World-renowned Iowa State Fair begins on Thursday

Since its humble beginnings in 1854, the Iowa State Fair has grown into a bucket-list item for many Iowans and then some. Over the course of 11 days in August, the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines is home to a large multitude of shows, contests, exhibits and events that bring people from near and far.
It’s known for the famous Butter Cow, serves as a breeding ground of innovative and crafty food, is the inspiration of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical on Broadway and is the pinnacle celebration of agriculture and industry in the country.
In short, it’s an international sensation. This week, it’s back – and it starts this Thursday.
The Iowa State Fair will kick off on August 8 and run through August 18 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The grounds open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., save for the final Sunday of the State Fair, and the buildings are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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