Rock Rapids, Iowa — A popular northwest Iowa race track has made a tough decision and has suspended races for the rest of the season.
According to Rapid Speedway officials in Rock Rapids, due to the record flooding in the area in June, the races at Rapid Speedway have been suspended until further notice. At last report, large portions of the track remained underwater, and the fence was completely gone.
They tell us that as of now there is no date for a clean-up at the fairgrounds as many of the buildings there have structural damage and need to be assessed before anyone is allowed on the grounds.
Rapid Speedway officials advise people to watch their website and social media pages for more information.
Meanwhile, the Lyon County Fair, which is on the same grounds every year, will have to have a number of changes as well.
Fair officials say the force of the water has damaged the structural integrity of some of the buildings, especially on the east end of the fairgrounds. The river scoured the earth leaving huge holes, and has damaged or displaced concrete and electrical transformers. It exposed underground electric, sewer, and fiber-optic lines.
At last report, they were hoping to have the items professionally inspected and repaired before they could begin any sort of cleanup. Of course, first priority for those professionals is people’s homes and businesses.
They tell us that damage and limited time will require the 2024 Lyon County Fair to experience a major modification. For 4-H and FFA youth, they are planning to have a format similar to the 2020 fair. Livestock exhibitors will have opportunities to show and go, and static exhibitors will have an opportunity to exhibit as well.
At last report, they were planning on a few activities, but none of them at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. The county fair picnic is still supposed to happen, but it will be at the Forster Community Center in Rock Rapids, and will be a fundraiser to help rebuild the fairgrounds. The event will also include magic shows from Bobby Bohm and face painting with Miss Amy, the Lyon County Fair Queen Pagent, and the Friend of the Fair Awards, all at the Forster Center.
There will be show-and-go livestock shows, but they will be at the Osceola County Fairgrounds in Sibley.
