16 Aug 2023

Talented Dancers and Musicians Advance to the Next Round of Bill Riley Talent Search

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 16, 2023) — Five talented Sprout division acts (ages two to twelve) and five Senior division acts (ages thirteen to 21) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 63rd annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 17; Friday, August 18; or Saturday, August 19.

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

Reese Freml, 9, Johnston, Tap Solo

15 Aug 2023

Iowa State Fair Mr Legs Competition Crowns Winners

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 15, 2023) — Jarrett Stod of New Sharon was awarded the Best Legs title in the Mr Legs contest held Saturday, August 12, on the MidAmerican Energy Stage at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Ben Hogan of Readlyn was awarded Runner-Up Best Legs.

Beyond overall leg appearance, several leg divisions were judged during the contest, including thinnest, hairiest, palest, tannest, and special winners.

Additional results below:

Thinnest Legs

15 Aug 2023

FFA Breeding Sheep Claim Banners

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 15, 2023) — Two hundred and eighty-nine sheep were shown by FFA exhibitors to take home champion registered sheep titles during the FFA Breeding Sheep show on Friday, August 11, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Riley Walker of Webster City FFA, Webster City, was awarded the Champion Commercial Ewe Lamb. Waylen Gemberling of South Central Calhoun FFA, Lake City, was awarded the Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe Lamb.

15 Aug 2023

A Double Champion for FFA Carcass Value Swine

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 15, 2023) — The FFA Carcass Value Swine show was held on Thursday, August 10, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Thirty pigs were shown by nineteen FFA exhibitors in the show.

Isaac Striegel of Keota FFA, Keota, was awarded the Grand Champion of Carcass (Live) show and Grand Champion of the Carcass show.

Kelsie Bohrn of Pekin FFA, Packwood, won Reserve Champion of Carcass (Live) show.

14 Aug 2023

Local FFA Members Create Captivating Moments in Photography

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 14, 2023) — Nine-hundred and thirty-seven exhibitors entered 355 photos of their best work into the FFA Photography contest at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Samantha Wilbur of South O'Brien FFA, Paullina, won Best of Show and Reserve Champion Best of Show

Dalani Beuthien of DeWitt Central FFA, DeWitt, received the State Advisor's Selection.

Riggs Martin, Alburnett FFA, Alburnett, achieved the State Executive Director Selection.

14 Aug 2023

Local FFA Members Among Crop-Growers to Achieve Honors

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 14, 2023) — Sixty-nine FFA members submitted 373 exhibits in the Farm Crops contest judged Thursday, August 10, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Olivia McDermott of Maquoketa FFA, Maquoketa, was awarded the Champion Premier Exhibit Award. Dakota Rohwedder of Calamus Wheatland FFA, Wheatland, won the Reserve Champion Premier Exhibit Award.

14 Aug 2023

All Things Mini Win Big Honors at 2023 Iowa State Fair

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 14, 2023) — Doll houses, miniature rooms, and scenes were awarded honors prior to the start of the 2023 Iowa State Fair. The mini structures are on display in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center, 9AM-8PM, every day of the Fair.

Paul Block of Stanhope won Best of Show in the Doll House competition.

Beth Grabau of Adel won Best of Show in the Miniature Room competition.

Additional results follow:

Junior Class

14 Aug 2023

Local Kids Among Performers Continuing to Next Round of Bill Riley Talent Search

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 14, 2023) — Five talented Sprout division acts (ages two to twelve) and five Senior division acts (ages thirteen to 21) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 63rd annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 17; Friday, August 18; or Saturday, August 19.

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

Abbie Atkinson, 12, Bloomfield, Contemporary Dance Solo

06 Dec 2022

Iowa State Fair Earns International Industry Honors

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (December 6, 2022) — The Iowa State Fair earned numerous awards and honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) annual convention earlier this month.

12 Oct 2022

Iowa State Fair CEO Gary Slater Announces Retirement

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IOWA (October 12, 2022) — Gary Slater, Iowa State Fair CEO and Fair Manager, is retiring after 21 years in his position. Slater has spent his entire career working in leadership positions for large events including the Missouri State Fair, the World Pork Expo, and the Iowa State Fair, where he has served as CEO and Fair Manager since 2001.

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