WEST LIBERTY, IA- The David and Stacie Hoag Family has donated $10,000 to the new Event Center at the Muscatine County Fair. David and Stacie live just north of Muscatine. They have two children, Shonna and her husband Dustin Lampe, and Bryan and his wife Teri. They also have seven grandchildren Carter, Tanner, Oliver, Layne, Riggston, Droz, and Perrick.

David and Stacie were both in 4-H growing up, and David was also in FFA. Both of their parents were very active in the fair and helped teach them the love of the fair at a young age. That tradition has also carried on to their children, as Shonna showed cattle and horse, and Bryan showed cattle, sheep, and hogs. They also had many static projects over the years too. Now the grandchildren participate in the fun as Carter, Tanner, and Oliver are also already in 4-H and have been showing cattle and have static projects that they bring to the fair each summer. Stacie is also the superintendent for the Open Class Pet Show at the fair.

“The Muscatine County Fair has been the main event of our summers, from the livestock shows to taking various projects in the different open class divisions. We love the fair!” Said Stacie. “We enjoy the nostalgia of the county fair, the livestock shows, and catching up with old friends from across the whole county.”

The new event center will be where the 4-H and FFA static projects are housed during the week of the fair. It will also be a place where families can gather for family events and benefits. The new event center will seat 500 people, have a patio, and have a prep kitchen area. All things that the current Activity Center does not have. The prep kitchen will also be able to be used for 4-H demonstrations and workshops. The new event center will sit northwest of the current activity center and will offer breathing room from other buildings, but will remain within reasonable walking distance from open-class exhibit buildings.

“We feel it is very important to preserve the fair traditions, competitions, and showcasing agriculture production in Muscatine County. The new event center will keep the Muscatine County Fair thriving for our youth and help develop future leaders in our community.” Said David.

“I really can’t thank the Hoag Family enough for their donation. They really do have a love for the fair through all the volunteer work with being superintendents and always supporting the fair at every event we host. I can’t thank them enough for their unwavering dedication.” Said, Kelsey Meyers, Muscatine County Fair Manager.

The event center project continues to be on schedule with breaking ground in March. The Muscatine County Fair will host a March 1 Weekend for the Fair Fundraiser where doors open at 5pm to continue the fundraising efforts for the event center and the fair. Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased at the fair office for $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Tables can also be purchased for $400 and that comes with 8 tickets/seats and a famous bottle of apple pie. There will be a catered meal, live auction, and live music by Angela Meyer.

To make a donation or to sponsor an area of the project, contact Kelsey Meyers at the Muscatine County Fair office at 319-627-2414 or at [email protected].