Spencer, Iowa ~ The Clay County Fair has come a long way since it grew out of a series of homestead era fairs, agricultural society expositions, a state high-wheel-bicycle meet, a trotting association and community barbecues and picnics — held in Spencer in 1871, only five years after pioneer settlers drove their covered wagons from Wisconsin to Spencer Grove. For entertainment this first fair ran races with horses and riders from Sioux Rapids, Peterson and Emmetsburg. Today, the Clay County fair is the largest county fair in the state of Iowa. It has the second largest agricultural exposition in North America. Bringing in over 310,000 visitors a year, the Clay County Fair is one of the largest county fairs in the USA.

If you plan to visit the fair this year, you will want to consider lodging at one of these fine northwest Iowa bed and breakfast establishments — and, be sure to visit their booth in the Ag Building’s basement during the run of the fair:

The State Capital grounds in Des Moines, Iowa will be the site of the Iowa Asian Fest on May 16th. First stop and enjoy the Des Moines Farmer’s Market on Court Avenue and than head over to the capital for a fun and food filled day at the Asian fest. Music, dancing, crafts, world market, and many different cuisines will make this an event not to be missed. The Garden and Galley B&B in Indianola is a short drive South and would be a great way to make it a weekend! www.gardenandgalley.Com

Indianola is gearing up it’ spring-summer events. Thursday, May 7 is the first night of music on the town square. Come hear the Spring Hill Bluegrass band and view the stained glass art of native glass artist Grant Dyer. (7:00 to 8:00 PM) The 8th City Banks Starlight Cinema Outdoor movie will be shown at Memorial Park at 8:45 - bring your blankets! The 9th of May brings the 3rd annual W>O>O>F> Dog walk at Summerset State Park from 11:00 to 1:00 your canine friends will really enjoy this one! Here’s a double treat for Mom on Mothers day - Sunday Tunes at Summerset Winnery. Dance to the music of Tony Valdez and Don Jaques from 3-6:00 and than head to the Warren County Speedwasy at the county fairgrounds for the first at 6:30, May 10. For a third treat for mom give her a stay at the Garden and Galley B&B in Indianola. Gift certificates are available and Mom gets an extra gift with her mom’s day gift to the Garden and Galley B&B. www.gardenandgalley.com

A show of European and American prints and drawings from the 20’s and 30’s will open Jan. 9th at the Des Moines Art Center www.desmoinesartcenter.org Don’t miss the #1 thing to see/do in January in Des Moines. Make it a special art weekend and stay at the Frank Lloyd Wright style B&B, the Garden and Galley in Indianola only minutes away from Des Moines. www.gardenandgalley.com Inquire about taking a Folk art class at the Inn!

Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13 come celebrate the Holidays in Indianola with the Holiday Taste of Indianola - the biggest and best one yet! Also Tour five homes beautifully decorated to inspire you and than enjoy the local artist showcase and pick up a treasure or two. For more information go to www.indianola chamber.com. Stay at the Garden and Galley B&B, located in the heart of all the festivities, and enjoy the B&B’s holiday decorations while sipping a hot toddy and munching some cookies! www.gardenandgalley.com

The Indianola Chamber of Commerce (www.indianolachamber.com) presents A Story Book Christmas around the Indianola town square Friday December 5, ‘08 from 5:00-8:00 pm. Come start your holiday celebrating in Indianola, only 12 miles south of Des Moines, Iowa. Experience Santa’s House, Living Windows. A Lighted Holiday Parade. the Golden ladle Chili Cook-off. Live music and Caroling. A live Nativity Scene, good eats like bread pudding, old fashioned beef stew & hot chocolate plus wonderful holiday shopping which will include a silent auction of wreaths and mini-trees. Rooms are still available at the Garden & Galley B&B just 1 mile south of the square, where you can sip a hot toddy in front of a roaring fire after you celebrate down town! (www.gardenandgalley.com)