DES MOINES, IA (07/18/2013)(readMedia)-- There are only two weeks left to reserve your spot on the State Fair Express. The convenient and affordable State Fair Express provides round-trip transportation to the Iowa State Fair from 41 locations throughout the state. The 2013 Iowa State Fair runs August 8-18.

Each State Fair Express ticket includes:

• Round trip transportation to and from Des Moines on a deluxe Windstar Lines motor coach

• Fair admission

• A complimentary bottle of water

• Fair coupon book offering food and drink discounts with more than $30 in savings

• Daily Program with map of the Fairgrounds

• Easy pickup and drop off in the Fair's North Lot at Gate 15

The State Fair Express, sponsored by Fareway, will arrive at the Fair at approximately 10 a.m. and will depart at 6 p.m. Adult fare includes ages 12 and over, child fare includes ages 5-11 and children under age 5 ride free. Persons under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket pricing varies by location.

Please call Windstar Lines Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 888.494.6378 or visit www.gowindstar.com/iowa-state-fair.php to make State Fair Express reservations. Payment must be made in full at the time of reservation. Windstar accepts Visa and MasterCard.

Reservations can be made up to one week prior to departure. The State Fair Express runs rain or shine and no refunds will be issued. If the trip does not meet the minimum requirement of 30 reservations, cancellation of the trip will occur seven days prior to departure and riders will be notified by Windstar Lines. If a cancellation occurs refunds will be given.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (07/12/2013)(readMedia)-- Six Iowa farm families will be honored as recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. Each family will be recognized for their love of the land and the product they produce in award ceremonies during the Fair. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18.

The Way We Live Award recognizes industrious Iowa families who demonstrate a daily dedication to animal agriculture and exemplify farm values derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming. Entrants were asked to submit a short essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped their family's life. Six recipients of the award were chosen from a pool of 64 entries representing a variety of commodities and locations throughout Iowa.

Each family will receive a prize package including $250 cash, Fair admission tickets, free parking, Fair food tickets, and recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair. The Way We Live Award is sponsored by WHO NewsRadio 1040 and Tractor Supply Company.

Anderson Family

Boone

Dale and Kay Anderson's 120-acre century farm has been in the family for five generations. The family raises corn, soybeans, oats, alfalfa and a 150-head cow-calf herd. Their farmland spans five different farms all within six miles of each other. Dale is the only full-time, stay-at-home farmer in the area. Their son, Axel, and daughter, Laura Loots, followed in their footsteps and now work alongside their parents caring for the cattle and crops.

Boyle Family

Danbury

Duane and Mindy Boyle, his high school sweetheart and wife of 13 years, have managed to not only maintain their small, independent farm but also continue to grow and diversify it. Despite difficult times, the Boyles, along with their three children, Carter (13), Madison (12) and Mya (5), currently farm 600 acres, 460 of which they own themselves, and 100 additional acres to tend to each summer. Duane has developed a thirst for animal husbandry, and he now has 90 head of stock cows, 30 head of ewes, 100 head of sow farrow-to-finish operation and 120 head of cattle. Duane also grinds his own feed for all his livestock, feeding out 120 head of feeder calves, 50 head of market lambs and 1,200 head of market hogs each year.

Metzger Family

Lester

Rodney and Polly Metzger's family continues to grow, with five children and 500-plus Jersey cows, heifers, calves and bulls. Their children, Emma (23), Vance (21), Eric (18), Neil (16) and Toby (14), were all active in 4-H and FFA when they were younger and had an assortment of jobs around the farm, whether it was bottle feeding the lambs, searching for chicken eggs or fattening up the runt pigs. After high school, Emma went to college for Dairy Science and returned to the dairy farm, wanting the lifestyle she grew up with. Vance works full-time on the farm, and Eric, Neil and Toby all plan to be involved with the farm after graduation.

Pellett Family

Atlantic

Brad and Kristy Pellett are sixth-generation farmers in Cass County who found love at the 1996 Iowa State Fair. Kristy, from California, worked as a Barn Tour guide for the Fair, and Brad worked as an Assistant Beef Superintendent. After graduating from California Poly Tech in agriculture, Kristy moved to Iowa and they were married a year later. Brad graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Animal Science and then returned to his family farm in Atlantic with his father and brother. They farm 2,400 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa, feed out 400 head of cattle and have a 100 head cow-calf operation, which is the sole responsibility of Brad. Their three children, Connor (12), Caroline (10) and Claire (7), all help out on the farm, checking, feeding and caring for the cows and calves.

Seyb Family

Donnellson

Dennis and Liza Seyb not only run their family farm but promote farming, too. Dennis's great grandfather began the farm and then passed it down to his two sons, Darrell and Harvey. Darrell's sons, Dennis and Doug, are third-generation farmers, with their three sisters, Karen, Pam and Karla, who maintain a strong connection and love of the farm. Dennis and Liza now operate this diversified family farm: a cow-calf heard of 85 cows, farrow-to-finish 90 sows, corn, soybeans, hay and pasture ground. Liza was a "city girl" who came to the farm 35 years ago and has immersed herself in the farm life. Dennis and Liza have two children, Tucker (25) and Hannah (23). Both children were involved with FFA and showing livestock.

Zelle Family

Waverly

Ron and Mary Beth Zelle both grew up on farms in Iowa, Ron in Waverly and Mary Beth in Hampton. In 1987, Ron and Mary Beth were married and made their home in Nashua. When Ron's father passed away from cancer in 1996, the couple moved their young family to the Waverly farm. Originally purchased in 1934 by Ron's grandfather, the farm today is a diversified operation, raising sheep and growing corn, soybeans, oats and hay on 300 acres in Bremer County. Their livestock operation consists of 130 ewes that are lambed from late January until early May. Using no-till corn and soybeans, they market their grain through the local cooperative and their hay to local buyers. They run the farm in a sustainable way using soil conservation methods.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

Note to editors: Photos of each family are available. E-mail your request to marketing@iowastatefair.org or call 515-262-3111 ext. 204.

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DES MOINES, IA (07/10/2013)(readMedia)-- "Happiness Is" all the new and thrilling things to see, do and taste at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. New Fair entertainment, attractions and contests are available in addition to the many Fair favorites like the Ye Old Mill, Hog Calling Contest and classic corndogs. "Nothing Compares" to the array of exciting adventures that await Fairgoers August 8-18.

Entertainment

Audiences will be wowed with the many new high energy attractions available all 11 fun-filled days of the Fair. Fairgoers of all ages can find something to make them happy.

The Budweiser Stage has found a new home, and is now located directly west of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. Music fans can rock out with an even larger crowd. This year's Budweiser Stage will feature rock stars like Foghat, Blue Öyster Cult, Skid Row, L.A. Guns and more!

Two new acts performing at Expo Hill will amaze audiences with their advanced skills. Team Rock is a group of national champion extreme breaking experts. Prepare to be amazed as street-performing circus duo Mango and Dango combine technical skills, comedy, chance and circumstance into acts of hilarity and dexterity. Watch as the pair blends acrobatics, dance and danger to create a circus experience no one will want to miss!

More family fun is not hard to find in the expanded Kids' Zone - a special area with rides, games and entertainment, all planned to excite our young Fairgoers! The Timberworks Lumberjack Show highlights talented tree choppers who offer feats of strength like axe throwing, underhanded chopping, log rolling, cross-cut sawing, hot sawing and chainsaw carving. Join in the hands-on weekday activities at one of the many Blue Ribbon Kids' events, or roll up your sleeves to enjoy daily crafts for kids at the newly relocated Art Attack. Kids can even enjoy the new Kangaroo Jumper and Krazy Maze, both at an extra cost.

Even a Fair classic like the Midway has been improved for 2013. In addition to the 40 thrilling and exciting rides in the Belle City Amusements Midway, the newly restored Moonraker offers a unique spin on fun. The only one in North America, the Moonraker sends Fairgoers 70 feet into the sky at angles upwards of 90 degrees.

Opening Day

Fairgoers will have a chance to give back to the community by packing meals on Opening Day, August 8. In partnership with Meals from the Heartland, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Food and Family Project and GROWMARK, the Fair is hosting an event to package 250,000 meals. To reach our goal, the Fair needs approximately 1500 volunteers to package meals for one hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. To make a monetary donation or to sign up to volunteer your time, please visit iowastatefair.org.

Ag Education and Livestock

Not only does the Iowa State Fair pride itself on showcasing some of the finest livestock and crops in the country but also for providing Fairgoers with quality education on the importance of agriculture in Iowa's future.

Two new equine events join the Fair's already large host of horse competitions and entertainment. Cowboy mounted shooting demonstrations, one of the fastest growing equestrian sports in the country, will come to the Fair on Friday, August 9. Fairgoers can also cheer on their favorite team at the Supreme Six-Horse Hitch on Tuesday, August 13, and Sunday, August 18 at the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center.

The newly expanded AgVenture Discovery Trail features ten stops that will impress young Fairgoers and teach them about Iowa's agricultural commodities. Kids can begin their journey at any of the 11 Information Booths throughout the Fairgrounds, at the Food and Family Project booth in the South Atrium of the Varied Industries Building or at the USDA booth in the Agriculture Building.

Contests

The Elwell Family Food Center is home to the largest foods department in the nation with 890 contests, 41 of which are new this year. New contests include Blue Ribbon Baked Beans, My Tractor Cake, Grandma's Corn Casserole and more. The first place chef in the Kenmore Honored Harvest Time Recipes Contest will win a $5,000 kitchen makeover, a trip to the New York City Wine and Food Festival to cook with celebrity chefs and their recipe in the Kenmore 100th Anniversary Cookbook.

More Improvements

The 127-year-old Fairgrounds received a few updates for the 2013 Fair as well. As part of its ongoing renovation, the Cultural Center will now be partly air conditioned, with full completion of the project in 2014. A family restroom was also added to the building, which houses the largest art show in the state. The building is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A new restroom located near the North Lot will also be completed in time for this year's Fair.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (06/27/2013)(readMedia)-- "Happiness Is" new food at the Iowa State Fair! Eight concessionaires submitted tasty treats in the new foods contest to vie for a finalist title. Fairgoers can try these offerings along with countless other Fair foods August 8-18.

Bringing the beach to Iowa, the Shrimp Corndog, available at the Po-Boy Stand, is a savory snack featuring three fresh shrimp dipped in corndog batter, fried to golden perfection and topped with a sweet jalapeno glaze.

The Smoothie On-a-stick at Turkey Time Concessions will offer Fairgoers a sweet and healthy way to cool down. The strawberry smoothie is frozen, put on a stick and ready to be eaten on any hot August Fair day.

The Bacon Wrapped Riblet On-a-stick, available at the Bud Tent, is a pork riblet wrapped in bacon, hickory smoked and then basted with barbeque sauce.

Additional sweet entries included a Fried Brownie On-a-stick, a Soft Salted Chocolate-Dipped Almond Pretzel On-a-stick and a Coconut Mountain, a soft and chewy coconut ball rolled in coconut flakes and dipped in fresh chocolate. These treats join more than 50 foods on-a-stick offered at the Fair.

The mouth watering treats don't stop there. Both the Sweet Corn Corndog, a hot dog dipped in batter enriched with fried sweet corn, and the Rib Shack Cowboy, cowboy beans, brisket or pork, cole slaw, a signature chip and barbeque sauce in a spice-flavored waffle cone, will entice Fairgoers looking for a unique treat.

Concessionaires were asked to submit a creative food item that aligned with the integrity of their current menu. The Iowa State Fair Board judged the food entries based on taste/flavor, presentation/appearance, value and creativity/originality. The contest winner will be announced during the Fair.

More new 2013 Fair foods will be announced in early July.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 8-18, 2013. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 7 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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