[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY FAIR

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Humboldt 
County Fair on its 150th year anniversary this year, recognized from 
July 23 to July 27, 2008. The Humboldt County Fair is located in Dakota 
City, Iowa and serves the approximate 10,000 residents of the county in 
North Central Iowa.
  In 1858, the 300 people living in Humboldt County wanted to get 
together for a social event offering opportunities to display prize 
produce and compete at the skills of farming. The first Humboldt County 
Fair was held in Dakota City on October 5, 1858. The best livestock and 
agricultural products of the county were on display, showcasing the 
pride and competitive spirit of America as well as prospects for future 
agricultural prosperity.
  The town of Springvale, larger than Dakota City, attempted to 
relocate the fair in 1866. But Charles Bergk, a prominent citizen, 
offered to donate 15 acres of land, furnish enough lumber to fence the 
entire tract, and dig a well if the fair was held in Dakota City. And 
so the fair remained in Dakota City.
  The fair of 1912 was not a success, and there were fears that the end 
of the county fair was near. A group of Humboldt's leading citizens 
organized the Humboldt Get-Together Club and met at MacNamara's Drug 
Store to discuss the situation. They developed a plan to not only 
continue the fair but make it bigger and better.
  Throughout the many years, the Humboldt County Fair has thrived and 
kept the county together with community fellowship, celebration and 
camaraderie. I congratulate the Humboldt County Fair on this historic 
anniversary. It is an honor to represent the past and current members 
of the county fair board in the United States Congress. I wish the 
Humboldt County Fair and Humboldt community an equally storied future.




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