights of events, including the musical entertainment headliners, that take place during the fair. For many years, show-goers have been able to purchase a button that gets them into all five events. This year is no different. The deal of the year is to purchase a button for $30 (or $40 the week of the fair) and attend all the grandstand events.

Buttons can be purchased at area businesses starting the week before Memorial Day. If a person wants to attend just one event, tickets can be purchased online at www.mhcfair.com starting in May.

(Single tickets will cost $15 for 13 and older; $7 for 9-12 youth; and under eight years of age are free. Single tickets for Friday are $20 and Saturday night will be $25, so it makes sense to get a button!)

• Wednesday, June 24: The  ECITPA Sanctioned Truck & Tractor Pull will start at 6:30 p.m. Classes include: Super Modified Trucks – Pro Street Diesel Trucks; Super Farm Tractors — Super Stock 2WD Trucks Improved Stock Trucks; and Plus 2 Farm Stock classes by McIntire Pullers

 

 

• Thursday, June 25: One of the tried and true crowd favorites is the Stock Car Races. Fans hope the weather stays clear for the races this year.

The big purse for the USRA Modifieds is $1,000 to win. Other purses included stock cars ($500), B-Modifieds ($400) and Hobby Stocks ($300). Hot laps will start at 6:45 p.m. 

• Friday, June 26: Area native Jesse Allen will open for country music star Walker Hayes. Party in the Pit starts at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, June 27: Madd Hoss Jackson will open for Russell Dickerson, starting at 8 p.m.

• Sunday, June 28:  “We are really excited to have a complete rodeo with Rogue Rodeo. A lot of different fairs use it. It’s not just bulls and barrels.” The Iowa-based rodeo will entertain the crowds, starting at 6 p.m. The company hails from Monroe County and puts on a fast-paced, exciting, family-friendly rodeo in a professional manner.

 

More Fun

The grandstand shows are great, but the Mighty Howard County Fair has so many other offerings. Each year, the Fair Board tries to get new and different acts and bring back a few favorites.

Grandpa Cratchet will have free shows daily. He will also drive around the grounds in his puppet-mobile. 

Another fun show will be Dan Mink, The Rhinestone Roper. Mink is a world champion Western performer who will show gun tricks, roping, whip stunts, knife throwing and more! Barnes said he has seen the show and it draws a lot of people.

Back again are Doyle Carving Niche’s Chainsaw Sculptures, facepainting, Remote Control Car Demolition Derby,  Spelling Bee, Cresco Wildlife Club displays, Howard County Historical Museum and baby animals in the Ag Education Center.

On Saturday, June 27, the Iowa State University Campanile Replica will be on display.

As always, there are a lot of fun things to see at the Mighty Howard County Fair, and a lot of it is free!

 

Contests

Some changes will take place in the Featherlite Center as the Farm Bureau Women will no longer be in charge of that or the queen contest. “The Farm Bureau Women have done a great job,” said Barnes. “This year we’ll be picking it up. We have some young people who will be taking it over.”

All-in-all, the 2020 Mighty Howard County Fair will still entertain, inform and be a meeting place for friends and families.

Look for more events taking place during the 2020 Mighty Howard County Fair in the months to come. Check out the fair’s website at www.mhcfair.com.