March 28, 2024

Iowa State Fair begins this week

DES MOINES — “Fair Tour” 2015 is set to embark soon. People won’t want to miss more than half a million dollars of jaw-dropping free stage entertainment, mouthwatering food, top livestock competitions and so much more.

Fairgoers can enjoy their old favorites and find some new adventures. The free entertainment line-up is filled with rising stars and annual favorites. The fair’s four main stages offer free entertainment with gate admission.

They feature a wide array of music genres with acts like Here Come the Mummies, Village People, 38 Special, Big Smo and more. Check out the newly remodeled MidAmerican Energy Stage, formerly known as the Fairview Stage, where people can see the opening ceremonies and acts like Sir-Mix-A-Lot and The Nadas.

Sixteen new foods will debut at this year’s Fair, including sweet treats like Apple Pie On-A-Stick and Toasted Coconut Caramel Cluster as well as hearty snacks like the Ultimate Bacon Brisket Bomb and Deep Fried Nacho Balls.

These foods join the nearly 200 food stands with more than 70 delectable items served on-a-stick. Three top contenders are vying for the 2015 Iowa State Fair New Food Award so make sure to vote for your favorite at iowastatefair.org/newfoodcontest.

The fair also boasts one of the world’s largest livestock shows, with nearly 6,000 exhibitors and over 20,000 entries ranging from cattle and llamas to hogs. Don’t miss the Big Boar winner and the famous Super Bull.

Thrill rides located west of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center offer Fairgoers even more exciting experiences with the Crazy Mouse roller coaster, Sling Shot, Sky Scraper, Climbing Experience and Turbo Trampoline. Also, be sure to enjoy the view as you leap from the 28-foot tower and fly 130 feet across the grounds on the zipline.

Of course, people will need to visit fair favorites including the Butter Cow, various crazy contests, the state’s largest art show and the largest foods department of any state fair. Be sure to check out the fair’s great line-up of kids’ activities from family friendly stage entertainment to hands-on agriculture education.

Plan your trip today at http://www.iowastatefair.org/daily-events/daily-schedule/.

Advanced admission tickets are available now at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, area Iowa Hy-Vee and Fareway stores and online at iowastatefair.org. “Nothing Compares” to the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 13-23.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa 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 Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa’s greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. “Nothing Compares” to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, Aug. 13-23.

For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.