Beyond Origins the Discussion

Plan Your Iowa Vacation Trip And Visit The Iowa State Fairgrounds

April 22nd, 2008

If you are take an Iowa Vacation, you won’t be sad. If you are visiting the Iowa State Fair Grounds, don’t forget to check out the Des Art Center while visiting.

The Iowa State Fair Performers is a local legacy that achieved international fame when Rodgers and Hammerstein produced the broad musical “State Fair”. The musical was based on the book writen by an Iowa native author Phil Strong. THe Rodgers and Hammerstein musical inspired three movies.

The clasical portrayal of the Iowa State Fair Grounds has created an national mystic that establishes it as the typical state fair that could be found anywhere in the United States.

This Media coverage has also made the fair an essential stop for national political campaigns. This year will be no different, with all national canidates making an appearance. Presidential hopefuls will make a stop during election years, and during off years, canidates testing the presidential waters will always make a stop during fairtime …

The fair has been an annual event since 1854, attracting fair patrons from all over the state and throughout the midwest. Over a million visitors attend each year to celebrate agriculture, agricultural technology, and business industry. The fair includes exhibits on agriculture, livestock such as dairy and beef cattle, sheep, horses, and poultry. It is also a centerpiece for exhibition of agricultural technology and industrial development.

There are famous exhibits such as the Butter Cow … a butter sculpture that has become an annual display since the early 1900s.

The Bill Riley Talent Show has also been an annual talent show showcasing young talent from around the state from the ages of 2 through 21. Six winners are chosen in the sprout division and one winner from the senior division which is age 13-21.

Top musicians showcase in the grandstand each year. This year the the first announced artist is Michael W. Smith who has had 28 number one hit songs including three platinum albubs and one Grammy Award. Smith has sold more than 10 million records.

There are lots of other activities, showcasing cooking, arts such as photography, sculpture, wood working, agriculture, craftsmanship, and painting.

So whether you are on an attractions in Iowa trip - you will want to make sure that you visit the Iowa State fairgrounds. They have events running year round from the annual horse show to the Antiques Auction.

The Iowa State Fair Grounds is located in Des Moines Iowa just off I-80 on East University and comprises approximately 160 acres of camping, exhibit space, and event facilities. The first state fair was originally held in Fairfield in 1854. In 1861 it was held in Iowa City, and then in 1863 it moved to Cedar Rapids where is stayed until 1879 when it was permanently located in its current location in Des Moines.

Entry Filed under: Travel & Liesure