SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) -
If you know Northwest Iowa, you know the Clay County Fair. Billed as the "greatest" county fair in the country, you'll find all things fried, and from the farm.
Monday it was all about the veterans.
Former army artillery, Jack Frandsen can still remember waking up outside in the cold winter weather of Korea.
"Christmas morning of '52, I found two inches of snow on my sleeping bag," said Frandsen.
That was 60 years ago, in a conflict dubbed "The Forgotten War". Anything but for Jack, who can tell you stories right down to the smallest detail.
Monday, he told them to an event center packed with former fighters. It's all part of Veterans' Appreciation Day at the Clay County Fair. A full schedule of parades, speeches, and music. Officials have been doing it for 10 years now, and don't plan on stopping.
"It's a chance to really honor America's heroes, our veterans who have served our country. It's a chance to give them a special day here at the fair," said Clay County Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons.
The event isn't wasted on veterans, who are saying thanks right back. Leroy Jenness says many veterans return home without a fanfare. He says these events help.
"We didn't get any big parade or any hoorays when we got home. We just came home and went to work. The country was appreciative of what we did, this shows appreciation here in Spencer," said Jenness, who's the VFW's State Sergeant at Arms.
Things finished up Monday night with a celebration at the Grandstand. Starting at 7:30, folks could check out the Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Fortune, and a fireworks display.
