Whatever becomes of the Mesquakie/NCC relationship, there have been some very valuable lessons learned. The NCC has learned that gambling is not the answer to all its problems and the Mesquakies will never voluntarily release the lien on the Waterloo Greyhound Park if there is any chance expanded gambling can occur. As for the National Cattle Congress, even through all these trials and tribulations, it is still an annual event in Waterloo. It does not run as long as it used to; now it only runs for four days in September. The National Cattle Congress is still a popular attraction for most people, but nothing like it used to be. An article that ran in the Waterloo Courier pretty well sums up just how far the NCC has fallen. The headline to the article reads "Cattle Congress Cuts Cows." The article describes how the NCC cannot afford to have livestock shows and competitions. In reality, it is just more proof that the National Cattle Congress may have finally run its course.

     The heyday of the NCC seems to have been from it beginnings in 1910 through the early 1960s. When it began to "diversify" it also began to slowly die. Hopefully, the NCC, the city of Waterloo, and the Mesquakies will be able to amicably resolve their differences and allow the National Cattle Congress to continue. There have been some positive signals that the Mesquakies and the city of Waterloo may be able to resolve the conflict. The Mesquakies have indicated that the city of Waterloo would take title to the National Cattle Congress then they would release the lien. Part of the deal would also give the Mesquakies clear title to the Waterloo Greyhound Track, which is something they highly covet. If all parties involved are really interested in saving the National Cattle Congress, then the NCC has a good shot at survival. If the problems cannot be worked out then one of Waterloo’s most famous attractions will be gone forever. It will only live in memory.

By: Jim Mattson

Edited By: Jody Elliott