Now you're full...or are you?
I think you still have room for apple pie on a stick, salt-water taffy or the famous Iowa State Fair Cup of Cookies (they also conveniently come in a bucket size).
Okay now you're full.
And probably hot and sweaty. First course of action? Finding air conditioning. The best place for that is the Varied Industries building filled with over 100+ booths for your enjoyment. Want to visit your favorite charity? It's probably there. Want to see your college booth and get a tattoo? Done and done. Want to sit on the floor and gasp in cold, precious air? You can do that too -- just don't be afraid to sit on the floor.While walking towards the Varied Industries Building, stop by WHO--TV13's Cast Your Kernel, which counts eligible voters preferences for local, state and national elections. The first day of the fair Donald Trump was winning the presidential race, but since then Hilary has been a little bit ahead. Probably because she didn't insult the great state of Iowa.
(Cast Your Kernel logo courtesy of WHO-TV13)
Where to next?
The rest of the day isn't up to a science. By now it's about 2 or 3 P.M. and you're tired. You can always get hand stamped, leave, and come back around 7 when it's cooler and everything is still open.
Or you can continue on, you brave little trooper. Some good stops for your weary body might be:
The DNR building, which hosts tons of fish, an eagles nest, a cool energy saving experience, and mini putt putt and archery. Not bad right?
Stop underneath the Grandstand for some much needed retail therapy in the heat of the day. There you can get products ranging from hair ties to smoke alarms. You can also get a free scoop of freeze dried ice cream. Plus meet some firefighters and policemen who are helping the public learn about safety!
The Midway. Oh the Midway. You have to buy tickets for the rides, or else get a wristband that gives you all day access (yes even on the weekends). There are a variety of rides lighting up the night sky, for all ages. Some personal favorites include the giant swings, the Ferris Wheel and the Ring of Fire.
It's 7 p.m. now and finally the heat has broke. Whatcha gonna do?
Be entertained of course! Whether courtesy of a Grandstand Act or of the free entertainment stages (Bill Riley, Susan Knapp Amphitheater or Mid-American Energy) there's tons of stuff for you to do, either free or for cost.
Feeling like letting go? There's tons of beer tents and makeshift bars spread across the fairgrounds but remember there's no smoking inside the grounds or guns allowed on premise.
Attention all fair attendees: the buildings close at 9 p.m. The Midway at 12 a.m. and the fairgrounds at 1 a.m.
It's time to go home. Trudge back to wherever you abandoned your car, or if you're lucky, hitch a ride on a golf cart courtesy of the fair.
There you have it! A "Fair-ly" good agenda for a great day at the Iowa State Fair, Queen of all Fairs.
A few quick reminders:
DRINK WATER (and lots of it)
If you type fair often enough it starts to look like a fake word
And most importatnly...
HAVE FUN
