Dub and Cindy Massey, residents of Nichols and long-time fair supporters, have given $5,000 for landscaping infrastructure at the new Event Center at the Muscatine County Fair.
There are several landscaping projects that individuals can sponsor and Fair Manager, Kelsey Meyers, said the Masseys’ gift is the first step in developing the plan for the outdoor area.
“Beautiful landscaping will tie the building to the rest of our grounds and provide spaces for photo opportunities,” said Meyers. “Landscaping is critical in creating inviting outdoor spaces including a large patio, impressive entrance, and outdoor covered bar. We appreciate the gift from Dub and Cindy and their support of landscaping at the event center and around the grounds.”
The fair has been a huge part of Dub and Cindy’s life. One of six children born to Clarence and Frances Daufeldt, Cindy grew up on a farm south of West Liberty and looked forward to and attended the fair every year.
“We planned for it,” said Cindy. “We considered it our family vacation growing up. That tradition continued with our own families when we left home. My brother served on the fair board, I have a daughter and nephew on the fair board, and many of my siblings, nieces, and nephews have donated time and money to the fair. We love it.”
Cindy participated in 4-H and the Massey’s feel 4-H and FFA are important because they teach lifelong skills. The fair also provides kids and adults with the opportunity to meet people and build friendships from around the county. It’s those friendships that drive the Masseys to attend each day of the fair every July, but also what keeps them involved.
Dub and Cindy are active volunteers, along with many of Cindy’s family members. Cindy and her sister, Gloria, are volunteer gardeners for the Floral Hall and Ryan Building area. Cindy is a former Muscatine County Master Gardener, and they have enhanced the landscaping, poured concrete sidewalks, added picnic tables, and more.
Several of the Masseys’ children and grandchildren are active in the fair. One daughter, Kelsie Lampe, is a Fair Board member and manages the volunteer staff at the midway pavilion during fair. Their grandchildren also participate by showing livestock and by entering static projects in the 4-H building. Once completed, these projects will be showcased in the new Event Center.
Dub and Cindy feel that landscaping is important at the new event center. The Muscatine County fairgrounds campus is unique in its historic architecture and extensive landscaping. They want to make sure that is continued to the new Event Center.
Dub and Cindy have six children between the two of them, Kelsie Lampe (Aeneas Schmitz), Dustin (Shonna) Lampe, and Maggie (Brian) Arnold, Melissa (Jason) Verplaetse, Nicole (Brandon) Lafever, and Kayla (Lance) Bull. The couple also have 15 grandchildren.
If you are interesting in sponsoring an area of the project, please contact Kelsey Meyers at the Muscatine County Fair Office at muscatinecountyfair@gmail.com or at 319-627-2414.