One of the many poultry entries at the 2024 Polk County Fair. This year had a record number of birds entered.
(Des Moines, IA) -- The annual Polk County Fair is underway this week at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, and it is seeing record participation.
"We are looking at a full-fledged fair," said Marci Vinsand, Polk County 4H coordinator. "I think a majority of our entries are up this year, so we have very busy packed week for us." She says entries for smaller livestock, including for poultry, have continued to grow, because smaller livestock are easier for kids that don't live on a farm to take care of.
"We are just bringing more attention to the different things that the kids are doing. Our kids do great items here in Polk County, and we're happy to share that with everybody," Vinsand said.
The fair even featured a cat show on Saturday, with an estimated 20 felines taking part.
Poultry judging took place on Sunday afternoon, with 470 birds entered, and 74 4H and FFA exhibitors.
Jason Lihs [[LISS]], Poultry Superintendent at the Polk County Fair, says it is more than just chickens being shown.
"You've got ducks, turkeys, market ducks, market broilers," he said, mentioning several different types of birds, "we're excited about it, there's a lot of preparation that goes into this, but it's a lot of fun."
The Polk County Fair lasts through Friday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Monday starts off with a dog show at 8 a.m. in the Jacobson Arena, followed by an open sheep show in the sheep barn show ring at 9 a.m.