1976-1979

The 1976 Fair, themed “The Spirit of Iowa ’76,” ran 12 days in honor of the nation’s bicentennial. The area under the Grandstand was transformed into the “Spirit of Iowa” theme center, a proud and impressive showcase for the ethnic groups who settled in Iowa. Special attractions included a 40-member German youth group playing “old-world style” music and an exhibit of paintings of America created by German immigrants. The Stone Map of Iowa, which contains a stone native to each of Iowa’s 99 counties, was added to commemorate the anniversary as well. A 40-horse hitch, billed as the world’s largest team of horses, returned to the Fair. Four days of tractor pulling, encompassing 25 separate events, offered more than $12,000 in premiums.

The 1977 “New Horizons” Fair marked the first 11-day event. The Beach Boys, Bay City Rollers and Kansas were notable Grandstand performers. J.D. Taylor was appointed secretary/manager following the resignation of Kenneth Fulk.

In 1978, Fairgoers were encouraged to “Take a Closer Look,” focusing on the tremendous entertainment value. Nearly 600,000 Fairgoers discoverd that once they paid gate admission there were hundreds of things to do and see without spending another penny. National motorcycle racing returned to the grounds after a 25-year absence. The first Iowa State Fair Tug O’ War attracted many teams. New attractions included “dancing waters” and a concourse mall, both located east of the Varied Industries Building. The Kool Aid Circus featured a human cannonball.

An economic impact survey, compiled by the Iowa Development Commission, indicated that a whopping $27 million worth of spending was generated in the community by the 1978 Fair.

Four major Grandstand events were canceled during the 1979 Fair due to six days of rain. Sixty horses and riders plus five mule-drawn covered wagons left Fairfield on a four-day, 112-mile trek to Des Moines in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Fair. Internationally-acclaimed sculptor Al Kidwell was artist-in-residence at the Cultural Center.