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Eggs, Entertainment, and Excitement: Kicking Off the Iowa State Fair and America's 250th Birthday

Each summer, the Iowa State Fair draws thousands of people from all corners of the state to gather for nearly two weeks of celebration, food, and fun. Whether it’s the exhilarating rides that thrill visitors young and old or the famed Butter Cow sculpture that never fails to impress, the fair is a reflection of what makes Iowa unique. It’s a special time when communities come together, sharing traditions and making memories that last a lifetime.

This year’s fair has an amazing variety of foods to enjoy. Some of my personal favorites include the candied pork belly and the pork chop on a stick, both packed with flavor and a fair staple. I’m also eager to try the Beef Sundae, a creative spin on comfort food with layers of ground beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy. And of course, the peach donut, a sweet nod to Iowa’s rich fruit-growing heritage, is not to be missed. Naturally, no visit would be complete without indulging in eggs on a stick, a classic treat that continues to bring fairgoers together. With fresh dishes added every year, there’s always something new and delicious to explore.

The entertainment lineup adds even more excitement. This year, Rascal Flatts will take the stage at the Grandstand, promising a night filled with unforgettable country music. The energy, the crowds, and the shared enjoyment of these performances highlight why the Iowa State Fair is such a beloved event.

But beyond the fun, the fair is a celebration of Iowa’s core values, the hard work of our farmers, the spirit of our small businesses, and the pride we take in our communities. It’s also a fitting moment to look ahead to 2026, when the United States will mark its 250th birthday. Iowa is honored to play a leading role in these national celebrations, reflecting on our history and embracing our future.

The Iowa State Fair brings us all together, to savor incredible food, cheer on competitors, and celebrate everything that makes Iowa a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. I’m excited to meet so many Iowans this year, share stories, and create new memories that will last well beyond the fair.

Representing Iowa's First District

Great to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of River Hills Riverside CHC during Community Health Center Week. For a quarter-century, they’ve delivered trusted, affordable care to families across southeast Iowa. Grateful for their commitment to keeping our communities healthy and strong.

Great visiting Integrated DNA Technologies in Coralville, a global leader in genomics solutions and innovation. Part of the Danaher Corporation, IDT is leading breakthroughs in gene therapy and rare disease research. Proud to support their vital work.

In Mt Pleasant for Access Energy Cooperative’s annual member meeting. Everyone had a great meal and there was lots to do for kids also.

I convened Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia and hospital CEOs from the western counties in southeast Iowa to discuss how to best utilize the first-of-its-kind $50 billion Rural Hospital Transformation Fund to support hospitals in Iowa and across the country.

We also discussed implementing meaningful community engagement requirements without burdensome recordkeeping, exploring prevention and wellness programs for potential funding, and reducing regulatory and administrative burdens so that more resources can go directly toward patient care and providers.

More on the First-of-its-Kind Rural Transformation Fund

The $50 billion Rural Hospital Transformation Fund is the biggest investment in rural hospitals in history. This fund will help fund hospitals in Iowa and across the country. The $50 billion Rural Hospital Fund will deliver immediate relief to rural hospitals while helping them build the tools and resources to be successful in the long term. This fund will ensure the sustainability of the rural health care facilities while continuing to reduce the amount of waste, fraud, and abuse.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

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