Nominations are now open for the 2026 Heart of the County Fair Award through the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
The award honors individuals, families, exhibitors, volunteers, or fair board members who have shown exceptional dedication and passion for their county fair and local community.
Six awards will be presented statewide, with one winner selected from each district in Iowa.
Eligible nominees must be Iowa residents and must have either exhibited at the county fair level or served as a volunteer or leader connected to a county fair. Past or present fair board members, families, and 4-H or FFA exhibitors are all eligible for nomination.
District winners will receive:
•$250 cash
•Six 2026 Iowa State Fair admission tickets
•One Iowa State Fair parking pass
•$50 in food coupons
•Recognition at their county fair
•Recognition through the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network
•Special recognition during the County Fair Day Dinner at the 2026 Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 14th
Organizers say the award was created to recognize the people who help county fairs remain an important part of communities across Iowa.
Nominations must be submitted online or postmarked by June 7th.
More information and nomination forms are available right here.
