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| Humboldt County Fairgrounds 311 6th Avenue North Humboldt, Iowa 50548 |
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Events |
Board member Curt Carlson promotes Humboldt County Fair
Curt Carlson stands in the empty grandstand, which will be filled during the many action events scheduled during the fair. Curt Carlson, secretary of the Humboldt County Fair Board, is excited about the great action-packed grandstand events scheduled for the Humboldt County Fair this year. Professional bull riding is the newest event joining the lineup with the popular tough truck challenge, the ITPA/Outlaw Tractor and 4WD pull, the antique tractor and garden tractor pull and the figure-8 races. A bull riding BOA (Bullriders of America) promoter is bringing 30 bulls to the grandstand event in Humboldt. "The bull riding competition is sanctioned. In addition to cash prizes, in sanctioned events, the bull riders are eligible to earn points which they accumulate during the riding season, similar to sanctioned car racing events," Curt said. Humboldt is hosting one of two sanctioned bull riding events in this area of Iowa during the August 2nd weekend. "With two events held in this area, it promises to attract a large number of professional bull riders," Carlson said. Local bull riders Curt was a little surprised that some local individuals voiced interest in participating in the bull riding competition. As a fair board member, Carlson’s main focus is in organizing and working with grandstand events. Although many of the board members are primarily involved in specified areas of the fair and/or the fairground year-around activities, such as 4-H and livestock judging, all fair board members are involved directly or indirectly in all aspects. The fairground is owned by the Humboldt County Agricultural Society. Its board of directors is commonly called the Humboldt County Fair Board. Current board members are: President Mark Holtan, Vice-President Gary Vinsand, Secretary Curt Carlson, Bruce Schipull, Don Day, Gordon Kirchoff, Doug Prior, Doug Sandven, Bruce Foth, John D. Myers, Paul Davis, Clay Norman, Gary Erickson, Jeff Friesth, and Mike Carey. New emphasis Carlson feels the board’s new strong emphasis toward community involvement is a plus for the fair and the fairground. "Numerous service organizations, and individuals make the Humboldt County Fair a success. The board and community groups are diversified, but work together for the common good of the community. The more people involved, the more the facility will be promoted and used, the more the community benefits," Curt said. In the fall of 2000, the board began a Booster Program. Carlson unofficially chaired the group, which actively sought community involvement. "Instead of asking for donations, we ask for sponsorships. This can be a benefit to the business, service group or individual, as well as a benefit to the community. The business or individuals can either donate money and/or services," Carlson said. Appreciation dinner All Booster members will receive a Booster Program appreciation dinner on Wednesday evening. Other recognition items within the Booster Program include complimentary tickets to grandstand events and carnival coupons. As an example of the Booster Program participation is Wempen Nursery & Landscaping Company. They landscaped the area around the Humboldt County Fair sign at the south entrance to the fairground. In turn they will get tickets for various fair grandstand events. Track expanded "This way people who donate still receive something for their cash or donation in addition to helping their community. The tickets increase the number of people attending the fair. The bigger the crowd, the more participation, the better it is for the community. The booster program has been successful. People need to be involved in community projects," Carlson said. "The figure-8 race track has been expanded. It is 50 to 60 feet longer with an improved design. Dirt had to be moved for the monster truck event. This requires Booster equipment and manpower. Boosters, offer their help and services. John’s Ag Services, Custom Made Products and Humboldt Rent-All are some of those that helped. When you begin to name businesses or groups, you are afraid you will miss someone, and every one is vital to making community events successful," Carlson said. Old car An example of a small individual donation was the gift of an old car for the monster truck event. Some of the gears where not in good operating order, but the car competed well for a while and made a fine showing. When the car would not go anymore, the driver abandoned the car and the monster patrol ran over and crushed the car. "The car had very little monetary value, but this added to the grandstand show," Carlson said. A list of all Boosters will be published and recognized throughout the year. "Without community support, the fair and fairgrounds would not be as successful. I can’t stress enough how vital community involvement is our program," Carlson said. Carlson Trucking also rents portable storage containers. He hopes to donate the use of a container during the fair for storing tables, extra chairs and tools. Speak Curt has been asked to speak at several of the community service organizations about grandstand events. Recently Curt spoke to the Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club. The Lion’s Club, Humboldt-Dakota City Chamber of Commerce and BPW, also have been involved. Again, various community groups utilize the fairground during the year, which brings a lot of people to Humboldt. This year’s summer schedule of events began on June 9, when figure-8 races were held. The 4th of July weekend was a busy place at the fairgrounds with the Jensen Trailer Monster Truck Challenge, IHRA Harness Racing, fireworks, and a car show. Other harness racing dates are August 17, and September 14 and 28. A blue grass music festival will be held at the fairgrounds from August 8 through 11. The Midwest Polka Fest will be held over Labor Day weekend from August 29 through September 1. Grandstand programs This year’s fair grandstand program begins on Thursday evening, August 1, when the BPW will crown the Humboldt County Fair Queen. There will also be a 4-H Fashion Review, the Little Miss and Mr. Contest and VFW Awards. Bull Riding Competition is the Friday evening grandstand entertainment. Saturday afternoon the Tough Truck Challenge is in front of the grandstand. Saturday evening the ITPA/Outlaw Tractor and local 4 WD Pickup Pull will be the entertainment. Sunday afternoon the antique tractor and garden tractor pull will entertain the grandstand audience. Sunday evening the chainsaw art action will be held and the figure-8 races will hold the grandstand crowd’s attention. Harness races this fall Carlson noted the harness race horses and the interest in racing has been a big asset to Humboldt, however, there will not be any harness races during the fair this year due to scheduling conflicts. There will be harness races at the local fair ground again in August and September. "There are 30 to 40 horses housed and trained at the Humboldt facility. This is a favorite track in Iowa for many. This produces income for the fairgrounds. We are hoping to improve the horse facilities to show our appreciation for them being here," Carlson said. Community pride is evident in the Humboldt area and visitors notice. "Many visitors have mentioned how neat and clean the town, area, and fairground appear. It is evident people take pride in their community. The fair board tries to build and improve the facilities as much as possible. When more people are involved, more can be accomplished," Carlson said. Curt became a fair board member in November of 2000. He always enjoyed the fair, but his direct involvement with the fair board began when he started helping his friend, Doug Prior, prepare for the fair and with some of the activities during the fair. Friends "I would say the biggest factor was working with Doug, other friends and some of my classmates who were involved with the fair. I felt comfortable being involved and felt this was a benefit to the community. I am sure it didn’t hurt my interests when I moved across the southeast corner of the fairgrounds," Curt said. He is quick to say the activities of the fair and fairground is a team effort involving the entire board and a whole lot of volunteers and Boosters which work together to make the events successful. Curt is a rural Humboldt native and the son of Mary Louise Carlson of Humboldt and the late Earl Carlson. As a youth, he was an active member of the West Grove Huslers. He showed livestock at the fair. Curt was also a FFA member, serving as the group’s president during his senior year. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1976. Auctioneer He is also a graduate of auctioneering school and does some auctioneering in the area. Carlson was terminal manager for a trucking firm in Texas for six years. He returned to Iowa in 1992. From then until 1996, he was employed at Hardy Coop. In the spring of 1996, Curt started Carlson Trucking. The firm hauls specialized and general freight in a 13-state region with 13 trucks using both flat bed and van trailers. Curt dispatches the trucks, Lisa Coats is the office manager and Kelly Gonder is employed part time in logistics. Curt has two sons. Cody is 11 and Clinton is nine. Both boys are enthusiastic about the action grandstand events and active in Boy Scouts. |
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