The Iowa State Fair is scheduled to start in 127 days. The annual event has been drawing over a million people to the fairgrounds in Des Moines for the past several years. Iowa State Fair secretary and CEO Gary Slater says it's way too early to speculate about how COVID-19 may impact the event … [Read more...]
Iowa State Fair sets attendance record for second straight year
A spokesperson for the Iowa State Fair say the 2019 fair that ended Sunday broke the attendance record set last year by around 40,000. The fair saw attendance hit 1,170,398 people during the 11-day run. “It was a combination of weather, new foods to try, new daytime entertainment and it maybe … [Read more...]
Bearded men enter Iowa State Fair competition
A few dozen men aimed to exhibit their facial hair to win a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair, but only three were able to win the judges over for the "best groomed", "unique" and "best beard with costume" prizes. Tim Smith of Cambridge has entered the fair's beard competition nearly 10 times … [Read more...]
Group shows where kids hide drugs at Iowa State Fair display
Representatives from an opioid addiction awareness group called RALI are at the Iowa State Fair with a recreation of a teenager’s bedroom that shows visitors where drugs can be easily hidden. Nate Passwaters works in law enforcement in Maryland. At the fair, Passwaters shows parents how to spot … [Read more...]
Branstad talks trade war at Iowa State Fair
The U.S. Ambassador to China talked trade as he visited the Iowa State Fair over the weekend. Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad says the escalating trade troubles between the U.S. and China are top-of-mind for many people, from politicians to ag producers. Ambassador Branstad was asked how long … [Read more...]
This year’s Iowa State Fair to feature lots of new food
The Iowa State Fair will have 50 new foods available when the gates open in August. Spokesperson Mindy Williamson says they try to add some new foods each year. "I think our highest number yet has been 42 -- so this is the most new foods we've ever had and we are super excited. Our … [Read more...]
Iowa State Fair now taking applications for various positions
The Iowa State Fair is a little more than one month away and administrators are now looking for people to fill paid and volunteer positions. Spokesperson Mindy Williamson says there are lots of opportunities in both areas. "We have about 1,600 employees who come help us during the fair -- and … [Read more...]
Legislators ponder renovating, rebuilding or moving State Historical Building
Lawmakers are considering the future of the State Historical Building which sits two blocks west of the State Capitol. Republican Representative Gary Mohr of Bettendorf said the building is in disrepair and the tab for renovating it is a staggering $30-to-$50 million. "I just think that's a … [Read more...]
Iowa State Fair to require all vendors to accept plastic payment
A spokesperson for the Iowa State Fair says you will be able to buy a corndog on a credit card at all vendors when the gates open for the 2020 edition. Mindy Williamson says it's something that's been in the works for a while. "It's one of the top things that people ask us. Some of our vendors -- … [Read more...]
Renovations planned for key building at Iowa State Fair
With the 2018 Iowa State Fair now behind them, the foundation that oversees the upkeep of the fairgrounds is working on plans for improvements. Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation executive director, Peter Cownie, says a recently announced record donation of $10 million will help them with that … [Read more...]