Barnyard Bash Draws More Than 600 to Celebrate Agriculture, Community and Family Fun

More than 600 people came out to the Maasdam Barns on Friday, September 11, for the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Barnyard Bash, a free community event celebrating agriculture, local organizations, family and community.

The event was made possible thanks to presenting sponsors Agri-Industrial Plastics Company and Jefferson County Farm Bureau Federation, whose support helped make the evening free and accessible to the entire community.

With more than 30 booths featuring fun, interactive games and activities, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Families explored the Maasdam Barns grounds, enjoyed the bounce house, visited with animals, checked out antique tractors and toured the Maasdam Barns Museum.

Community 1st Credit Union provided barrel train rides that were a hit with young attendees, while families also had the opportunity to get an up-close look inside a patrol car. Overhead, an enormous American flag created an especially meaningful backdrop for the evening.

Because Barnyard Bash fell on September 11, 2026—the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks—the Chamber felt it was important to intentionally recognize the anniversary and honor the men and women who serve and protect our communities. Local heroes from the Iowa National Guard, law enforcement, fire department and ambulance service were invited to participate and were provided complimentary space at the event.

Ryan Holthus, Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member, said, “Having Barnyard Bash fall on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 made it especially important for us to pause and remember. We wanted to make sure the evening wasn't just about having fun, but also about recognizing the people who step up to serve and protect our communities. Giving our Iowa National Guard, law enforcement officers, firefighters and ambulance crews complimentary space was a small way for us to say thank you and let our community see and appreciate these local heroes. The enormous flag flying over the Barnyard Bash was a powerful reminder of what September 11 represents and of the people who continue to serve our country and our communities every day.”

Food was another highlight of the evening. The Jefferson County Cattlemen served up their popular burgers and ribeye sandwiches, while 4-H members handed out free pulled pork sandwiches to children, made possible through donations from Hy-Vee and JBS Ottumwa. The Girl Scouts kept things cool with refreshing lemonade shake-ups.

Attendees also had the chance to participate in the popular silent pie auction, which featured plenty of competitive bidding and added another fun element to the evening.

One of the evening’s special traditions was the presentation of the Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District Landowner of the Year Award, which was presented to the Pacha Family in recognition of their commitment to conservation and stewardship of the land.

The barns were also full of life, with animals from Wolf Creek Farms providing an up-close agricultural experience for families and children.

“Barnyard Bash is exactly what a community event should be—a chance for families, businesses, agricultural organizations and community groups to come together, have fun and celebrate what makes Jefferson County special,” said Ryan Swanson, Board President of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “Seeing more than 600 people enjoy the evening was incredible. We are so thankful to every sponsor, volunteer, organization and business that helped make this event possible.”

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce extends a special thank you to the presenting sponsors, participating businesses and organizations, food providers, volunteers and everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

From interactive games and animals to tractors, train rides, great food and plenty of family fun, Barnyard Bash 2026 was a celebration of agriculture, community and service at the Maasdam Barns.

The Chamber is already looking forward to doing it all again next year!

View more photos from the event HERE