2026 Mighty Howard County Fair: June 24-28 |Â Get Your Tickets Now!
2026 Mighty Howard County Fair: June 24-28 |Â Get Your Tickets Now!
Mighty Howard County Fair
Be A Part of the Future of Your Fair
Since 1923 The Howard County Fairgrounds has served the area as a vibrant and inviting gathering place for our community, hosting events that bring together families, friends, and neighbors, creating generations of memories, traditions, and community spirit.
The mission of the Howard County Agricultural Society is the preservation of the past, to promote the present, and provide educational opportunities on the future, including agriculture, horticulture, mechanical arts, and the rural and domestic economy. The Society holds a county fair each year to serve as its primary medium to achieve its mission.
The primary focus of the Mighty Howard County Fair is to serve as an avenue to showcase of the talents of the community’s youth by providing a means of education, exhibition and competition of the various livestock and non-livestock projects the youth are involved in. The Society also uses the county fair to highlight the heritage of the community, and its ties to agriculture, industry, and businesses that are the backbone of the community.
To ensure the fairgrounds remain a safe, accessible, and welcoming venue for years to come, the community is encouraged to help fund much-needed improvements on the fairgrounds. These enhancements will include upgrading facilities, expanding event spaces, and making the grounds more accessible to all visitors. Contributions to the Society will ensure the fairgrounds will continue to thrive as a hub for celebration and connection in Howard County and the surrounding area for the next century.
The Howard County Agricultural Society is a not-for-profit organization in the State of Iowa and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501-c3 tax-exempt organization. A contribution (monetary & in-kind) to the Society is considered a charitable donation and therefore could be tax deductible. Check with your tax preparer.
Select a project from the menu below.
 Legacy Hall – For the Future of our Community
 Building a Stronger Community Together….
For generations, Cresco and its surrounding area have thrived on connection, shared experiences, and a deep-rooted sense of community. Now, an exciting new chapter is on the horizon. We are thrilled to introduce Legacy Hall, a brand-new, state-of-the-art event center that will serve as the beating heart of our area community. Designed as a vibrant community-first hub, it will offer a versatile space for every occasion in Cresco and the surrounding area, ideal for  wedding receptions, business meetings, youth activities, and large community gatherings. Legacy Hall will be located on the Howard County Fairgrounds in Cresco Iowa.
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A Space for Every Occasion….
Thoughtfully designed to be the heart of our community, Legacy Hall
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Why Your Support Matters….
Legacy Hall is more than just a building; it is an investment in the future of our community. By contributing to our capital campaign, you are helping to:
Leave Your Mark on Our Community’s Future….
We cannot bring this vision to life without your support. We invite individuals, local businesses, and community leaders to join us in this exciting endeavor. Every contribution brings us one step closer to opening the doors of Legacy Hall.
Whether through naming rights, memorial gifts, or general donations, your support ensures that your legacy—or the legacy of a loved one—will be celebrated at the heart of Cresco for generations to come.
Your contribution to the Legacy Hall Fundraising Campaign is an investment in the future of our community. By donating, you are helping construct a sanctuary for celebration, a hub for local growth, and a permanent space where new memories will be made for generations to come.
Join us in building a space that belongs to everyone. Your gift, no matter the size, helps lay the literal and figurative foundation of Legacy Hall. Together, let’s build a lasting legacy in your community.
To learn more about our building plans, view conceptual designs, or make a donation to the Legacy Hall Capital Campaign, please visit www.mhcfair.com/donate or contact Tom Barnes, Secretary of the Howard County Agricultural Society, at 641-220-4408 or email Tom at tbarnes@mhcfair.com.
                      
 An Opportunity for Our Future
  Welcome to a world where a child’s imagination can run as wild as the rolling fields of a farm. Our community has the opportunity to create a unique, interactive learning environment with ‘Grandpa Tom’s Barn’ as the focal point. This isn’t just a structure; it’s a foundation for hands-on education, creativity, and the joy of discovery for generations of children.
  Grandpa Tom’s Barn will be the center of family fun while focusing on ag education using hands-on exhibits and interactive activities.
The Vision: A Safe Space to Grow & Learn
Donations will be used to construct a specially designed, pint-sized barn that will serve as a dynamic educational hub. This vibrant space will provide children with the chance to:
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The Need: Your investment is crucial to this project.
To turn this vision into a reality, we need your support. The funds raised will be directly applied to essential elements of the project:
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The Goal
The Fair Board and Howard County Farm Bureau are partnering their efforts to make Grandpa Tom’s Barn a reality. They are needing to raise $85,000 to complete Grandpa Tom’s Barn by 2026 Mighty Howard County Fair. An additional $15,000 is needed to purchase interactive activities and ag-education displays.
✓ Tom’s Farmhand: Over $10,000
✓ Friend of the Barn: $5,000 to $9,999
✓ Barn Raiser: $2,500 to $4,999
✓ Parlor Partner: $1,000 – $2,499
✓ Seed Sower: $500 – $999
✓ The Hayloft: up to $499
The Fair Board is seeking funds to help build a new horse barn. Plans are for a 20-stall barn with room for tack, staging area, and wash stalls.
Projected cost ranges from $130,000 to $150,000.Â
More Information Coming Soon….
Can’t decide which project to donate to? Donate to the General Donation Fund for the Mighty Howard County Fair! Your contributions will be used across various improvements around the fairgrounds.
