The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting families from across southeast Iowa to the 2026 Barnyard Bash, a free community event celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage, set for Friday, September 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the historic Maasdam Barns. The event is presented by Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Agri-Industrial Plastics Company.
Event co-chair Ryan Swanson said the Barnyard Bash is a special community tradition. “The Barnyard Bash is one of those events where generations come together,” Swanson said. “Kids get the chance to experience agriculture in a hands-on way, parents enjoy watching them learn and explore, and everyone leaves with a greater appreciation for the important role agriculture plays in our community.”
The evening will feature a wide range of interactive agricultural activities and displays for all ages, including a tractor-cade, antique tractor displays, barrel train rides, two bounce houses, giant bubble-making at the Chamber booth, farm animals to pet and learn about, rope making demonstrations, corn shelling, hay putting demonstrations, and many more interactive exhibits throughout the evening.
Food will be available for purchase throughout the event. The Jefferson County Cattlemen’s Association will be grilling sandwiches, and local Girl Scouts will return with their popular lemonade shake-ups, with proceeds from lemonade sales benefiting Girl Scout troop activities. Supplies for the lemonade stand are sponsored by TDT CPAs and Advisors and Liberty Communications. Snow cones will also be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the preservation and ongoing care of the historic Maasdam Barns. The Chamber booth will also host a Silent Pie Auction featuring homemade pies baked by local community members, with proceeds supporting the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission to strengthen local businesses.
New this year, every child attending will receive a free pulled pork sandwich while supplies last, sponsored by JBS in Ottumwa. Event co-chair Ryan Holthus said the addition was made with families in mind. “We know feeding a family at community events can add up,” Holthus said. “Thanks to the generosity of JBS in Ottumwa, we’re able to provide free pulled pork sandwiches for kids so families can focus on spending time together and making memories.” Adults may also enjoy a pulled pork sandwich with a free-will donation, with proceeds benefiting Fairfield FFA.
Parking will be available only at the Jefferson County Health Center parking lot, with complimentary shuttle buses transporting guests to and from the Maasdam Barns throughout the evening. All attendees are asked to park at the hospital and ride the shuttle.
The event remains free thanks to the support of local businesses and organizations. Sponsors include presenting sponsors Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Agri-Industrial Plastics Company; Blue Ribbon Sponsors Community 1st Credit Union, Jefferson County Health Center, JBS Ottumwa, and Wolf Creek Farm; Red Ribbon Sponsors Cambridge Investment Research, Roth and Norton Family Dentistry, and Live Wire Electric and Straight Up Doors; White Ribbon Sponsor French-Reneker Associates; and Bounce House Sponsors Ryan Holthus of Shelter Insurance and Heartland Counseling Services.
The Chamber is still accepting sponsors and booth participants. Businesses interested in showcasing their organization or supporting the event are encouraged to contact Mendy McAdams at Chamber@FairfieldIowa.com.
