The Iowa State Fair, which takes place Aug. 9–19 this year, is the biggest event in the state of Iowa, drawing every year more than a million visitors.
Beside roller coasters and other rides, visitors can catch headliners including Headliners include Reba McEntire, Thomas Rhett, Jim Gaffigan, Florida Georgia Line, and Earth, Wind & Fire (ticket prices vary).
A tradition is the Butter Cow sculpture, made layer by layer with 600 pounds of Iowa butter, which measures 5 and a half foot high by 8 feet long. It’s enough butter to butter about 19,200 slices of toast.
Food is a major part of the fair, with 200 food stands and 70 items available on a stick. Fairgoers can try the Pork-Almighty, which consists of beer-battered fries, covered with cheese sauce and smoked shredded pork, served with sauteed onions, green peppers, and barbecue sauce; or for something sweet, an Apple Taco, a deep-fried tortilla sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and filled with Granny Smith apples, topped with whipped cream and caramel.
Admission prices are $8 (ages 12 and over), $4 (ages 6–11). The fair is free for children 5 and under. IowaStateFair.org
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