20 Feb 2012

State Fair Award to Recognize Iowa's Farm Families

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (02/16/2012)(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 2012 Fair, August 9-19. 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 web site: 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 in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair.

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 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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26 Apr 2011

Iowa State Fair Grandstand, Admission Tickets on Sale Saturday

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (04/26/2011)(readMedia)-- Tickets for the much-anticipated Iowa State Fair Grandstand shows go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2011 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

In addition to the previously-announced star-studded line-up, Gavin DeGraw will open for Train and Maroon 5. DeGraw is known for numerous chart-toppers like "In Love With A Girl" and "I Don't Want To Be."

Print at home discounted admission tickets are on sale now through the Fair's website www.iowastatefair.org. For the first time, Fairgoers can purchase gate admission tickets online and immediately print their own tickets at no extra charge. Food coupons, Fair Play Packs, midway tickets and 11-day punch cards will also be available to order online beginning Saturday.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. Beginning July 11, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays - Fridays and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays 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.

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

2011 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 11 Casting Crowns with Sanctus Real, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 12 Jason Aldean with special guests Chris Young and Thompson Square, 8 p.m., $45

Saturday, August 13 Def Leppard with very special guest Heart, 8 p.m. $49

Sunday, August 14 The Incredible Machine Tour featuring Sugarland and Sara Bareilles, 8 p.m., $46

Monday, August 15 Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 16 Lynyrd Skynyrd and Doobie Brothers, 8 p.m., $46

Wednesday, August 17 Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull, 2 p.m. $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Thursday, August 18 Ronnie Dunn with special guest Steel Magnolia, 8 p.m., $35

Friday, August 19 Train and Maroon 5 with special guest Gavin DeGraw, 8 p.m., $47

Saturday, August 20 Demolition Derby, 11:30 a.m., $12 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Saturday, August 20 REBA with special guest Jerrod Niemann, 8 p.m., $45

Sunday, August 21 An Evening with Janet Jackson, 8 p.m., $65 and $55

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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27 Jul 2010

2010 Iowa State Fair Offers Hit List of Free Entertainment

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/26/2010)(readMedia)-- The 2010 Iowa State Fair free stage entertainment is packed with this year's hottest acts from all music genres. The line-up features some of the nation's biggest stars, all free with gate admission. The Fair is set for "Non Stop Fun" August 12-22.

Some of country music's favorite names are set to appear, including Jake Owen ("Eight Second Ride"), Love & Theft ("Runaway"), Colt Ford ("Chicken and Biscuits") and David Nail ("Red Light") as well as rising stars like Whitney Duncan, Bomshel, and Justin Moore. The Academy of Country Music named Owen Top New Male Vocalist in 2009 following the release of his album, "Startin' with Me."

Opening night will feature a special concert by country music star Lee Greenwood. Greenwood is known for his unique voice, insightful songwriting and enthusiastic patriotism coupled with his first major single "God Bless the USA." Greenwood takes the Jacobson Exhibition Center stage at 7 p.m.

Oldies fans will find their favorite acts in all genres performing each night on the Budweiser Stage, including rock legends The Family Stone, The Buckinghams, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik, and Davy Jones of The Monkees. In addition, Think Floyd USA, critically acclaimed as a "must see" for Pink Floyd fans, will take audiences on a musical and visual flight through the Pink Floyd galaxy, complete with a light show at the Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage.

Fans of 80s and 90s music can look forward to 80s hair band impersonation act Hairball as well as hip hop legends Vanilla Ice ("Ice Ice Baby") and Tone Loc ("Wild Thing"), who will take to the Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage together on Sunday, August 15. Vanilla Ice rose to hip hop stardom following the release of the single "Ice Ice Baby," in 1989 which sold over 17 million copies and was the first hip hop single to ever top the Billboard Charts.

Extreme Sunday shows include rising country music stars The Eli Young Band ("Always the Love Songs"), classic rock band The Grass Roots ("Let's Live For Today"), and Fair-favorite Richie Lee and the Fabulous Fifties. This year The Eli Young Band was nominated for an Academy of Country Music award for Top New Vocal Group or Duo and their song, "Always the Love Songs" reached the 11th spot on the Billboard Charts.

Fair and local favorites Vocal Trash, Jason Brown, The Nadas, The Blue Band and Sioux City Rockestra also appear on the free entertainment schedule. A complete listing of event dates, times and locations follows:

Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center sponsored by Chevrolet

August 12: Lee Greenwood (7 p.m.)

Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage sponsored by KCCI NewsChannel 8

August 12-14: The Nadas (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 15: Legends of Hip Hop featuring Vanilla Ice and Tone Loc (8 p.m.)

August 16-17: Think Floyd USA (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 18: David Nail (8 p.m.)

August 19: Love and Theft (8 p.m.)

August 20: Green River Ordinance (7 p.m.)

August 21: The Blue Band (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 21: The Blue Band (5:30 & 7:30 p.m.)

Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi

August 12: Sioux City Rockestra (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 13: Ryan Cabrera (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 14: Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation (7 p.m.)

August 15: Fastball (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 16-21: Vocal Trash (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 22: The Grass Roots (8 p.m.)

Budweiser Stage sponsored by ABC5

August 12: Davy Jones of The Monkees (8 p.m.)

August 13-14: Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 15-17: The Buckinghams (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 18-19: Atlanta Rhythm Section (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 20: The Family Stone (8 p.m.)

August 21: Richie Lee and the Fabulous Fifties (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 22: Richie Lee and the Fabulous Fifties (4:30 & 6:30 p.m.)

Susan Knapp Amphitheater with media sponsor KDSM FOX 17

August 12: Jake Owen (8 p.m.)

August 13: Bomshel (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 14: Whitney Duncan (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 15-16: Jason Brown (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 17: Justin Moore (8 p.m.)

August 18-19: Hairball (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 20: Colt Ford (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 21: Country Gold (6 & 8:30 p.m.)

August 22: Eli Young Band (8 p.m.)

Fun Forest Stage (all shows ASL interpreted)

No shows 11 a.m. - noon on Friday, August 13th due to VSA Opening Ceremonies

August 12-22: The Fast Horses (11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.)

August 12-22: Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop (12, 2 & 4 p.m.)

August 12-22: Doc Anderson's Traveling Medicine Wagon Show presented by VSA Iowa Fest (11 a.m., 1, 3 &

5 p.m.)

The Iowa State Fair is set for "Non Stop Fun" August 12-22, 2010. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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24 May 2010

2010 Iowa State Fair Parade Entries Due July 1

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (05/19/2010)(readMedia)-- Applications are now being accepted for entries to participate in Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the 2010 Iowa State Fair, set for August 12-22. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, July 1.

The parade is open to anyone who wishes to enter, including community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses. Entrants are required to incorporate the 2010 Fair theme, "Non Stop Fun," into their parade unit design. Undecorated commercial vehicles will not be allowed.

Applications are available at iowastatefair.org, 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.

The parade, set for Wednesday, August 11, 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 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.

The Iowa State Fair is set for "Non Stop Fun" August 12-22, 2010. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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24 May 2010

Iowa State Fair Campgrounds Open for Summer Fun

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (05/18/2010)(readMedia)-- Summer is finally here and, with Memorial Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to start the summer off right with a worry-free weekend in the great outdoors. The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds has plenty of space available through mid-July with country comforts alongside big city style and excitement.

Ranked among the most beautiful in the Midwest, the 160-acre Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are home to century-old trees, woodland flora and small wildlife. The Campgrounds houses over 1800 sites fully equipped with water and electrical hookups, 600 sites with sewers, and three large bathhouses outfitted with clean showers, toilets and sinks.

In addition to the excellent facilities, the Campgrounds offers 24-hour security and affordable rates: $23 per night for sites equipped with water, electricity and sewer; $20 per night for sites equipped with water and electricity; and $18 per night for sites without utilities.

Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds office at 515/262-3111 x284. Campers without reservations are welcome as well. Enter through one of the Fairgrounds' main entrances off East University Avenue or East 30th Street and follow the signs into the Campgrounds.

The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are easy to find and conveniently located just off Interstates 80 and 35. Just minutes from Des Moines-area attractions like Adventureland Park, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, the East Village and endless dining and shopping options, the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are the perfect place to enjoy the comforts of home and the excitement of the city at a manageable cost.

The Iowa State Fair is set for "Non Stop Fun" August 12-22, 2010. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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28 Jul 2009

Five Iowa Farm Families, including one from Blue Grass, to be Honored at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Five Iowa farm families will be named as recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2009 Iowa State Fair. Each family will be honored in an award ceremony during the Fair. "State Fair Time" runs August 13-23.

The Way We Live Award, new to this year's Fair, 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. Five recipients were chosen from a pool of 32 entries representing a variety of commodities and locations throughout Iowa.

In addition to being honored in award ceremonies during the Fair, each family will receive a prize package including admission to the Fair and $150 cash.

The Martz Family of Blue Grass, Iowa

The Martz family established their farming operation in 1913. When Earl Martz married Phyllis Brus in 1957, the two added the Brus homestead to the already thriving Martz farm. Nearly twenty years later, eleven-year-old Keith Martz and his teenage brothers, David and Brian, began renting and farming their grandfather's land. The three harvested a bumper crop their very first year. Though Brian left to become a veterinarian, the two remaining Martz brothers have worked hard to diversify their technique producing everything from corn, soybeans, oats and hay to ketchup tomatoes. Today, the Martz family maintains 1000 acres of crops, 2400 hogs and 90 stock cows. Though they cite the sunshine, rain and deep, fertile soil as their primary resources, their close family bonds and dedication to Iowa agriculture are their biggest blessings. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Monday, August 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Hansen Family of Hudson, Iowa

The Hansen farm has passed through generations of family members since the land was purchased by their German ancestors in 1861. Jay and Jeanne Hansen took over operation and ownership in 1976. Today, they are in the process of passing on their stable, lucrative family business to their five adult children. The family began selling Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy products directly to consumers in 2002. Currently, they produce enough to supply two family-owned stores in Waterloo and Cedar Falls as well as 25 other retail outlets, restaurants, coffee shops and retirement homes throughout the Cedar Valley area. Their pet kangaroo, Kiwi, serves as farm mascot and appears on their product labels. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Thursday, August 13, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Godbersen Family of Arthur, Iowa

Robert and Twyla Godbersen and their children, Bryce and Leah, are committed to the production and care of healthy Hereford cattle. Their self-sustaining operation produces corn and alfalfa to feed their horses and cows which enjoy grazing in their extensive pastureland. Each member of the family is dedicated to celebrating the importance of Iowa agriculture through youth organizations like FFA and 4-H. Twyla and Leah continue to volunteer with 4-H at local county fairs and shows. Bryce is an enthusiastic member of Iowa Beef Producers and the Iowa Hereford Association Board. Several generations of Godbersen's have even garnered ribbons at the Iowa State Fair cattle shows. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Saturday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Petersen Family of Knoxville, Iowa

Petersen parents James and Julie and their four children, Justin, Jacob, Joshua and Jenny, work 850 acres of crops and raise 800 head of ewes and cattle. Their farm has been in the family through several generations, and James' 79-year-old father continues to participate in daily farm work. They have been active in their local 4-H chapter and have entered several items in the 4-H division at the Iowa State Fair as well as livestock, horticulture and foods divisions. Every member of the family has earned a blue ribbon from the State Fair Food Department. The Petersens cite hope and tradition as their driving forces, paired with a commitment to producing healthy livestock and quality crops. Julie notes that their sense of humor continues to be a blessing, telling the story of how James surprised her with a silver-painted manure spreader for their 25th anniversary - traditionally a "silver" celebration. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Wednesday, August 19,! at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Van Manen Family of Kellogg, Iowa

The Van Manen family farm dates back to the late 1920s. Today, nearly a century later, parents Kevin and Julie and their children, Jacob and Emily, continue to maintain a sustainable operation raising Holstein steers and hogs. Each member of the family helps out with chores, fieldwork, gardening, mowing and preparing meals. In addition to their hectic schedule on the farm, both children are heavily involved in basketball and baseball leagues as well as their local 4-H chapters. Julie spends her mornings teaching math in the Sully Christian School District before heading back to the farm to help with public relations. The family's favorite part of farming is opening up their home to their non-farming neighbors - anyone from Boy Scout troops to city relatives. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Saturday, August 22, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

"State Fair Time" in 2009 is set August 13-23. For Fair information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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