Sandra McLain has been involved with the Van Buren County Fair for almost 70 years. She was a 4-H member for 8 years, exhibiting static exhibits as a member of the Good Luck Girls 4-H Club, and exhibiting livestock as a member of the Jolly Trio Boys Club. Sandra assisted her siblings at the fair for 4 years following her completion of the 4-H program.

She began her employment with Iowa State University Extension as a 4-H aide in 1969, as a Home Economist in 1971, and began her role as County Extension Director in 1986, serving in this capacity until her retirement in 2009.

Following her retirement, Sandra served as Open Class Photography Superintendent and School Art Work Superintendent. In the past 15 years, she has assisted her grandchildren, Colin Pumphrey and Tinley and Adisson McLain, with their static and livestock exhibits.

Sandra has volunteered at the Iowa State Fair for many years, serving as the 4-H Home Improvement Exhibits Superintendent. She has judged Home Improvement and Clothing events at the Iowa State Fair. For over 30 years, she has judged 4-H and Open Class exhibits at over 20 Iowa county fairs.

Sandra was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in 2016