Weather produces record-setting GJCF

     The weather during the 2018 Great Jones County Fair, July 18-22, was not typical for fair week weather.

     Highs were in the low 80s and upper 70s. Lows at night were in the 50s and 60s.

     GJCF General Manager John Harms said they are still awaiting final numbers on attendance and profit, but the 2018 GJCF definitely broke and hit some records. Harms shared Saturday and Sunday nights were the best on record. Friday was either second or third best. The concession stands hit new levels of profit. Tickets sales for four nights of concerts (Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, and Casting Crowns) hit new levels, “all with repeat artists,” said Harms. “Statistics don’t lie.”

     While temperatures were ideal, the four waves of downpours on Thursday caused some stress for the fair organizers.

     “That was one of the most stressful days for me in a long time,” admitted Harms.

     He said the uncertainty of the weather played a role in not knowing how the day’s events would unfold.

     Jones County Emergency Management Director Brenda Leonard was on the grounds of the fair all day Thursday to monitor the weather.

     “There were a lot of what-ifs,” said Harms. He said Leonard had extensive and sophisticated technology with the latest radar to report when a storm would hit the area and how long it might last.

     “I watched the radar much of the day,” said Harms. “Brenda is an integral part of our fair business.”

     Harms said with the cooler than normal fair weather, people seemed to eat more.

     “People feel better about eating when it’s cooler lout, and the food vendors were all up,” he shared.

     Unfortunately, severe weather and tornados hit the Marshalltown area that evening. Harms said if that same line of storms had hit the Monticello area during the fair, prior to a concert, the GJCF would have made national news.

     The rain let up in time to clear the track of standing water. Harms said it was a collective decision between the fair and Jason Aldean’s road crew to carry on with the show.

     “They started on time and ended on time,” Harms said. Another band of rain and wind blew through about 45 minutes after the concert ended.

     The only fair event Thursday’s rain took a toll on was harness racing. This was the third year in a row the sporting event was canceled.

     “It’s still something people enjoy and want to see,” said Harms. But the wet track was not safe to conduct the races.

     Before the Aldean concert, the announcement was made that country music singer and songwriter Chris Stapleton would be performing on Saturday night of the 2019 GJCF. Harms said they got the approval to make the announcement just days before on Tuesday.

     “Stapleton is far and away the most sought after, highly requested artist this past year,” he said.

     On Sunday before the Casting Crowns performance, it was announced that Christian band TobyMac would be returning for the 2019 GJCF. TobyMac features Monticello native Tim Rosenau. TobyMac last performed at the GJCF in 2013. Harms said it was just on Friday that TobyMac was confirmed.

     Concertgoers were expecting two additional announcements this week, looking ahead to 2019. Harms said he’s had offers out for the entertainment, but the acts were just unable to commit so soon.

     “I’ve had offers in the hopper for the last three months,” he said.

     This year’s fair also produced high numbers for the carnival rides. Harms said 2018 had the best ridership in the fair’s recent history.

     “Everyone just had a good time,” he said.

     The 4-H and FFA livestock shows were also up, with a couple of exceptions.

     “Those numbers were either at or exceeded last year’s,” Harms said.

     To add to this year’s phenomenal year, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig stopped by on Saturday afternoon. Reynolds held an Agriculture and Trade Issue Roundtable on the upper level of the new equestrian center.

     Harms said he received word last week that Naig was planning to bring his family to the fair, and received word early in the week about Reynolds coordinating her schedule.

     “Both were active members of the State Fair Board,” Harms said. (Harms serves as the current president of the Iowa State Fair.) “I’ve been around them both for a number of years; they have a comfort level with me.”

     Harms said it was an honor for Reynolds to utilize the GJCF as a venue to host her roundtable discussion with area farmers and ag industry leaders.

     Following the discussion, Harms escorted Reynolds through the fairgrounds. He said she remarked about the size of the fair stage. “She was just in awe,” Harms said.

     Harms said the last time he could remember a sitting Iowa Governor visiting the GJCF was when Robert Ray was in office. (Ray passed away earlier this month.)

     To keep up on the latest GJCF news for 2019, visit www.greatjonescountyfair.com.