There are countless reasons why Larry and Karla Pals of Belmond have been selected as their year’s Wright County Fair Parade Grand Marshals. It starts with the fact that Larry served on the Fair Board for 15 years, and Karla was a leader to the Iowa Hawkeyes – now known since 2020 as the Northeast Wright 4-H Club for more than 20 years. But their involvement goes way beyond that.
For Karla, it starts back when she was a fourth-grader and joined 4-H herself. She belonged to the Mason City Bath Bells 4-H Club, which was strictly just for girls. The boys had their own club. While she did not take any animals to the fair, she did enjoy entering static exhibits.
"Back then, the years rotated with clothing, home improvement, and foods," she explained. “Those were really the only categories you exhibited projects in…it was very different, You focused on that one project area the whole year."
In 1983, Karla married Larry, who had not been in 4-H as a child, but soon would find his place in the organization when they had children. The couple made their home just outside of Belmond, in the country (until two-and-a-half years ago when they moved into the city limits) where all three of their children worked on 4-H projects throughout the years for the Wright County Fair. During that time with her kids was when Karla got involved as the club leader. She retired in 2019.
“That seemed like a wonderful time because there were a couple of parents willing to step up,” she said. “Ty Watts and Leigh and Nicki Jass have done a fine job.”
When his kids were active in 4-H is also when Larry joined the Wright County Fair Board. His main responsibilities were serving as the poultry superintendent and working with the beef department.
“I joined because I Thought it was a way I could help others in their 4H experience,” said Larry. “I enjoyed working for the youth and with the people on the Fair Board at that time. They were great to work with.”
Larry’s last year on board was 2017.
Wright County Fair Manager Tricia Rosendahl called Larry a “Champion of the Sponsorship Program” as well. The program was put into place several years ago, trading grandstand buttons, ride tickets, and food coupons in exchange for donations to the Wright County Fair. The program has been wildly successful and has allowed many great attractions and updates to be added to the Fair over the years.
“He still helps us today with the Sponsorship Program, even though he is no longer on the board,” said Rosendahl.
“He pounds the sidewalks around here getting donations," added Karla.
“I love Larry & Karla to death – they are the kindest, most giving people.”
Because COVID caused last year’s Fair to be very different, the Pals, along with many other people, weren’t able to make it out to enjoy the kids’ entries. So, of course, they said they are really looking forward to being back this year. They especially enjoy watching the livestock show, going to Share the Fun and the Fashion Revue… “And there’s always good food to sample too,” Karla said with a little laugh.
In addition, Karla enjoys seeing all the people, looking at all of the things the kids have been working on and the exhibits they come up with.
“I’m always pleasantly surprised with the things they do. They are so creative,” she said.
Larry enjoys the livestock portion of the Fair because he knows the amount of work that goes into livestock because their own children showed livestock through 4-H. He knows that it’s a lot of hours for both the kids and the parents.
“That is why 4-H is such a good organization, because it promotes youth and parents working together,” said Larry.
Over the years, the Pals said they have made a lot of great memories at the Wright County Fair, but a few stand out above all the rest. For Larry it’s the improvements to the show ring, the hog building, the sheep barn, and the recent addition of the James R. Johnson free stage.
“I look at it and it's kind of unbelievable how our Fair has changed over the years thanks to the generosity of some of the people in the community. "We are very fortunate,” he said.
For Karla, her favorite memories are of watching their own kids participate in all 4-H and the Wright County Fair had to offer.
“They didn't miss anything. I enjoyed watching them grow up and machure, taking part (in the Fair) and enjoying being around the other kids,” she said.
It is through all of these experiences that Larry and Karla are humbled to have been named the 2021 Wright County Fair Parade Grand Marshals.
“Larry certainly deserves it for all those years being on the Fair Board and the money he has raised for the sponsorship,” said Karla. “Hi has always been a big proponent of anything that will help the kids.
Larry added, “I was very shocked when they asked if we would be the Parade Marshals. That has not ever been on my radar. I just enjoyed working with the Fair Board all those years and I was content with that. I wasn't seeking recognition.”
“But it's nice to be recognized. We're just a couple cogs in the wheel. but it takes all of us working together to accomplish anything,” said Karla very appreciatively.
The Pals would also like to be sure and give credit to the Fair Board and club leaders/helpers that are carrying on this great tradition of the Wright County Fair.
“It takes a lot of work and we know how much work it takes. They deserve all the credit they can get,” said Karla.
