Schools are getting out, the weather is warming up and we are counting down the days until Iowa's biggest celebration, the Iowa State Fair. With just under 80 days until the 2021 Iowa State Fair, check out the "How To" list below for the best in Fair fun.
How to Win a Blue Ribbon at the Fair: Maybe you learned how to cook, picked up a new hobby or stitched a quilt during COVID? It's easy (and rewarding) to enter! Premium books and entry forms can be accessed at www.iowastatefair.org/participate/competition/.
The Iowa State Fair has a reputation for top competitive events, including the largest Food Department of any state fair, the state's largest art show, national livestock shows and amazing exhibits of agricultural commodities and photography to name a few. For questions, contact the Competitive Events Department at 515/262-3111 ext. 207.
How to be in Iowa's Largest Parade for the Fair: Applications for floats, vehicles and novelty units; horses; marching bands; and walking or performing groups are available at www.iowastatefair.org/participate/parade or by calling 515.262.3111 ext. 282. Entry fees and applications must be postmarked by July 1, 2021.
How to Save Money at the Fair: Discounted admission tickets, Family Value Packs and Thrill Park Ride Wristbands are on sale now for a discount. The advanced admission offer is a $5 savings and the lowest admission price available. Adult and children's advance admission tickets are available for purchase online at https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/buy-tickets.
The Value Pack is a $34 value for just $20 and includes 1 reloadable ride wristband with 5 credits, 1 Ye Old Mill or Snakes Alive or Train Exhibit Admission, 1 Kids Bungee Jump or Krazy Maze, 1 Giant Slide ticket, 1 Sky Glider ticket and $4 in food coupons and 1 cup of Barksdale's State Fair Cookies.
Save money on rides at the Fair by purchasing your unlimited ($36) or advanced ($25) ride wristbands at a discount before August 8. Wristbands can be used in Thrill Ville and Thrill Town at the Iowa State Fair, and advanced wristbands vouchers can be purchased online at https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/buy-tickets.
How to Volunteer at the Fair: The Iowa State Fair is looking for civic and community groups to help with gate admissions at the Iowa State Fair, August 12-22, 2021 as a fundraiser. Volunteers can raise money for their organization by welcoming Fairgoers, scanning admission tickets and providing hand stamps for guests.
Little Hands on the Farm teaches children about the importance of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives in a fun and interactive way. Children ages 2 to 10 become farmers at this popular free, hands-on exhibit and volunteers are needed throughout the exhibit each day.
Volunteer positions are also available to for agriculture presentations, selling water for the Blue Ribbon Foundation or for helping distribute information and answer questions. For more information, check out https://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/volunteer.
How to Work at the Fair: Working at the Iowa State Fair is an opportunity to be a part of welcoming over 1 million people from all over the world to Iowa's great celebration. Positions are currently open in Admissions, Barksdale's State Fair Cookies, Maintenance, Parking, Giant Slide and Thrill Parks. It is easy to fill out the online application at https://www.iowastatefair.org/about/employment/seasonal-application-form.
How to Get the Latest Information: Know before you go by signing up for our e-newsletters, text alerts or follow us on social media. The countdown is on; we have missed you and we can't wait to see you, August 12-22, 2021.