The Monroe County Fair Board has announced plans to host a fundraising event in addition to the Big Rig Showcase Event on June 20th , 2026, at the Fairgrounds in Albia. The Along the Way Events Management Group has partnered with the Monroe County Fair board to assist in marketing and producing a spectacular show event for the entire community this summer!
The funds raised from the joint events will focus on construction of a new Livestock Pavilion to replace the existing cattle barns, which have served the county for more than 70 years. Due to aging infrastructure, the growing need for expanded community event space, modernization is necessary to ensure safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
“The county fair is rooted in our agricultural heritage and youth programs,” said Justin Rozenboom President of the Fair Board. “This investment ensures those traditions continue while creating opportunities for growth for future generations. Jason Brown and Jeff Bettis from the Along The Way Group that serve as event directors and coordinators are excited to bring this show back to southern Iowa.
They truly believe in our board and see the community-wide benefit from this project plan.”
Over the past several years, the board has invested approximately $150,000.00 in strategic infrastructure improvements to prepare for demolition of existing cattle barns and construction of a modern replacement facility.
The proposed pavilion will include:
Improved animal safety and biosecurity measures
Expanded safe space for exhibitors, families, and spectators
Energy-efficient ventilation and electrical systems
Enhanced accessibility to host larger-scale shows
A multi-use design capable of hosting a wide variety of community events
A showcase area to honor the “Legacy” that those before us created, the people actively
involved today are doing, and a vision for the future
In addition to the new pavilion, the Fair Board is dedicated to continuous improvements to the Exhibit Hall to provide a climate-controlled community facility. Plans also include new aluminum bleacher seating on a reinforced steel base for the North Arena Grandstands, complete with handicap-accessible seating, stairs, and handrails. Recent commitments include upgrades to the electrical and air flow systems in both the Hog Building and the Stocker Livestock Building that houses many animals during the county fair.
Programs such as 4-H and FFA will directly benefit from the upgraded livestock facilities, continuing to support youth leadership and agricultural education in Monroe County-programs proven to create future leaders within the community for the future.
While the annual county fair remains the cornerstone event, fairgrounds usage has expanded significantly in recent years. Events have included a County Music & Bluegrass Festival, multiple rodeos, barrel horse competitions, expanded camping opportunities, private events, the Albia FFA Open Goat and Sheep Show and of course, the Big Rig Showcase that came in 2025 and is expected to be double in size for 2026.
The Fair Board’s long-term vision is to develop the fairgrounds into a year-round community center serving Albia and surrounding areas. Future uses may include corporate agricultural workshops, farm safety training, community meetings and events, vendor markets, expanded youth program options, and community emergency response space.
Board members emphasize that the project will stimulate local economic activity by increasing tourism and event hosting opportunities while reinforcing Monroe County’s rural heritage.
The Fair Board is committed to financially responsible planning and transparent communication as it moves forward. Funding efforts will include grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and community-supported events. The goal is to raise $200,000.00 at the June 20th event.
Rozenboom adds, “The current board members are truly a working-together style crew – whether around a meeting table or pouring cement in 100-degree weather. They are here to make a positive impact while supporting each other and keeping the tradition alive in Monroe County.”
Residents are invited to learn more and show their support for the Big Rig Showcase – Along The Way Tour Event on June 20, 2026, at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. You can gain more information by contacting a board member, email to monrocountyiafair@gmail.com, attending a meeting, following Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575866125752 or visit their website https://monroecountyiafair.com/.
“It’s not how you get from A to B. It’s what you do Along The Way”
