DES MOINES, IA (06/17/2013)(readMedia)-- Master quilter and Iowa native Patrick Lose will offer up his artistic expertise as an instructor in the Fabric and Threads Department at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. "Nothing Compares" to the Fair's daily offerings of Make It and Take It classes and displays of hundreds of creative quilts, clothing items and more.

Lose's classes will offer Fairgoers a hands-on opportunity to create some of his most popular quilt designs. One class will be offered pre-fair on August 7 at 11 a.m. and will last 4 hours. During the Fair, classes will be offered at 9:30 a.m. August 8-11 and 13-16 and will last two hours. There are no registration fees; however, participants will be required to purchase their own supply kits for $25.

With a handful of published books and a lifetime of experience, Lose offers Fairgoers an opportunity to improve their own creative signatures while learning from the very best. Most known for his collection of Timeless Treasures fabric, Lose has developed his personal style working with celebrities like Liza Minnelli and Jane Seymour. His unique designs and quilting kits have received national exposure in publications like Better Homes & Gardens, American Patchwork and Quilting and Country Crafts.

To view a complete schedule including information on daily quilt designs and pre-registration visit iowastatefair.org/daily-events/.

The Fabric and Threads department will offer a wide range of additional Make It and Take It classes each Fair day. Fairgoers may choose from a variety of crafts such as hand appliqué, crochet, embroidery and more. These additional classes have a $10 material fee and will last approximately 1-2 hours. Each session will be held in the Varied Industries Building.

For information on how to enter items in the Fabric and Threads department, visit www.iowastatefair.org/premiumbooks. Entry deadline is July 1.

"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 (06/12/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair and Windstar Lines have partnered to provide round trip transportation to the Fair from 41 locations throughout the state. The convenient and affordable State Fair Express will offer motor coach service during the Iowa State Fair 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. A complete list of routes, pricing and pickup locations follows.

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.

2013_State_Fair_Express_

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DES MOINES, IA (06/11/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Department is seeking fabric donations and volunteers for the fourth annual State Fair Sew-In. The free program offers Fairgoers a chance to try their hand at simple sewing and quilting while providing warm blankets to local children in need. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set August 8-18.

Donations of two-yard cuts of fabric in juvenile prints and patterns are needed for quilt backings. In addition, cash donations are needed to help cover the costs of quilt batting and materials. All donations can be dropped off at the Competitive Events Department in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds or mailed to the Iowa State Fair Competitive Events Department: P.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317-0003. All donations should be labeled for the Sew-In project.

The Fair is also searching for sewing assistants to help Fairgoers make the simple strip quilts. Volunteers are asked to commit to four-hour shifts from Noon to 4 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m. A site supervisor will be on-hand to supply materials and help with machines. All sewing assistants will receive one parking pass and an admission ticket to the Fair.

Volunteers at last year's State Fair Sew-In completed 265 quilts, which were donated to children at the Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Bidwell Riverside Center, Youth Emergency Shelter and Beloit Children's Services as well as Angel Tree Camps. The sewers represented over 45 Iowa counties, 15 states and 30 foreign countries. Since the Sew-In began in 2009, volunteers have created 989 quilts for children at the University of Iowa, Blank Pediatric Oncology Clinic and Lutheran Social Services of Iowa.

The Sew-In will be open daily during the Fair from Noon to 5 p.m. in the south hallway of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. Fairgoers are invited to stop in and try their hand at quilting basics (no experience necessary). Each participant will receive a commemorative pin for their efforts.

If you are interested in donating, volunteering or receiving more information about the Sew-In, contact Sharon Meisenheimer by phone at 515/986-1145 or by email at rmeis@aol.com.

"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 (05/13/2013)(readMedia)-- Premium books and entry forms for competitive events at the 2013 Iowa State Fair are available now at iowastatefair.org. Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18.

Premium books and entry forms can be accessed at www.iowastatefair.org/competition/categories. Entrants in competitive events may enter online or may submit their entry by mail. While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department. Check iowastatefair.org for specific deadlines. Fine arts and photography entrants in particular should note that their deadline is earlier than most other divisions as materials must be submitted by June 14 and 15, respectively.

The Iowa State Fair accepts entries in a variety of categories, including the largest Foods Department of any state fair, the state's largest art show, one of the largest livestock shows in the world and Iowa's finest displays of agricultural commodities.

For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions or the online entry system, contact the Competitive Events Department at 515/262-3111 ext. 207.

"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 (04/29/2013)(readMedia)-- Tickets for the much-anticipated Iowa State Fair Grandstand shows will go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2013 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

This year's line-up includes performances from top country artists Toby Keith, Gary Allan and Alan Jackson as well as Grammy award-winning rock artists Train. Former Saturday Night Live comedians Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller and Kevin Nealon will offer their own unique flavor of comedy in a stand-up routine, and pop sensations Carly Rae Jepsen and The Wanted will offer up their own multi-platinum hits.

Print at home discounted admission tickets are also on sale now at www.iowastatefair.org. Fairgoers can purchase gate admission tickets online and print their own tickets at no extra charge. Fairgoers can also purchase food tickets, Fair Play Packs, midway tickets, zipline passes and 11-day punch cards online and have them mailed to them directly for a nominal fee.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. Beginning July 8, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission. Gate admission must be purchased separately.

A complete listing of event dates, times and ticket prices follows:

2013 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 8

Casting Crowns with special guest Jeremy Camp, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 9

Happy Together Tour 2013 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Mark Lindsay former lead singer of Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Gary Lewis & The Playboys, 8 p.m., $25

Saturday, August 10

Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller and Kevin Nealon from SNL, 8 p.m., $38

Sunday, August 11

Dierks Bentley with special guest Justin Moore, 8 p.m., $39

Monday, August 12

Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks and Dirt Trucks, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $17 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 13

Victoria Justice with special guest Pentatonix, 8 p.m., $29

Wednesday, August 14

Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today, 2 p.m., $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Thursday, August 15

Toby Keith Hammer Down Tour presented by Ford F-Series with special guest Kip Moore, 8 p.m., $49

Friday, August 16

Train with special guest Matt Nathanson, 8 p.m., $39

Saturday, August 17

Demolition Derby: Demolition Derby: Modified Weld, Stock Weld and Compact Weld; Figure Eight: Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive, 11:30 a.m., $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Carly Rae Jepsen and The Wanted with special guest TBA, 8 p.m., $35

Sunday, August 18

Alan Jackson and Gary Allan, 8 p.m., $39

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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Grandstand Tickets on Sale May 4

DES MOINES, IA (04/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Carly Rae Jepsen will perform at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Saturday, August 17, with special guest The Wanted. The show completes this year's Grandstand line-up. Tickets for all shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2013 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

With 9.1 million singles sold and a record-breaking nine consecutive weeks at number-one, Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" catapulted the Canadian singer's success and made her an over-night viral sensation. The multi-platinum song earned two Teen Choice Awards and two Grammy Award nominations as well as over four hundred million hits on YouTube. British pop artists The Wanted will open the August 17 show.

Grammy Award-winning rock artists Train will perform hit songs like "Drops of Jupiter," "Calling All Angels" and "Marry Me" on August 16. They will be joined by double-platinum contemporary artist Matt Nathanson.

Country superstars Alan Jackson and Gary Allan will take the stage August 18. Jackson's authentic lyrics and connection to traditional country roots helped him produce anthems like "Chattahoochie," "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" and "Small Town Southern Man." Allan's ten studio albums have produced hit song after hit song including "Nothing on but the Radio," "Watching Airplanes" and "Every Storm."

Shows featuring Dierks Bentley and Toby Keith round out this year's country selections. Bentley will perform with special guest Justin Moore on August 11. Kip Moore will open for Keith's August 15 performance.

Contemporary Christian artists Casting Crowns will bring their soulful tunes to the stage opening night, August 8. They will be joined by special guest Jeremy Camp.

Launched into stardom with her hit show on Nickelodeon, Victoria Justice has quickly made her mark on the music scene. She will be joined by The Sing Off's season three champions, Pentatonix, on August 13.

Former Saturday Night Live stars Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon and Dennis Miller will offer their own unique flavor of comedy in a stand-up routine that's sure to have Fairgoers laughing on August 10.

The Grandstand will be filled with hits from the 60s and 70s on August 9 with the Happy Together Tour 2013 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Chuck Negron, Mark Lindsay and Gary Lewis.

Motor sports action kicks into high gear August 12 with the Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models. The Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull roars into the Grandstand August 14. The Demolition Derby and Figure Eight will tear up the track for a morning session on August 17.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800/745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating. All track events are general admission. Beginning July 8, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair. Gate admission must be purchased separately.

A complete listing of event dates, times and ticket prices follows:

2013 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 8 Casting Crowns with special guest Jeremy Camp, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 9 Happy Together Tour 2013 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Chuck Negron, Mark Lindsay and Gary Lewis, 8 p.m., $25

Saturday, August 10 Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller and Kevin Nealon from SNL, 8 p.m., $38

Sunday, August 11 Dierks Bentley with special guest Justin Moore, 8 p.m., $39

Monday, August 12 Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $17 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 13 Victoria Justice with special guest Pentatonix, 8 p.m., $29

Wednesday, August 14 Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today, 2 p.m., $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Thursday, August 15 Toby Keith's Hammer Down Tour presented by Ford F-Series with special guest Kip Moore, 8 p.m., $49

Friday, August 16 Train with special guest Matt Nathanson, 8 p.m., $39

Saturday, August 17 Demolition Derby: Modified Weld, Stock Weld and Compact Weld; Figure Eight: Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive, 11:30 a.m., $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Saturday, August 17 Carly Rae Jepsen with special guest The Wanted, 8 p.m., $35

Sunday, August 18 Alan Jackson and Gary Allan, 8 p.m., $39

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (03/18/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and enter the State Fair Parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair. The parade is set for Wednesday, August 7. "Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Fair, which runs August 8-18.

Applications are available at www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515/262-3111 ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.

Entries will be judged and winners will receive plaques in each of the following categories: best use of Fair theme, best specialty group, most creative/original, Governor's Cup (best overall marching band), marching band (by class), best performance, best horses and best drum line.

The parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol Complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM FOX 17 beginning at 10 p.m. To be considered for television coverage, the description information on the application must be completed and returned. Due to the length of the parade, it is not possible for all entries to be televised.

Nothing Compares to the 2013 Iowa State Fair August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or check out www.iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (02/04/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair, Tractor Supply Co. and WHO News Radio 1040 are searching for six farm families to recognize with the Way We Live Award at the 2013 Fair, August 8-18. These families must exemplify farm values derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming.

To enter, submit an entry form along with a 500-1500 word essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped the family's life. All entries must include a family picture that illustrates the family's commitment to their farming operation. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Iowa State Fair website: http://www.iowastatefair.org/competition/the-way-we-live-award/. All entries must be postmarked or e-mailed to ebrewer@iowastatefair.org by May 1.

Nominated families should show dedication to animal agriculture in their daily lives and in the lives of their family members. Winners will receive a prize package including $250 cash, Fair admission tickets, parking, Fair food coupons, and recognition during the Fair in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

Eligible families must be residents of Iowa whose farming operation is centered on animal agriculture and may nominate themselves or be nominated by others.

Send entries to:

The Way We Live Award

Iowa State Fair

PO Box 57130

Des Moines, Iowa 50317-0003

Or e-mail all materials to ebrewer@iowastatefair.org

For questions about the award, contact Emily Brewer at 515.262.3111 x244 or ebrewer@iowastatefair.org.

Nothing Compares to the 2013 Iowa State Fair August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or check out www.iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (01/18/2013)(readMedia)-- Plans are underway for the 2013 Iowa State Fair, including over $600,000 in family-friendly entertainment, all free with gate admission. Mark your calendars - August 8-18 - and experience for yourself why "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair.

Buy your tickets now and save nearly 40 percent off admission to the 2013 Iowa State Fair. Through February 28, advance admission tickets are just $7 for adults (ages 12+) and $3 for children (ages 6-11). Fairgoers ages 5 and under are admitted free every Fair day.

Tickets are available now at iowastatefair.org. Choose our convenient print-at-home option and enjoy immediate delivery of your tickets, or, through February 28, opt to have them mailed to you directly for free. Tickets can also be purchased at the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Monday - Friday). Act now to take advantage of the 2012 pricing.

Effective March 1, the price of gate admission will increase by $1 per ticket. This increase will apply to all gate admission including day-of and advanced admission tickets. The price of Fair Play Packs for adults (ages 12+) and children (ages 6-11) and punch cards, good for 11 days of adult admission, will increase $1 per ticket per day.

More details about Grandstand and free stage acts will be available on the Fair's website in the spring.

Nothing Compares to the 2013 Iowa State Fair August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or check out www.iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (12/17/2012)(readMedia)-- The Des Moines metro area has a new indoor soccer facility at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The newly installed turf at the Jacobson Exhibition Center features 1-inch all-weather turf, netting, goals and striping for one large field of approximately 76 yards by 38 yards or two smaller fields.

The Fairgrounds is partnering with the Iowa Soccer Association to coordinate field rental which is available to all soccer clubs and teams through March 17, 2013. Contact Ian Bradley with the Iowa Soccer Association at 515-205-0886 for pricing and reservations.

"The new soccer facility showcases the flexibility of the Fairgrounds and its facilities," said Fair Manager/CEO Gary Slater. "We are pleased to partner with the Iowa Soccer Association to offer another option for the many soccer teams and clubs needing indoor practice fields."

Nothing compares to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Iowa's most flexible event center hosting events ranging from gymnastics and wrestling meets, to craft and livestock shows. For more information about booking events for the other 354 days of the year, visit iowastatefairgrounds.org. To schedule a tour, call Chris Baker at 515.262.3111 ext. 221. or email cbaker@iowastatefair.org for more details.

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