Exhibit Areas and Concessions
The 400 plus acre Fairgrounds has many places for exhibitors to display products, services and merchandise.
AGRICULTURE BUILDING BALCONY
The Agriculture Building is the home of floral, horticultural, fruits and vegetables, grains and commodity organization displays and competitive entries. The world-famous Butter Cow is a highlighted display in this building.
Rental Rate: Rental rate is $10.50 per square foot for commercial exhibits.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CATTLE BARN FOYER
This area is excellent for breed associations, breeding services and livestock-related equipment. It is located to the front (west side) of the Cattle Barn. All booths are draped.
Exhibit Space Rate: $10 per square foot for commercial exhibits.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
EAST GRANDSTAND EXHIBIT AREA
This area is located with the Hall of Law and Flame and has good traffic flow. Drapes are included in the booth price.
Exhibit Space Rate: $106 per front foot.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
FAIR VIEW FARMERS MARKET
Featuring "Iowa grown" products, the Fair View Farmers Market is located west of Grandfather's Barn. 10'x10' space available; vendor will provide tent, tables and chairs.
Exhibit Space Rate: $30 per day charge. (Admission and parking not provided.)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
OUTDOOR EXHIBIT AREAS
The cost of all outdoor exhibit space is $55.00 per front foot for ag exhibits, plus 10 cents per square foot and $57.00 per front foot for non-ag exhibits, plus 10 cents per square foot. (Corner locations are charged for both frontages.)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
SHOPPERS' MART
Shoppers' Mart, located in two sections under the Grandstand on the Grand Concourse, is the perfect area for gifts, gadgets and merchandise galore.
Rental rate: 15% of gross receipts after sales tax for merchandise sales. The minimum guarantee which is required is $100 per front foot for regular items, $130 per front foot for pitch items.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
VARIED INDUSTRIES BUILDING
Located on the Grand Concourse, the Varied Industries Building is Iowa's showplace for her ever-expanding commercial and industrial markets. One of the Fair's most colorful and popular exhibit areas, it attracts nearly every Fairgoer at one time or another.
Exhibit Space Rate: $23 per square foot. Drapes are included in the price of the 10' x 10' inside booths. This consists for 8-ft. high back walls and 4-ft. high sides.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CRAFT CENTER
Located in the Walnut Center, homemade Iowa craft participants are selected by jury. This building is south of the Walnut Square free entertainment area. The surrounding area has various concessions and exhibits. This area has a park like atmosphere.
Exhibit Space Rate: Juried Selection
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Merchandise
Vendors interested in merchandise selling space have several general areas to consider: under the Varied Industries Building Canopy, Shoppers' Mart, Cattle Barn Foyer, Livestock Pavilion and the Agriculture Building Balcony.
Rate for the merchandise space is 15% of gross receipts after sales tax. The minimum guarantee which is required is $100 per front foot for regular items, $130 per front foot for pitch items. A deposit of $30 per front foot is required when space is accepted. Percentage payments must be made every day during the Fair with final settlement at the end of the Fair.
Concessions
FOOD
Most of the food concessions at the Iowa State Fair are located outdoors. Rental fee is 19.5% of the gross receipts after sales tax, payable every day of the Fair. A deposit of $25 per front foot is required when space is offered. All food spaces have a minimum guarantee of $80 per front foot. Only the best new products and concession equipment are considered eligible if a space becomes available.
Preference in the selection of new food concessions is given to those utilizing modern well-maintained equipment. All applicants must submit a color photograph of their operation, which will be returned if so requested. All food preparation areas must be enclosed by screen, air screens, glass or other materials approved by the state health department officials who inspect all food concessions during the Fair. Also, a temporary food establishment license must be obtained from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Price signs must be posted in a conspicuous place. Your prices must remain set for the entire Fair. All concessionaires are restricted to selling only what has been approved and is listed on their contract.
CONCESSION CONTRACTS
All concessions are reviewed during and after the Fair by the Concession Department, and those deemed satisfactory are given first option to return the following year.