Listed as one of the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die the Iowa State Fair is a must see for anyone who loves to have a good time. It is a 10 day funfest that is held at the state fairground in Des Moines at the beginning of August every year. With this fair there is something for everyone.
There is a large emphasis on the agricultural products of the state with contests for large vegetables and animals such as the Super Bull and the Largest Rabbit, along with animal shows of everything from cows, pigs, and sheep to llamas, cats and dogs. If you like competitions but the animals not interesting you, try watching one of the many calling competitions that they have from pig to turkey to rooster crowing. Or how about one of the other competitions such as pie eating, chess, checkers, or arm wrestling.
These not enough of a draw for you, then how about the major concerts that go on every year. Artists such as Garth Brooks, Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Goo Goo Dolls, The Greatful Dead and many others have graced the stage at the fair over the years. Desiring something a little more daring to watch visit one of the tractor pulls, monster truck pulls or auto races. Or try some of the rides on the fairway.
Wanting local history, the Heritage Village is for you with displays of objects that have affected life in Iowa, a one-room school house, Native American homes, and much more.
Are you one to be drawn in by the quirky things that you will see then there are stuff for you here are well. On the fairway there are food vendors that will deep fry anything that you could possibly want to eat from the traditional corn dog to candy bars and oreos. Or how about the traditional Butter Cow. Yes its a life-size cow carved completely out of butter!!
These are just a few highlights of the event, there is so much more that it offers. Most importantly it offers a great time for everyone. For information on future events visit: http://www.iowastatefair.com/
