It has been already one week into the Iowa State Fair and there has been so much that has occurred. The Iowa state fair is a fair that is not only enjoyed by the state of Iowa but rather the surrounding states as well. From great concerts to deep fried butter there is something for everyone to find something that they would like. Here is a list of a few things that are very popular at the Iowa State Fair.
Deep Fried Candy Bars
It's been said that laughter is medicine. Boy does this election require a lot of medicine. At this point it's laugh or cry that or cry. Or waste hours upon hours watching adorable gifsets of baby animals. When you're feeling, annoyed, overwhelmed, and are picturing yourself moving to Canada, do something that brings you joy. I find this helpful. When in doubt be like Ellen.
Deep Fried Cheese on a Stick
From your basic American ('Murica!) cheese to bacon cheddar look no further then the Fyfe's Stand. You are given a 3 to 4 ounce block of cheese, for all you cheese lovers out there try and keep it calm because it only gets better after this. That block of cheese is battered and then deep fried, and then placed on a stick.
Footlong Corndogs
I love corndogs just as much as the average American, but there is something that screams fair time like ordering a corndog that you have to use a whole bottle of ketchup for. There are at least eight stands at the Iowa State Fair that serve these amazing foods, oh and did I forget to mention that they also come on a stick?
Salad
I know, salad at a fair sounds like a very weird combination but trust me it is so worth it. At the Salad Bowl in the agricultural building, there is one of the best salads to have there. You get lettuce, cucumber, carrots, peppers and tomatoes on your salad. The best part is, it is served on a stick for your walking convince.
Funnel Cake
Funnel cakes are something that you see at every fair, but they are still just as good as they were when we were kids. There is something that is so good about a light and fluffy dessert that is loaded with powder sugar. Here at the fair you can get your childhood favorite of a funnel cake either on a plate or you can get it on a stick. There are many different toppings that you can get on your funnel cake, which makes it even more enjoyable!
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is something that anyone can eat, and that there is a lot different variations that can occur with this. There are six different locations in the state fair that sell this, and each are just as good. If you are feeling something food wise from the fair, but you are not wanting to try something that seams very strange, this is the safe way to go.
Butter on a Stick
Nothing screams, I am at a fair and I want to try something new other then butter on a stick. Yes it is something that is as simple as it sounds. You are giving a 3 to 4 ounce block of butter, it is battered and then deep fried and served to you on a stick. I am just going to leave it here and say go out and try it.
Butter Cow
I know that you are thinking that this is a thing that you can eat, but I can reassure you that this is something you do not want to eat but rather look at and be in awe of it. This butter cow is a tradition that is made at the Iowa Fair, the Cow weighs 600 pounds and is made out of nothing but butter.
Iowa Awards
Photos from Mark George Photography
This is where the state's best photographers, wood carvers and fine artists submit their work to be judged. There is a very small portion of these that are selected to be seen by the fair goers, so if you are making it to the Iowa State FaIr you need to be take time out of your day to look at these because they are the best of the best in the state.
Grandstand
The Grandstand is where the biggest names in all music come to preform. From top country stars, to legends come to rock out and get a wonderful show in. The Grandstand can hold up to 10,000 people and there is not a thing as a bad seat there. There is the stage and then there are two very large screens for the people that do not have the best angle to see the stage right front and center.
Atmosphere
There is nothing like the atmosphere at the Iowa state fair. You get to see families having a lot of fun, because it is a very family friendly atmosphere. You will always find something for the family to do because there is something for everyone. So take some time off work, pack up the family and go get some food on a stick!
