by The 2025 West Pottawattamie County Fair is officially underway in Council Bluffs, offering a full slate of animal shows, evening events, and community celebrations. The fair began Wednesday evening with the traditional queen coronation and will continue through Sunday night at the West Fairgrounds, just outside of Council Bluffs.
John Bracker, a member of the West Fair board, shared his excitement about this year’s schedule and the community effort behind the event.
“We have animal shows going on every day,” Bracker said. “Today is the sheep and the goats, and quite a few others. Tomorrow is the hogs, and then Saturday, we have the cattle, followed by the horses on Sunday.”
Daily Events and Attractions
Each day of the fair will highlight different livestock exhibitions and arena shows. The schedule is packed with activities for visitors of all ages.
Animal Show Schedule:
- Thursday: Sheep, goats, and various small animals
- Friday: Hogs
- Saturday: Cattle
- Sunday: Horses
Outdoor Arena Events (each night):
- Demo derby
- Tractor pull
- Figure eight races
A Community-Driven Effort
Bracker emphasized that organizing the fair requires significant behind-the-scenes work and dedication from volunteers and organizers.
“It really takes a total team effort,” he said. “We have a bunch of people who really care about this facility, and making sure this is a great week for the kids.”
Looking Toward the Future
In addition to celebrating tradition, the West Fair board is preparing for major improvements to the fairgrounds. Bracker announced ongoing fundraising efforts for a major new development.
“We’re going to be doing a brand-new indoor arena,” he said. “It’s going to be close to 65,000 square feet, with a 55,000 square foot indoor arena, classrooms, a lobby, and boardrooms.”
This ambitious project is part of a long-term capital campaign, which officially began fundraising last month after more than two years of planning.
Fair Schedule
- Dates: Thursday through Sunday, July 24–27
- Location: West Fairgrounds, outside of Council Bluffs
- Highlights: Livestock shows, grandstand events, community gatherings, and food vendors
The 2025 West Pottawattamie County Fair promises a memorable week of family fun, community spirit, and exciting developments for the future of the fairgrounds.
