Parade to Kick-off 2023 Iowa State Fair

Wednesday, Aug 09, 2023 Des Moines, IA

Regina Pirtle selected as 2023 Parade Marshal

The Iowa State Fair Parade, August 9, 2023, at 6:15 p.m., serves as the official kick-off to the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Long-time Pioneer Hall Superintendent Regina Pirtle has been selected to lead Iowa's largest parade through the streets of downtown Des Moines.

Regina Pirtle has supported the Iowa State Fair with her organizational and competition talents since the 1992 Iowa State Fair. Each year, she organizes talents and contest entrants for their respective heritage competitions, including the Heritage exhibits, Cow Chip Throwing, Husband Calling contest and many more. According to Iowa State Fair records, Pirtle is currently the Fair's longest-serving building superintendent.

The parade will travel from the Capitol down Grand Avenue and march west to 15th Street. Over 130 entries are registered in this year's parade. Awards will be given in band, horse and general categories. Iowa PBS will broadcast live starting at 6:15 p.m.

The 2023 Iowa State Fair runs from August 10-20, 2023. Visit iowastatefair.org for the full daily schedule, download the official Iowa State Fair App or text FAIR to 844.844.8508 for the latest updates.

Media Information

If you would like to learn more about the Iowa State Fair, please contact:

Mindy Williamson
515/262-3111 ext. 204

Return to News Releases

About Iowa State Fair

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair, located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.