Often times people have the predisposition that there is nothing to do in Iowa, but I am here to tell you that they are definitely wrong. There are five things that I look forward to all summer. There is nothing that will beat these five things during the hot days (sometimes cold?) of an Iowa summer.
1. Homegrown sweet corn
In the beginning of the summer you buy sweet corn from the store that is not grown in Iowa, it’s still good but as soon as you get that first piece of Iowa sweet corn you can tell it’s definitely from Iowa. Growing up on a farm that was my absolute favorite food, and favorite thing about summer. Thankfully my dad grows some of the best sweet corn around, so I have full and unlimited access to it all the time. It’s also pretty cool to get the thanks from people around you when you bring them a bag of a dozen sweet corn ears that was just picked.
2. County fairs
Iowa consists of 99 counties, all of which have their own special week that is designated to their county fair. As a child I couldn’t wait to grow up and be able to be a part of my town’s 4-H club. Over my years as a 4-H’er I showed a variety of animals from rabbits to cattle. Going to the fair I had a designated group of “fair” friends, these were the friends that I only got to see during fair week. Although I only got to spend that one week a year with them, they were some of the greatest friends I’ve ever had. County fair week was and still is a week I look forward to every summer.
3. Small town festivals
Whether it be Popcorn days, Watermelon days, or Creekfest, everyone looks forward to their town’s festival every summer. My town had Popcorn days, considering we were the Popcorn Capital of the world. As a child I remember planning what I was going to wear, and what rides I was going to go on months in advanced. This was a huge deal when you’re a kid, probably bigger than your future wedding (at the time). Now as an adult I look forward to going back and seeing all my childhood friends because no one misses Popcorn days.
4. RAGBRAI
If you don't know what RAGBRAI is you're definitely missing out. This is when people get on their bikes and travel all the way across the state of Iowa. People train all year to ride in this race that's full of a variety of stops. I have respect for anyone that travels the entire way because from personal experience it's difficult to even go one full day. Regardless of if you are riding or not, when RAGBRAI goes through your town it's a big deal.
5. Swimming/Tubing on the nearest river or lake.
Everyone in Iowa knows what it’s like to spend hours upon hours either floating on a river, or swimming in a lake. Going to the nearest lake for the weekend is something I always look forward to in the summer because it’s the best and cheapest way to get a great tan. Also spending all that time on the water with your friends builds some lifelong friendships.
So for those of you who think growing up in Iowa is boring, I’m here to tell you it absolutely isn’t. I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else.
