July 23 - 27, 2025 * Le Mars, Iowa
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Open Class Competitions

Creative Hobbies & Art

Seamstress, crafters, artists and more bring amazing pieces to the Plymouth County Fair each and every year. Their talent is inspiring, and we want you to take part -- either as a contestant or a spectator. There are categories for children and adults.

Visit us in the south end of the Open Class Building and be amazed!

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Horticulture

Calling all green thumbs! Here is a competition that gives you a chance to show Mary how your garden grows.

With lots of classes, there is a place for anything you grow in your garden or flowerbed.

Be sure to stop by the north end of the Open Class Building and see how many varieties of blossoms Mother Nature has in her collection.

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Food & Preservation Exhibits

Located in the northwest portion of the Open Class Building, you will find sweet treats, canned items and more. Local residents bring their finest for competition. Special awards are also presented to the best entries in both the youth and adult divisions.

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Antiques & Collectibles

Look in the back of your cupboards, in the attic, or maybe right in front of you ,,, and bring your treasures to the Antiques & Collectibles contest.

Located in the southeast part of the Open Class Building, you will find unique treasures on display.

Categories change every year, so be sure to check for the latest -- or rather, the oldest???


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Photography Show

Countywide, we have amazing photographers and what better place to see their latest images than the Open Class Building at the Plymouth County Fair.

On display will beautiful photos from talented Plymouth County youth, amateurs and professional photographers.

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Bill Riley Talent Search

Sunday

Talent! And more talent! That is what will be on display in Century Hall during the Bill Riley Talent show.

The air-conditioned venue will give you a chance to sit down and listen to and see area youth compete for prizes and the opportunity to participate in the Bill Riley Talent Show at the Iowa State Fair.

Sprouts: Ages 2 through 12
Seniors: Ages 13 through 21

Talent Search with Prizes & a Chance to Compete at the Iowa State Fair

For more information about the Bill Riley Talent Show, contact the superintendent or visit Iowa State Fair and the Bill Riley Talent Search to obtain the rules.
Completed entry forms are due to the superintendent by 11:59 p.m., on the Friday before the competition.

There is not a fee to participate in the Bill Riley Talent Show. However, gate admission to attend the Plymouth County Fair is required.

Check in Begins at 11:30 a.m.
Performances Begin at 12:00 p.m.

If a contestant has qualified for the state competition, he/she is welcome to perform. Prizes will be awarded to those participants who have not previously qualified.

Superintendent: Mandy McKibbin-Woodard
(712) 251-6024

Pedal Tractor Pull

Saturday

One highlight of Saturday morning is the pedal tractor pull, held in the air conditioned comfort of Century Hall. This non-sanctioned event, gives youngsters, age 4-13, the opportunity to pull on one of four tractors, specially designed for each age group.

The roar of the tractor might not be as loud as the Outlaws Tractor Pulling Series, but the enthusiasm of the crowd is just as robust!

Registration is onsite prior to the pull and the event will start with the youngest pullers.

For more information: Joe Kessenich
(712) 539-1688

Highway 3 Cattle Battle

Sunday

With the fairgrounds being located just off Highway 3, on the northeast edge of Le Mars, it is only fitting that the Le Mars FFA Alumni Chapter offer the Highway 3 Cattle Battle.

Market, breeding and feeder calf divisions will be offered in this IJBBA sanctioned show, being held Sunday afternoon.

Livestock Judging Contest

Wednesday

The Livestock Judging Contest, hosted by the Le Mars FFA Chapter, is a long-standing tradition at the Plymouth County Fair.

The chapter -- consisting of students from Le Mars Community -- puts together cattle, beef, sheep and goat classes for participants to place. Official results are given and honors go to both youth and adult participants.

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Open Draft Horse & Mule Show

Saturday

Once a staple in agriculture production, one can't help but be amazed at the strength and beauty of the draft horse.

Join us in the horse arena, on the northeast part of the fair grounds, and watch these animals perform.

Open Fun Day Horse Show

Sunday

Venture to the northeast end of the grounds and spend the day at the Open Fun Day Horse Show.

Fun classes await participants and spectators alike. It is a great opportunity for the community to see the riders and horses interact and show their remarkable talent and skills.

Lil Britches Bucket Calf Show

Wednesday

Opening night in the livestock arena is one you won't want to miss! The youngest exhibitors on the grounds are proud to bring their calves to the fair Wednesday night. Be on hand as they proudly present their projects.

Lil Britches Open Pet Show

Sunday

Without a doubt one of the cutest competitions you will find on the grounds.

Come see the young pet owners show and talk about their best animal friends.
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