SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow) – Despite rainy weather and cool temperatures, the 2026 Clay County Fair saw a massive turnout.

During its nine-day run, the Fair welcomed 284,405 fairgoers.

Clay County Fair CEO Jason Brockshus says the turnout showed a strong commitment.

 

 

The Fair also set a record on Tuesday, September 15th, when 35,345 people came through the gates, marking a new all-time Tuesday attendance record.

 

 

A total of 460 vendors and concessionaires from 35 states participated, including 50 first-year vendors. Open-class competition included 1,368 exhibitors submitting more than 10,600 entries.

Brockshus says Grandstand events also drew 15,188 attendees.

 

 

While the weather kept overall attendance below the 300,000 mark the Fair is used to, Brockshus thanked those who continued to come through the gates despite the conditions.