Honey the fair's in August -- and it's happening right now.
The Iowa State Fair, held at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, is arguably one of the best events in the country. The first Fair was in October of 1854, in Fairfield, Iowa. It was then moved to the 425+ acre Fairgrounds in the capital city in 1886. Home to the famous Butter Cow, since 1911, the Iowa State Fair has a rich history within not only the fairgrounds but the people of Iowa as well.
I have a bias towards this fair of course; I've been going every year since I was born. It's a tradition for my family, and for many other families as well. Today I'll be taking you through a near perfect day at the fair -- but remember I can't control the weather!
Start:
The fairgrounds open up at 7 a.m. however the buildings don't open until 9, and the Midway follows at 10. I suggest getting there at around 8 a.m. so you can get some delicious breakfast. Some excellent choices include mini donuts or giant cinnamon rolls.
(Cinnamon sugar crusted mini donuts at JP Donuts)
So now you've eaten or are still eating -- what do you do?
It's stables time ladies and gentlemen. Head down to where the fair houses some of the best animals in not only the state, but the country as well. There are horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, flocks of birds, and those are not even all the animals there! I love to go see the cows, especially because they house the calves in the same barn as the rest of the cows. Plus you might get to milk a cow -- the first time I did I was four and obsessed with cows. I usually meander over to see the pigs because baby piglets are the cutest, and if you're nice and wash you're hands, you get to hold one. As of 2007, most of the pregnant animals and babies were moved to the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center, which is located across from the Midway and just down from Little Hands On The Farm. The horse stables are always melting, but the beauty of the horses makes the heat seem to be slightly less sweltering.
Hint: go visit Little Hands on the Farm if you have children under 11. See more about that here.
It's 9 a.m. -- which building first?
Go to the John Deere Agricultural building first. It houses the infamous Butter Cow, and the first day you can get free milk and an egg on a stick. If you go up the stairs to look at the booths there is the best honey lemonade -- your day isn't complete without least a sip.
(an original Downey Butter Cow)
Now what, amigo?
Climb on up the that hill and go see fabulous displays of fine art in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center. On your way up the steep hill, check out the old-fashioned school house, and if you have kids, visit the Hy-Vee Forest of Fun. For kids of all ages, marvel at the giant wooden train that's been turned into a sort of jungle gym. If you're under 5'9 you won't get stuck but if you're taller...I make no promises.
Now keep in mind that the reason we're going up this hill early is because it's hard to do when there's people pressing in on all sides, and it's hotter then Hades outside. Plus the Cultural Center lacks air conditioning, and that's going to become real important in the heat of the afternoon.
Continue on, my fine fair goers:
Next is the Old Grandfather's Farm, which used to hold animals but now holds fine wine. Samples are available as well as cases, for those who find a wine that tickles their palette. On your way here you might pass some fun acts of mischief along the way, including the Grape Stomp, which is fun for everyone.
Slope down the hill to the Pioneer Hall where trinkets and treasures await. Filled with antiques and neat crafts, the Pioneer Hall is a pivotal stop on your fair experience, but be warned: the only thing keeping that building cool is giant fans. Toward the back of the hall there is a small stage, where fun contests and exhibitions are held throughout the day. You can usually enter these the day of, and if you're lucky you get a pretty ribbon to brag about. One year my dad won 3rd place in the "Best Groomed" Beard contest.
(Classic Radio Play Act at Pioneer Hall during the 2012 Iowa State Fair)
Stop! It's Lunch Time!
Halt everything and listen to your stomach. Does it want a pork chop on a stick? Brick oven pizza? Cheese curds? Whatever is, it's going to be delicious. While you decide, meander down to the Heritage Village where there are demonstrations of Native American Culture, as well as booths selling necklaces, trinkets and blankets. One year I was the person standing in front of the target during an ax throwing demonstration, but don't tell my mom!
(Cheese curds courtesy of the mouse holding the cheese booth, photographed by moi)
