Thursday, July 31, 2025
Vol. 5, No. 50
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
HEE HAW!
Prairie Days 2025 was a rootin’, tootin’ good time
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer A little rain couldn’t stop the good times in the Wild West at Prairie Days 2025 in Prairie City. From the bubble cannon to kids competitions and all of the entertainment on the stage, the event once again showed how great the Prairie City community is.
PARTY ON PARADE!
Party blowers, party hats, big cakes and candles! The Jasper County Fair knows how to throw a memorable birthday parade
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Participants and spectators enjoyed the spectacle of the Jasper County Fair Parade on Monday, July 21 in downtown Colfax. The Jasper County Fair celebrated this year with a birthday theme, coinciding with the fair turning 170 years old.
A lifelong passion Jasper County Fair Grand Marshal Doug Woebbeking has taken on almost every role with 4-H and the fair and still loves it as much as when he started By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Karly Spear, 15, of Newton, was named the champion of the Brice Leonard Suprememe Showmanship Contest on July 24 at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Colfax.
SUPREME EXPERIENCE
For as long as he can remember, 4H has been a part of Doug Woebbeking’s life. From growing up on a farm in Gladbrook to starting his own 4-H club with his kinds and finally becoming Jasper County Fair Board President, Woebbeking has taken on every role and still loves it as much as when he started. For the time, effort and enthusiasm he has given to 4-H and the fair, Woebbeking was named Grand Marshal for the 2025 Jasper County Fair Parade.
“It is quite an honor,” Woebbeking said. Woebbeking has been involved with 4-H ever since he was a kid. His parents were big supporters and it was a staple during his formative years. Following high school graduation, Woebbeking attended Iowa State University where he continued his interest in agriculture by majoring in ag business. He used that degree to begin work in the wholesale fertilizer business. “I’ve been doing that since 1980 and GRAND MARSHAL | 3
Karly Spear named Champion Showman after getting first-place finishes in half of the categories By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Karly Spear, 15, of Newton, remembered how nervous she felt competing in the Brice Leonard Supreme Showmanship Contest at the Jasper County Fair for the very first time. She told herself to have fun and just enjoy the experience along with her fellow competitors, no matter the outcome.
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But that was last year. Spear found herself competing in the pavilion again this year. She was confident and sought out the assistance from fellow 4-H’ers on how to present livestock outside her expertise. And it paid off. Not only was she named Champion Showman, she earned top-two finishes in five of the six species shows. In addition to her runner-up finishes SUPREME | 3
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Exploarer Jasper County Fair Parade Grand Marshal Doug Woebbeking greets the crowd during the parade July 21 in Colfax.
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