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...]
Iowa State Fair has big final weekend to top previous record attendance
Attendance for the 2018 Iowa State Fair has just barely broken last year's record. The Iowa State Fair's 11-day run ended Sunday. State Fair officials say attendance had been lagging just slightly behind 2017 numbers through Friday, but a strong weekend boosted the 2018 Fair's total attendance … [Read more...]
Iowa State Fair talk among farmers focuses on challenges in the field
Farmers attending the Iowa State Fair are talking about the challenges they've faced this growing season. Josh Nelson farms with his family near Belmond in north-central Iowa. He says they've probably lost about 10% of their corn and soybean crops to heavy rains and flooding. But otherwise, Nelson … [Read more...]
Itty Bitty defies his name and wins the big boar competition
He's anything but Itty Bitty, but that's his name, and he's the winner of the 2018 Iowa State Fair's Big Boar Contest. The ironically-named big pig weighed in at 1,163 pounds, just two more than runner-up Yo Yo. Itty Bitty is owned by the West Delaware High School FFA chapter and many of the … [Read more...]