The season for summer fairs and festivals is nearly at an end. For the countless Iowans and others who love county fairs, however, one big event remains — the Clay County Fair.

The fair that opens in Spencer on Saturday and runs through Sept. 20 is not just any fair. It is by far the largest county fair in Iowa and ranks among the grandest agricultural expositions in the nation.

The members of the Clay County Fair Association had big plans for their fair when it launched more than 100 years ago.

More than a half century ago, Life Magazine dubbed the Clay County Fair the “World’s Greatest County Fair.” It deserved that accolade then and continues to rank among the most popular and impressive rural-oriented exhibitions in North America.

The agricultural focus of this fair is part of what draws the crowds, but it offers pleasures to suit all ages and attractions to appeal to diverse interests.

If you’ve been to the Clay County Fair, it’s unlikely you’ll need much encouragement to pay a return visit. If you are among those who have yet to partake of the Clay County Fair experience, now’s the time to make plans to head for Spencer.