Nearly 80 years have passed since Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote those lyrics for the musical State Fair, but they still hold true. If you're from Iowa, no one has to sell you on our great fair, ranked the best in the nation many times over! But if you're unfamiliar, let this serve as your guide.
What is it? The annual Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state, and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the fair is Iowa's great summer celebration, a salute to the state’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement.
When is it? It's happening now in Des Moines, and runs through Sunday, August 20. Gates are open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight.
What's the admission price? It's normally $16 per adult , but if you attend on Older Iowans Day -- Wednesday, August 16 -- you'll pay only $12 if you're age 60 or older. Bring your ID!
Where is it, and where do I park? The state fairgrounds are located at 3000 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Parking in the fair's lots costs $10 per car; you can also park nearby in homeowners' yards, business lots, etc., for a fee. The State Fair Park & Ride Shuttle runs from several points in the Des Moines area and is a great deal, charging only a nominal amount and dropping you off at the fair's front gate.
Once I'm inside, what do I do? You name it! The fair offers nearby anything your heart desires! The daily schedule is here, and highlights include:
- Amusements: If you enjoy rides, head for the Midway, where options range from the tame (Ferris wheel, merry-go-round) to plenty of choices for thrill-seekers. You can purchase rides by the ticket or buy passes that offer options for additional or repeat rides. For you skee-ball aficionados, the Midway offers plenty of games, too!
- Livestock and Agriculture: You can't miss the barns, with the record-size Big Boar a must-see. Grandkids will enjoy visiting the horses and petting the sheep, and baby animals are born daily at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center! Another don't-miss: the homegrown fruit-and-vegetable exhibits and competitions. (Yes, that pumpkin is almost as big as your car!) Finally, just outside the Varied Industries Building is a shiny array of tractors, combines, and other farm implements, including new innovations designed to thrill current or former farmers.
- Culture and history: For those interested in fine arts, visit the Ralph H. Deets Museum Complex, Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall, or the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center. Standout exhibits include quilts, textiles, and photographs.
- Contests: Every year, thousands of fairgoers and exhibitors compete for that elusive blue ribbon! Contests range from the Ugliest Cake to bubble-gum-blowing; from the best heirloom tomato to tastiest bowl of chili. If you're a great whistler, there's a contest for that; you can also try hog-calling or cow-chip throwing (yes, that's exactly what you think it is!).
- Entertainment: Again, there's something for everyone. This year's Grandstand acts range from country to gospel to hip-hop to pop; free stages all around the fairgrounds also offer top-notch local, regional, and national acts.
- Traditions: Visit the Butter Cow (and butter Caitlin Clark!) in the Agriculture Building! The line
is usually pretty long, but the visual is worth the wait. Have your camera ready! - Food: Admittedly the primary reason many fairgoers make the trek, offerings include fare from a whopping 200 vendors. After you've finished your tenderloin, turkey leg, or roast-beef sundae, try one of 50 foods-on-a-stick or experiment with one of 16 new-this-year choices. The deep-fried Twinkie is a perennial favorite!
...and there's more! Don't leave home without these handy primers.
- Best Ways to Save at the Fair
- Must-Sees for First-Time Fairgoers
- Hidden Gems at the Fair
- Best Photo Spots on the Fairgrounds
- Best Agricultural Experiences at the Fair
And finally, here's a bit about the history of this great event. And in case you stumble upon a trivia contest while you're there, here are the remaining lyrics to the Rodgers and Hammerstein song we mentioned in the title. Happy fair-going!
