Iowa State Fair 2009

The internationally-acclaimed Iowa State Fair annually attracts more than a million fun-lovers from around the world. In 2005, Midwest Living magazine named the event one of the "Top 30 Things Every Midwesterner Should Experience." The Fair's Sesquicentennial celebration in 2004 was named the #2 choice for summer fun in America by USA Weekend.

Considered America's classic state fair, Iowa's ag-extravaganza is also featured in the New York Times best-selling travel book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die." The book has been described as "an around-the-world, continent-by-continent listing of places guaranteed to give you the shivers." Iowa's Fair is spotlighted as the only Iowa destination and the only state fair in the country as one of the world's must-see events.

A proud tradition since 1854, the Fair inspired the internationally-acclaimed novel, “State Fair,” three motion pictures, plus Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway musical. Special features include one of the world's largest livestock shows, the country's largest state fair foods department (approx. 900 classes), the state's largest arts show, hundreds of competitive events and wacky contests; 600 plus exhibitors and concessionaires selling quality and tasty treats, and 160 rolling acres of campgrounds.