14 Aug 2012

Plump Pumpkin Pummels Competition at State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2012)(readMedia)-- The giant pumpkin grown by David Miller of Riverside tipped the scales at 933 pounds to claim the top spot and a $1,300 prize in the Big Pumpkin Contest judged Friday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Marc Petersen of Clinton took second place and $750 with a pumpkin weighing in at 928 pounds. Dan Boelman of Pella captured third place and $550 with a pumpkin weighing 903 pounds. Fourth place and $350 were won by Don Young of Des Moines for his 880 pound pumpkin.

Complete results below:

1) David Miller, 933 lbs., Riverside

2) Marc Petersen, 928 lbs., Clinton

3) Dan Boelman, 903 lbs., Pella

4) Don Young, 880 lbs., Des Moines

5) John Shepherd, 852 lbs., Charlotte

6) Chris Schultz, 848 lbs., Decorah

7) Joe Cristoforo, 832 lbs., Mount Pleasant

8) Martin Schnicker, 611 lbs., Mount Pleasant

9) Michael Otto, 565 lbs., Newton

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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14 Aug 2012

Six Acts Delight Judges, Move to Semi-Finals in State Fair Talent Search

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Six talented Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 53rd annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on August 16, 17 or 18.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the acts are:

Rylee Matthews, 11, Urbandale, Vocal Solo

Rachel Heim, 12, Davenport, Tap Dance

Jaedon Probasco, 11, Montezuma, Vocal Solo

Ada Lund, 4, Corning, Dance

Kenzie Paulsen, 12, West Des Moines, Contemporary Dance

Beth Meyer, 11, Holstein, Tap Dance

Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the competition. Two Sprout acts will be crowned champions every day of the semi-finals. The six winning acts will perform in the talent-packed championship set for Sunday, August 19 at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.

Each of the six Sprout Champions will receive a prize of $250 after the Championship Show. More than $15,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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13 Aug 2012

Durant's Keppy Snags Double Honors in FFA Market Swine Competition

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Jake Keppy of Durant captured the Grand Champion Market in the FFA Market Swine Show judged Thursday and Friday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. Keppy's hog first won the Champion Purebred Market Pig banner on the drive to the championship.

Earning the Reserve Grand Champion title this year was Chelsea Schminke of Van Horne.

Alexis Delaney of DeWitt claimed the Reserve Champion Purebred Market Swine award.

The judge had his hands full selecting champions out of 547 hogs brought by 266 exhibitors vying for the Grand Champion banner.

Division winners in the FFA Market Swine Show included:

Light Weight Barrow Champion: Jacklyn Keninger, Ackley

Light Weight Barrow Reserve Champion: Kole Wilson, Newton

Medium Weight Barrow Champion: Austin Lane, Spragueville

Medium Weight Barrow Reserve Champion: Ben Jacobsen, Dows

Heavy Weight Barrow Champion: Chelsea Schminke, Van Horne

Heavy Weight Barrow Reserve Champion: Jacklyn Keninger, Ackley

Light Weight Gilt Champion: Callie Greiner, Keota

Light Weight Gilt Reserve Champion: Kolton Greiner, Keota

Medium Weight Gilt Champion: Ryan Schneider, Riverside

Medium Weight Gilt Reserve Champion: Chelsea Keninger, Ackley

Heavy Weight Gilt Champion: Jacklyn Keninger, Ackley

Heavy Weight Gilt Reserve Champion: Amanda Anderson, Algona

Bershire Champion: Brandon Reedy, Ottumwa

Bershire Reserve Champion: Austin Lane, Spragueville

Chester White Champion: Brandon Reed, Ottumwa

Chester White Reserve Champion: Brandon Reed, Ottumwa

Duroc Champion: Samuel Bair, Elkhart

Duroc Reserve Champion: Maggie Miller, Ames

Hampshire Champion: Kelsey Brecht, Marengo

Hampshire Reserve Champion: Kelsey Brecht, Marengo

Spotted Poland China Champion: Alex Umbaugh, Adair

Spotted Poland China Reserve Champion: Clara Goddard, Letts

Yorkshire Champion: Jake Keppy, Durant

Yorkshire Reserve Champion: Alexis Delaney, DeWitt

All Other Breeds Champion: Zach Caslavka, Muscatine

All Other Breeds Reserve Champion: Ashley Olson, Atkins

Keppy's and Schminke's title holders, as well as 12 other livestock champions, will be auctioned in the prestigious Sale of Champions on Saturday, August 18, at 2 p.m. in the Penningroth Media Center of the Cattle Barn. The event is sponsored by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, a non-profit organization established to encourage the pursuit of agriculture-related careers by Iowa's youth.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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08 Aug 2012

Colorful Ice Cream Cone Statues Decorate Iowa State Fairgrounds

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Fifty-seven concrete ice cream cones painted by Iowans pay tribute to the Iowa State Fair's Fairlicious foods. The 3 ½ foot tall statues will be on display throughout the grounds during the 2012 Fair. "Nothing Compares" to the celebration and activities at the Fair, August 9-19.

Individuals, clubs and companies had the opportunity to showcase their creative talents, in professional or novice categories, and decorate a concrete ice cream cone in any way they chose. Entries were judged on the basis of creativity and use of additional materials.

Visit http://www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions for a printable map with a listing of all the concrete ice cream cone locations.

The first place winners received a $150 cash prize and a Fair admission package valued at $160. Second place winners received a $100 cash prize and a Fair admission package valued at $120. Third place winners received $50 and a Fair admission package valued at $85. Winners will be recognized in an awards presentation Sunday, August 19.

Complete Results Below:

Novice

1) Hey Diddle Diddle - Emma Wetzel, Chuck and Rachel Ginder, Altoona

2) Fire and Ice Cream Cone: A Tribute to Benton County Fire Departments - Angie Wittmer, Vinton

3) #1 in Yum - Kathryn Light, Waterloo

Honorable Mention) Kids Cancer Squad Cure Cone - Janie Ostrem, Sweet Treats of Jewell, Jewell

Honorable Mention) Honey Cone - Dave Tull and Tricia Knipper, Donnellson; Tim Knipper, Moline, Ill.; Terri Knipper, Solon

Honorable Mention) Cone on the Cob - Augusta, Brandt, and Clara Scott, Ames

Honorable Mention) Gettin' Piggy Wit It - Agri-Access Team, Johnston

Honorable Mention-Above and Beyond) Kooky the Ice Cream Clown - Sylvia Faine, Lara Newsom, Beatrice Faine, Urbandale

Professional

1) Indulge - Kelly Elliott, Nevada

2) Holsteins in the Meadow - Missy Sharer, Messy Missy's; Matt Pisney, Center Street Dairy Queen, Marshalltown

3) Blingalicious - Candi Ladmig and Alexa Groff, The Vinyl Studio, Ankeny

Honorable Mention-Most Unique: Buford Beaver Butter Brickle - Ryan Harder, Buena Vista University, Storm Lake

Honorable Mention: Eat Your Veggies - Connie Boesen, Applishus/Salad Bowl, Des Moines

Honorable Mention: Veggie Table: Celebrating Over 30 Years at the Iowa State Fair - Ed Brafford, Ruth McCoy, Veggie-Table, West Des Moines

To be entered in the professional division, 25 percent or more of the entrant's income must come from graphic design or artistry related work.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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07 Aug 2012

2012 Iowa State Fair to End on an Entertaining Note

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/06/2012)(readMedia)-- The 2012 Iowa State Fair is set to end on a high note on Extreme Sunday, August 19, with a boot tappin' Grandstand show and a full day of free entertainment. Plus, Fairgoers can take advantage of half-price gate admission, a chance to win prizes in the Iowa Lottery's "Mystery Millionaire" event, and free parking for carloads of five or more in the North Lot (until 9 p.m.). "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set August 9-19.

GRANDSTAND ENTERTAINMENT:

Since their inception in 1999, the trio of Rascal Flatts has released songs like "These Days," "Bless The Broken Road," "What Hurts The Most" and "Take Me There," some of the most successful music to come out of Nashville in recent years. They have placed 11 #1 singles and 20 Top 10 hits, seen every one of their studio albums go multi-platinum, and have become the most awarded vocal group in country music history with total sales at 20 million. Opening the 7 p.m. show is Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge.

Tickets are $59, on sale now through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800/745-3000 and through the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office. Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair.

FREE STAGE ENTERTAINMENT:

Here Come the Mummies is different from any other funk group and will see to it that they are the "funkiest" show around. The twelve members dress as Egyptian mummies and play "funk from beyond the grave." Here Come the Mummies will perform at 7:30 p.m. on the Anderson Erikson Dairy Stage.

From the hit NBC show The Sing Off, Street Corner Symphony brings a unique, southern soul sound to the Fair. The 6-piece Nashville-based a cappella group were runners-up on the second season of the show, which aired in December 2010. Catch them at 7 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

To date, WAR has sold nearly 50 million records and has been honored with 17 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. Classic songs include, "Low Rider," "Slippin' Into Darkness" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?" Come rock out with the band at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage.

Boyz II Men holds the distinction as the best-selling R&B group of all time, with an astounding 60 million albums sold. Most recently, Boyz II Men marked their 20th anniversary by releasing a landmark album, fittingly titled "Twenty," which debuted at number 20 on Billboard Magazine's Top 200 Albums Chart and number 4 on the R&B album chart. Listen to their classic hits at 7 p.m. on the Susan Knapp Amphitheater.

During the day, grab a seat at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage for Bill Riley's Talent Search Finals beginning at 1:30 p.m. Over 350 talented acts from across the state qualified to compete in this year's competition. Six Sprout Champions will be showcased in the Championship Show. In the Senior division, nine finalists will compete for the championship title.

In addition to all the musical talent, Fairgoers can also enjoy one final day of Fair food favorites, strolling act Bandaloni, The Red Trouser Show, exhilarating fun with the BMX Pros Trick Team, the Swampmaster's Gator Show, and the Bengal Tiger Encounter.

MYSTERY MILLIONAIRE JACKPOT PROMOTION

Fairgoers will have the chance to win up to $1,000 by being in the audience for the Iowa Lottery's "Mystery Millionaire" event! Fifteen audience members will win prizes from $250 to $1,000 during the Mystery Millionaire finale event on the Grand Concourse starting at 1 p.m. And one lucky Iowa Lottery player will win the promotion's $1 million grand prize.

Extreme Sunday is sponsored by WHO-TV 13, STAR 102.5, LAZER 103.3 and KIOA 93.3.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, set August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or check out www.iowastatefair.org.

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06 Aug 2012

Cultural Center Features Project AWARE Sculptures and Iowa's Largest Art Show

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/03/2012)(readMedia)-- The Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center will be bursting with fine art at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. Home to Iowa's largest art show, the Cultural Center features sculptures, art activities, demonstrations and much more. "Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair set August 9-19.

The Cultural Center atrium showcases The Art of Becoming AWARE sculptures from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the Fair. The sculptures are made from trash pulled from Iowa's rivers in Iowa DNR's Project AWARE cleanup efforts.

Stop by to see the outstanding art entered in this year's Fair. The state's largest art show will showcase exhibits in the areas of fine arts, photography, creative arts, wood projects and doll house and miniature room displays.

Fairgoers can even let their creativity loose and try their hands at making art. Make and Take projects available in the Cultural Center include name bracelets, candles and painted ceramic figurines. Youngsters will also have a special chance to make a masterpiece at Art Attack. Occurring daily from 1-5 p.m. in the courtyard, Art Attack features special arts and crafts activities for kids to make and then take home.

Live demonstrations and working exhibits also offer Fairgoers the opportunity to see art in action, with artists demonstrating such art forms as wheel thrown pottery, glass fusing, china painting and many more.

For a complete schedule of activities in the Cultural Center, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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06 Aug 2012

A Life-Size Chocolate Moose to Live in Elwell Family Food Center

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/03/2012)(readMedia)-- The world-famous Iowa State Fair Butter Cow has a new friend, a life-size Chocolate Moose crafted by the master chocolatiers at Chocolaterie Stam U.S.A. Chocolaterie Stam has crafted 'The World's Largest Chocolate Moose in Captivity ©.' The chocolate moose will be on display in the Elwell Family Food Center throughout the Fair, August 9-19 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

From hooves to antlers, the chocolate moose's stainless steel frame weighs 320 pounds, stands 10'6" high and is 118" long. Hundreds of pounds of Dutch chocolate were applied in layers and hand-carved until a life-size chocolate moose emerged. This creation took approximately nine weeks from its birth in Radcliffe to its new location in the Elwell Family Food Center. While a real moose weights more than 850 pounds, this chocolate moose would make approximately 4,250 Stam Chocolate Bars.

The Elwell Family Food Center houses this delectable creature as well as the largest foods department in the nation with 893 contests, 43 of which are new this year. Fairgoers can watch the judging take place or peruse the winners already on display. On the last day, educational seminars will be held about all things cooking and baking.

Over the 11-day course of competition, nearly $60,000 in prizes will be awarded, including Fair premiums and special sponsorship prizes and cash rewards. Judging for the Food Department competitions takes place daily in the four judging rooms located in the Elwell Family Food Center.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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06 Aug 2012

Double Bacon Corn Dog, Specialty Funnel Cakes and more debut at the 2012 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/03/2012)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to the new Fairlicious foods set to make their debut at the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The menu items join the list of nearly 200 food choices offered throughout the Fairgrounds.

Fairgoers are just days away from tasting these new temptations. The Double Bacon Corn Dog on a stick, a hot dog wrapped in bacon, deep fried, dipped in bacon bit enriched batter and deep fried again to golden perfection, adds a new twist to the traditional favorite. Additional foods on a stick include a chocolate covered chocolate chip cannoli, a chocolate covered chocolate chip cookie dough pop on a stick, and fruit on a stick with yogurt dipping sauce. These treats join more than 50 foods on-a-stick offered at the Fair.

Three new funnel cake flavors, German chocolate cake, carrot cake and sweet chocolate blue sapphire, make for a perfect indulgent snack. The deep-fried goodness doesn't stop there. The Deep-fried Pickle Dawg, a quarter slice kosher dill pickle covered in cream cheese, wrapped in ham or pastrami and deep fried in batter, makes for a quick and tasty snack.

The Nothing Spared Fair Square, the new Fair Square flavor, offers a unique twist on dessert. Made with marshmallows, crisped rice cereal, pretzels, potato chips, Oreos, toffee and M&Ms®, this salty creation was dubbed by a Fair fan in a Facebook naming contest.

Kicking it up a notch, the Carribean crab fritters with herbs, spices, and crab meat, are a full flavored treat. On a sweeter note, new vendor Beaverdale Confections has transformed a fireside favorite. Their s'mores include a choice of four handmade marshmallow flavors, pure Belgium Chocolate and Italian Pizzelles (wafer cookies).

Don't forget to stop by the new vendor Iowa Orchards to sample their harvest of fresh fruits. Try their indulgent homemade peach, apple or cherry crisp with brown sugar, cinnamon, and oatmeal topping.

In addition to the new foods, nearly 200 returning Fair favorites and 50 foods on a stick will be available. Enjoy usual favorites like pork chop on a stick and corndogs, or check out the more unusual choices like hot beef sundae or healthy options like salad on a stick, peanut butter and jelly on a stick, or mixed fruit cups.

Visit www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/food for a full list of nearly 200 Fair foods, as well as healthy foods, foods on a stick and vendor locations.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 9-19, 2012. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call

800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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01 Aug 2012

Annual Parade to Kick-Off 2012 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/31/2012)(readMedia)-- The 2012 Iowa State Fair Parade is set Wednesday, August 8. The Parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines and is the annual kick-off to the Fair, which runs August 9-19.

Former Iowa State Fair Board Member Don Greiman will lead as Parade Marshal. Greiman served on the Board for 44 years and was Fair board president two times prior to retiring in 2009. He was instrumental in leading the Fair through its financial struggles in the 1970s and in the formation of the Blue Ribbon Foundation in 1993. Greiman, who hails from Garner, has never missed a day at the Iowa State Fair in the last 46 years. The Blue Ribbon Foundation named Greiman Iowa State Fair Ambassador in 2011.

The Fair will also pay tribute to the late Mark Pearson, who died on June 3. Pearson hosted Iowa Public Television's Market to Market program, as well as the station's annual coverage of the Iowa State Fair. Mike Pearson, Mark's son, will drive his dad's tractor in the parade to honor the popular Iowa farm broadcaster.

The Iowa State Fair Parade is the state's largest, showcasing nearly 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.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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31 Jul 2012

Dirt Action Rumbles into the Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2012)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to the speed, action and adrenaline of track events at the Iowa State Fair. The Fair will host the thunder and roar of races, tractor and truck pulls and a demolition derby on the half-mile dirt track during the Fair's August 9-19 run.

Kicking off track events at the Fair, the Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models speeds into the Grandstand on Monday, August 13. The race feature late models, hobby stocks, stock cars and dirt trucks. Hot laps start at 5:30 p.m. with races at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-11. Admission for children ages 5 and under is free.

The Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today rumbles into the Fair on Wednesday, August 15. The following classes will face off in the dirt: Light Super Stock Tractors, Super Farm Tractors, Pro Stock Tractors, Modified Tractors, Diesel Super Stock Tractors, Modified 4 Wheel Drive Pickups, Modified 2 Wheel Drive Pickups, Unlimited Super Stock Tractors and Pro Stock Pickup. The action starts at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-11. Admission for children ages 5 and under is free.

The Fair's Demolition Derby wraps up the dirt action with non-weld, small car and county fair winners smashing and bashing on the track Saturday, August 18. The derby begins at 11:30 a.m. General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-11. Admission for children ages 5 and under is free.

Tickets for all Grandstand events are on sale at the State Fair Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Convenience charges apply. All track events are general admission. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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