Print at Home Tickets Offer Convenience

DES MOINES, IA (06/30/2014)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to affordable family entertainment at the Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. For Fairgoers planning ahead, the State Fair Ticket Office will open Monday, July 7, to offer discounted tickets on admission, rides and more.

The State Fair Ticket Office, located in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds, will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to Noon Saturdays beginning July 7. Online orders placed after Sunday, July 27, will not be mailed but will be held at will call. Walk-up orders will be available until August 6. Cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted. All offers good while supplies last.

Advance Admission

Save nearly 30 percent off gate admission with advance admission tickets, on sale through August 6, while supplies last. Adult admission tickets are just $8 in advance (ages 12 and older; regularly $11), and children's admission tickets are only $4 in advance (ages 6-11; regularly $5). Fairgoers can print advance admission tickets at home when purchasing them online at iowastatefair.org. This fee-free option is easy and convenient. Tickets may also be purchased at participating Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Drugstores and Fareway Stores. Tickets are good any one Fair day. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free every day.

Fairgoers can enjoy an even bigger benefit when buying early: advance admission tickets have a coupon for a free small Potato Olé® at participating Iowa-area Taco John's. Coupon expires 9/30/14. See store for details.

Fair Play Packs

These value-packed kits, including special deals on admission, food and select rides, are perfect for employee incentives or Fair-loving families! Fair Play Packs are available at the State Fair Ticket Office, beginning July 7, or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Visit iowastatefair.org for details. Must be purchased by August 6. Available while supplies last.

Punch Cards

Buy a convenient Punch Card with 11 days of adult Fair admission for just $88. Each punch is good for one admission to the Fair. Cards may be used by individuals or families. Punch Cards may only be purchased through the State Fair Ticket Office, beginning July 7, or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Must be purchased by August 6. Available while supplies last.

Zipline Tickets

Buy two Zipline tickets for $10 and save $4. Riders must weigh between 50 and 250 lbs. Available at the State Fair Ticket Office, beginning July 7, or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Must be purchased by August 6. Available while supplies last. Beginning August 7, Zipline rides are $7 each or two for $12.

Midway Savings

Save on the Midway with a Midway Pack, a set of five Midway ride tickets for only $14. Each ticket is good for one ride. Available at the State Fair Ticket Office, beginning July 7, or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Midway Mega Passes, good for unlimited rides any one Fair day, are also available. Visit iowastatefair.org for details. Fair admission must be purchased separately. Must be purchased by August 6. Available while supplies last.

Food Tickets

Buy a set of five $1 food tickets good for food or beverage purchases at any Fairgrounds concession, excluding the Midway. Cost is $5 per set, and they may be purchased through the State Fair Ticket Office, beginning July 7, or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Available while supplies last.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (06/26/2014)(readMedia)-- On Opening Day of the Iowa State Fair, August 7, Fairgoers can enjoy an early-bird special offer and have the chance to win cash prizes and concert packages, all before Noon. "Nothing Compares" to this year's Fair, set for August 7-17.

Fairgoers can enjoy $5 off adult and $2 off child admission on August 7 from 5 a.m. to Noon with a coupon from the August 3 Des Moines Sunday Register. One coupon per person is required at the gate.

Visitors (ages 21 and older) can collect a coupon while supplies last good for one free play in the All or Nothing™ lotto game courtesy of the Iowa Lottery, the Fair's Opening Day sponsor. Coupons will be available at gates 4, 8, 11 and 15. The Iowa Lottery is also offering Fairgoers the chance to win one of 10 cash prizes and two prize packages to see Grammy Award-winning country trio Lady Antebellum in the Grandstand on August 16. The contests will be open from 5 to 9 a.m. on Expo Hill. Van and Bonnie from WHO NewsRadio 1040 will also be broadcasting live from Expo Hill and will help the lottery announce the winners.

Opening Ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. on Expo Hill to kick off the 11 days of the Fair. The Red Trouser Show will begin at Noon on Expo Hill and will entertain Fairgoers of all ages with feats of strength and acrobatics. Other Opening Day activities include free performances by The Willis Clan, Winger, Vocal Trash, Los Lonely Boys and Kristian Bush, plus The Newsboys with special guest Matthew West on the Grandstand. Fairgoers can also enjoy the Twins, Triplets and More Contest, the Big Ram, Big Boar and Super Bull contests, plus all the delectable foods and the non-stop fun that await first day attendees.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print-at-home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (06/20/2014)(readMedia)-- July 1 is the deadline to enter the Iowa State Fair parade and many of the Fair's competitive events. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 7-17.

Premium books and entry forms can be accessed at iowastatefair.org/premiumbooks. Entrants in competitive events may enter online or submit their entry by mail. While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department. Many departments will accept late entries through July 8 with an additional late fee. For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions or the online entry system, contact the Competitive Events Department at 515/262-3111 ext. 207.

The Iowa State Fair also invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and enter the "Amazingly Amusing" State Fair parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair.

Applications are available at 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.

The parade, set for Wednesday, August 6, 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 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 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (06/18/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair has named five finalists in the New Food Contest. Fairgoers will vote during the Fair to determine the winner. The value-priced offerings along with countless other foods will be available August 7-17.

The Brownie Blitz offers a delicious combination of cream cheese brownie bits, whipped cream, chocolate syrup and coconut. This sweet treat is available at Bauders Ice Cream on the southwest side of the Agriculture Building.

The new Caprese Salad On-a-Stick offers a snack that is both tasty and healthy. The mouthwatering skewer of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinaigrette is available at all Salad Bowl locations.

The Rib Shack's new Smoked Brisket and Bacon Mac N Cheese, available in Walnut Square, is topped with chunks of smoked brisket and apple wood smoked bacon and tossed in a creamy three cheese sauce.

The Three Buck Bowl features two crispy potato skins filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh salsa and shredded cheddar cheese and is available at Steer N Stein located on the Grand Concourse.

Funnel Cake Sticks made with vanilla, chocolate or strawberry funnel cake batter, served on-a-stick and topped with icing, can be found at Arnold's Concessions on Rock Island Avenue across from the Livestock Pavilion.

Other value-priced contest entries included Zombie Cones in six sour flavors, homemade vanilla bean, caramel, chocolate or maple bacon Jumbo Toasted Marshmallows On-a-stick and a Red Velvet Flurry ice cream treat. Fairgoers can try each of these offerings for just $3.

Concessionaires were asked to submit a new value-priced item for $3 or less. The food entries were judged based on taste/flavor, presentation/appearance, value and creativity/originality. Fairgoers will be able to try each new food during the Fair and vote for their favorite finalist. The winning item will be announced during the Fair.

Other new foods this year include Pineapple Inside Out Funnel Cake, Chicken Fried Bacon, Chocolate Covered Bacon Nougat On-a-stick, Chocolate Covered Cookies N Cream On-a-stick, Mexican Grilled Corn On-the-cob and Tater Dogs On-a-stick. In addition, this year's newest Fair Square, Fair-berry, a tasty blend of crisped rice cereal, strawberry puree and melted marshmallow, will debut for just $2. For a complete list of new foods including descriptions and locations, visit iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (06/09/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Department is seeking fabric donations and volunteers for the fifth 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 7-17.

Donations of five-inch wide strips (cut with the fabric) and two-yard cuts of fabric in all-cotton juvenile prints and patterns are needed for quilt fronts and 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 305 quilts as a part of the Des Moines Area Quilt Guild Education Committee. This year's quilts will be donated to the children at the Angel Tree Camps, Bidwell Riverside Center and families of deployed troops. Since the Sew-In began in 2009, volunteers have created 1,294 quilts for children at the University of Iowa, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Blank Pediatric Oncology Clinic, Youth Emergency Shelter, Beloit Children's Services 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 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (05/19/2014)(readMedia)-- Throughout the 11 days of the 2014 Iowa State Fair, Fairgoers can enjoy more than half a million dollars worth of free entertainment from rock legends to country up-and-comers. "Nothing Compares" to this year's entertainment, all free with gate admission. The Iowa State Fair runs August 7-17.

This year's line-up features alternative rock band Alien Ant Farm. The group boasts more than five million record sales, a Grammy Award nomination and four top-ten singles including their double-platinum cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal." Other rock groups include the Beatle's tribute band Yesterday, Los Lonely Boys, Winger and The Romantics.

After reuniting in 2013, Trick Pony is back and better than ever with a new flare to fit today's country radio. Their hits include "On a Mission," "Just What I Do" and the top-ten single off their gold-certified debut album, "On a Night like This." Other country acts include Dustin Lynch, the Swon Brothers and Eric Paslay.

Back by popular demand, the self-proclaimed "Glee-meets-Stomp" group Vocal Trash will perform daily on the Fairview Stage. Also returning is southern rock band Black Stone Cherry and Hairball, the world's ultimate 80s arena rock impersonation act.

Discounted admission tickets are available now through August 6, with savings of nearly 30 percent. Purchase tickets online at iowastatefair.org. The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office opens Monday, July 7, for walk-up orders.

A complete listing of event dates, times and locations follows:

Fairview Stage sponsored by Coors Light with media sponsor KCCI 8 News

August 7-17 Vocal Trash (1 & 3 p.m.)

August 7 Los Lonely Boys (8 p.m.)

August 8 The Nadas (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 9 Alien Ant Farm (8 p.m.)

August 10-11 Savannah Jack (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 12 Green River Ordinance (8 p.m.)

August 13 The Romantics (8 p.m.)

August 14 Trixter (8 p.m.)

August 15 Black Stone Cherry (8 p.m.)

August 16 The Blue Band (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 17 Here Come the Mummies (8 p.m.)

Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi

August 7-8 The Willis Clan (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 9 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation (7 p.m.)

August 10-14 Ron Diamond (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 15-16 Ryan Shupe and The RubberBand (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 17 Bill Riley All Star Show (7 p.m.)

Bud Light Stage sponsored by ABC5

August 7 Winger (8 p.m.)

August 8 Great White (8 p.m.)

August 9 PopROCKS (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 10 Slaughter (8 p.m.)

August 11-12 Hairball (7:30 p.m.)

August 13 Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles (8 p.m.)

August 14 Ben Portsmouth (8 p.m.)

August 15-16 Yesterday: A Beatles Tribute (8 p.m.)

August 17 Fastball (8 p.m.)

Susan Knapp Amphitheater with media sponsor KDSM FOX 17

August 7 Kristian Bush (8 p.m.)

August 8 Jon Pardi (8 p.m.)

August 9 Dallas Smith (8 p.m.)

August 10 Trick Pony (8 p.m.)

August 11 Dustin Lynch (8 p.m.)

August 12 Country Gold (5 & 7:30 p.m.)

August 13 The Swon Brothers (8 p.m.)

August 14 Fair-well to Summer Dance Party (7 p.m.)

August 15 Eric Paslay (8 p.m.)

August 16 Sundy Best (8 p.m.)

August 17 Charles Esten (8 p.m.)

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (04/28/2014)(readMedia)-- Premium books and entry forms for competitive events at the 2014 Iowa State Fair will be available at iowastatefair.org beginning Thursday, May 1. The "Amazingly Amusing" Iowa State Fair will run August 7-17.

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 Food Department of any state fair, the state's largest art show, one of the largest livestock shows in the world and Iowa's finest exhibits 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 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at www.iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (04/08/2014)(readMedia)-- Winter is finally drawing to a close and, with Memorial Day around the corner, now is the perfect time shed some of that cabin fever by planning a worry-free weekend in the great outdoors. The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds have plenty of campsites available beginning Friday, April 18, through mid-July with country comforts alongside city conveniences and excitement.

The Campgrounds house more than 2300 sites fully equipped with water and electrical hookups, including 734 sites with sewers, and three large bathhouses outfitted with clean showers, toilets and sinks. In addition to the excellent facilities, the Campgrounds offer affordable rates: $25 per night for sites equipped with water, electricity and sewer; $23 per night for sites equipped with water and electricity; and $20 per night for sites without utilities.

Reservations are recommended 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 beautiful, 160-acre Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are home to century-old trees, woodland flora and small wildlife. The 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, and the East Village's dining and shopping options as well as all Fairgrounds events, 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 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 iowastatefairgrounds.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (04/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Tickets for the much-anticipated Iowa State Fair Grandstand shows will go on sale Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2014 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

This year's line-up includes an array of performers including multi-platinum rock veterans Foreigner and Styx, alternative hard rock artists Chevelle and Halestorm and seven-time Grammy award-winning country trio Lady Antebellum.

Print at home discounted admission tickets are on sale now at www.iowastatefair.org. Fairgoers can purchase gate admission tickets online and print their own tickets at no extra charge. Beginning April 12, Fairgoers can also purchase 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, April 12, 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 7, 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 (assuming tickets remain; 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:

2014 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 7

Newsboys with special guest Matthew West, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 8

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2014 starring THE TURTLES featuring FLO & EDDIE, CHUCK NEGRON formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary U.S. Bonds, MITCH RYDER & THE DETROIT WHEELS, GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS, 8 p.m., $25

Saturday, August 9

Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry with special guest Plain White T's, 8 p.m. $39

Sunday, August 10

Winged Sprint Cars, 10:30 a.m. Hot Laps, 11 a.m. Races, $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Sunday, August 10

The Stars of A&E's Duck Dynasty A Conversation with the Robertsons: Willie, Korie and Si, 8 p.m., $32

Monday, August 11

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 12

Florida Georgia Line with special guest Colt Ford, 8 p.m., $40

Wednesday, August 13

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

Thursday, August 14

Jake Owen's Days of Gold Tour starring Jake Owen & Eli Young Band with special guest The Cadillac Three, 7 p.m., $40

Friday, August 15

Chevelle and Halestorm with special guest to be announced, 8 p.m., $35

Saturday, August 16

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 16

Lady Antebellum with special guests Billy Currington and Kelsey K, 8 p.m., $49

Sunday, August 17

Foreigner and Styx with special guest to be announced, 8 p.m., $39

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at www.iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (04/02/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Board is pleased to announce Midwest Racing Promotions as the newly named race promoters of the Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway. Track improvements are underway in preparation for the spring racing season's April 18 kick-off.

Midwest Racing Promotions is led by racing veterans Tony Moro, Eric Lundstrom and John Pat Dorrian. The group has already implemented several track renovations to boost the safety and excitement of their races. These improvements include over 150 truckloads of track resurfacing and improvements to the corner guard rails to allow for faster, safer racing.

The 2014 spring season will start with a practice race on Saturday, April 12. The practice is open to the public and will run from 1 to 5 p.m. The competitive season will begin on Friday, April 18, and continue every Friday evening through the championship races on August 1. The Fairgrounds track will feature fireworks on opening night as well as following a special race event on Thursday, July 3. Hot laps for all races will begin at 6:15 p.m. with races at 6:30 p.m.

This year's Fairtime Grandstand line-up will feature two Speedway events, including the debut of Winged Sprint Car races on Sunday, August 10, with hot laps at 10:30 a.m. and races at 11 a.m. The inaugural race will feature three classes including 305 Sprints, Hobby Stocks and Mods. The Deery Brothers Summer Series returns to the Grandstand on Monday, August 11, with hot laps at5:30 p.m. and races at 6 p.m. This year's races will feature Late Models, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks. General admission tickets for Speedway Grandstand events will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, through all Ticketmaster outlets.

The Speedway has served as a longstanding Fair tradition since its construction began in 1884. With roots that date back farther than most Fairgrounds attractions, the track has offered a weekly summer tradition for generations of local families as well as an August highlight for many Fairgoing race fans.

The Speedway has hosted countless historic events including the 1940 world championship between Gus Shrader, Emory Collins, Ben Shaw and Jimmie Wilburn as well as Aldo Andretti's 1969 auto accident which preceded his early retirement. Today's Fairgrounds racers join the ranks of Speedway veterans A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Bobby Allison and more.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. 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 visitwww.iowastatefair.org.

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