DES MOINES, IOWA (November 21, 2019) — Barksdale's cookies have become synonymous with the Iowa State Fair. Each year, thousands of families get in line to get their cup or bucket of warm, fresh chocolate chip cookies. But, as Joe Barksdale reaches 92 years old, it is time to make sure that cookie tradition continues.

"I am so proud to be gifting Barksdale cookies to the people of Iowa, by entrusting the business to the Iowa State Fair," said Joe Barksdale. Barksdale has been doing business on the Fairgrounds since 1976 and baking cookies since 1993.

"We are so proud the Barksdale family selflessly entrusted us to continue their family legacy," said Gary Slater, Fair Manager and CEO. "We can't wait to carry on the tradition of Barksdale's State Fair Cookies that Joe started and continue to bring those same warm chocolate chip cookies to Fairgoers."

Fairgoers can rest assured the same original family recipe will be available for many Fairs to come. Trailers and the Varied Industries Building location will still be available at the 2020 Fair, along with a newly constructed cookie baking kitchen near the Maytag theaters.

Watch for more information celebrating the Barksdale's State Fair Cookies leading up to the 2020 Fair, August 13-23, 2020.

 

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair, located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. How Do You Fair? Be There, August 13-23, 2020. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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