Q: What are your favorite traditions at the Iowa State Fair? A: There’s something for everyone at the historic Iowa State Fair that runs through August 18, from food and entertainment to livestock exhibits and family friendly contests. I’ve enjoyed attending the state fair every year since 1974. (That excludes 2020 when it was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic for the first time since World War II.
) In recent years, attendance has topped more than a million people over the 11 days of the event. This year on August 10, the single-day attendance record was broken with 128,732 fairgoers. While beautiful summer weather attracts visitors from across the state, nothing compares to the food, friendly smiles, family traditions and fun atmosphere that you can find every August at the Iowa State Fair.
My favorite part of the fair is seeing familiar faces and visiting with people who come year after year to celebrate the best of Iowa agriculture and industry. I appreciate seeing the hard work of Iowans from all 99 counties who are proud to showcase their animals, projects and talents in venues and contests scheduled throughout the fair. For example, the Iowa State Fair has the largest state fair food department with more than 800 classes and two hundred divisions, featuring freshly baked goods and homemade culinary talents.
I always look forward to visiting the Butter Cow located in the coolers inside the Agriculture Building. The remarkably lifelike bovine sculpture is craft.