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Every year, more than one million visitors from across the U.S. - and the globe - descend on Des Moines to enjoy a rich American experience spread across 450 acres with 500 exhibitors and concessions: the Iowa State Fair.
The first Iowa State Fair was held in 1854 before eventually moving to the current Fairgrounds in 1886. For 138 years, this mass gathering has hosted a myriad of traditions and attractions such as the Butter Cow, Rubber Chicken Throwing, Cornhole Tournament, yelling (Husband Calling) Contests, the Grandstand, the Avenue of the Breeds and the Animal Learning Center.
One of my favorites is the famous Butter Cow tradition that dates to 1911. The sculpture is made of wood, metal, wire and steel mesh, and a whopping 600 pounds of Iowa butter. The work of art takes approximately 16 hours to make. Butter from the Butter Cow is frozen and stored throughout the year and can be re-used for up to 10 years.
In addition to the Butter Cow, some companion butter sculptures over the years have included those of American Gothic, Tiger Woods, Harry Potter, and our very own Caitlin Clark in 2023!
Speaking of food, the State Fair is home to endless sweets and treats. Most are on a stick, even boiled eggs, and most fried. Crowd favorites are deep fried Oreos, Twinkies, Snickers, Barksdale chocolate chip cookies, pork chop on a stick, beef sundae and every year there are new entries. This year I want to try the bacon cheeseburger egg roll which is from a restaurant in my district.
After walking off that food consumed, I recommend visiting the Giant Slide or letting off steam at the bumper cars. And take the time to visit the gardens, milk a cow and see the baby animals.
Like the Iowa Caucuses, this jewel of the Heartland has also attracted numerous U.S. presidents. Whether as a candidate or as a sitting or former President, the State Fair has been visited by Herbert Hoover, Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden.
President Reagan - who started his media career in Davenport and Des Moines - broadcast from the State Fair as WHO radio’s sports director in the 1930s.
The Iowa State Fair is also an opportunity for our 4H and FFA kids, local farmers and small businesses to showcase their livestock and goods. Farmers and small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the Iowa State Fair honors this by highlighting their important contributions and helps young people learn about agriculture and the great careers available.
The Iowa State Fair is a blend of Iowa food, beverages, music, entertainment, and history that richly represents our Midwestern culture.
I look forward to joining the more than one million anticipated visitors at the State Fair as we celebrate this Hawkeye State treasure. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen or a hat, and enjoy this beautiful Iowa and American tradition.
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