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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