The Iowa State Fair, themed "U Gotta Love It," runs from August 7 through 17, 2008 in Des Moines, IA. The Iowa State From is considered America's classic state fair. This Heartland agricultural celebration is listed in the New York Times best selling book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die." The fair is a classic piece of Americana that has been the basis for the book "State Fair," which became a Rodgers and Hammerstein movie. An Iowa tradition since 1854, the fair draws over one million people annually. The fair features the country's largest livestock show and many other attractions.
Agriculture is the focus of the fair. Farmers of the Heartland, which includes Iowa, produce much of the food that feeds America. Originally the state fair was a gathering of farmers to socialize and to showcase the best of the state's products. The summertime gathering continues to showcase the best of Iowa.
Butter Cow
The Butter Cow has been an Iowa State Fair tradition since the early 1900's. Butter sculpting goes back much farther than that though. Nearly 20 years before Columbus discovered America, Tibetan monks created figurines of animals and deities out of yak butter. The Butter Cow is made with a frame made of wood, metal, wire and steel mesh. About 600 pounds of low moisture, pure cream butter from Iowa is applied to the frame in layers. When completed, The Butter Cow is a life size sculpture, measuring 5 1/2 feet high and 8 feet long. Much of the butter is recycled after the fair.
Contests
Competitions include Backgammon, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Bench Press, Checkers, Chess, Cribbage, Decorated Diaper, Diaper Derby, Fiddlers', Auctioneers, Iowa Idol, Marble Shoot, Micro-Mini Tractor Pull, Monster Arm Wrestling, Mullet Contest and more.
Free Stages of Entertainment
Anne and Bill Riley Stage, Budweiser Stage, Anderson Ericksen Dairy Stage, Hy Vee Fun Forest Stage and Susan Knapp Amphitheater.
Grandstand Line Up
Grandstand entertainment requires an additional ticket purchase.
- Thursday, August 7: Michael W. Smith with Natalie Grant and Matthew West
- Friday, August 8: Josh Turner with Craig Morgan
- Saturday, August 9: Rick Springfield with Patty Smyth and Scandal
- Sunday, August 10: Foreigner with Night Ranger
- Monday, August 11: Deery Brothers Summer Series or Late Models Races
- Tuesday, August 12: The Charlie Daniels Band, 38 Special, Shooter JenningsWednesday, August 13: Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull
- Thursday, August 14: Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu
- Friday, August 15: Tracy Lawrence and Blake Shelton
- Saturday, August 16: Demolition Derby with Doctor Danger Daredevil Stunts
- Saturday, August 16: Def Leppard with Everclear
- Sunday, August 17: Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion"
Midway
The Mighty Bluegrass Shows Midway fea ferris wheel and Big Ben drop tower. Wristbands for unlimited rides are available weekdays for use between 11 am to pm.
Just for Kids
Kids activities include Blue Ribbon Kids, Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center, Little hands on the Farm, Milking Parlor, Boulevard of Dairy Breeds, Avenue of Breeds, and Fun Forest.
Admission
Gate Admission: Adults $10, Children (6-11) $4, Children (5 and under) Free
Pavilion Horse Shows: Adults $4, Children (6-11) $2, Children (5 and under) Free.
Location
The Iowa State Fairgrounds are abouit 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, IA.
