DES MOINES, IA (07/16/2012)(readMedia)-- At the 2012 Iowa State Fair "Nothing Compares" to the kids activities and entertainment all free with gate admission. From Blue Ribbon Kids to the Fun Forest Stage and family-friendly fun in the Kids' Zone, Fairgoers will always have something to see or do. The Fair is set August 9-19.

The Kids' Zone - a special area packed with food, games and entertainment - is planned with young Fairgoers in mind. Check out the stunts at the BMX Pros Trick Team show, try your green thumb at Little Hands on the Farm and visit the Blue Ribbon Kids tent for a fun activity. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are also located in the Kids' Zone.

Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair's special club for ages 10 and under, allows children to experience the Fair from a unique perspective. Blue Ribbon Kids members will get to be part of the action during special club activities. All events start at 2 p.m. at the kids' club tent in the Kids' Zone, north of the Animal Learning Center and will last 30-60 minutes. Membership is free and children can sign up at any club event or download a form from iowastatefair.org and bring it along.

Schedule of Blue Ribbon Kids Events:

Thursday, August 9 - Fair Food Day

Friday, August 10 - Photo Scavenger Hunt Day

Monday, August 13 - Baby Farm Animals Day

Tuesday, August 14 - Iowa State Trooper Day

Wednesday, August 15 - Make and Take Craft Day

Thursday, August 16 - Pella Wildlife Day

Friday, August 17 - Kids' Club Final Event

Fun Forest Stage:

The Fair's family-friendly Fun Forest Stage is nestled in 1.5 acres of fun, located east of the Agriculture Building. All shows are ASL interpreted, courtesy of the Deaf Action Center and the Iowa State Fair.

Babaloo is best described as a one-man musical comedy performance and is a high-energy experience. He has been wowing children with his zany brand of entertainment for nearly a decade. Shows daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Matt's Family Jam brings together many musical tastes to encourage families to play and sing together. Audiences will hear new tunes and familiar favorites, all arranged to appeal to little and big ears. Shows daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

VSA Iowa strives to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA presents a variety of entertainment acts throughout the Fair. Shows daily at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

More Entertainment:

The Bengal Tiger Encounter is an inspirational program featuring the incredible Bengal tiger and educates the public on the loss of habitat and the killing of tigers for profit in other parts of the world. These tigers are protected and cared for by loving trainers. Tigers are on display all day with shows daily at 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m.

During the Swampmaster's Gator Show, Swampmaster Jeff Quattrocchi and his band of playful alligators provide thrills, laughter and fun facts as they give valuable information and edge-of-the-seat entertainment guaranteed to please. Shows held daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m., west of the Jacobson Exhibition Center.

The Red Trouser Show is a high-end street theater performance that exceeds expectations. This professional and highly skilled duo is a unique and visible attraction that leaves awe-struck audiences laughing. Using fire, juggling and illusions, the show provides a whole new kind of acrobatics that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Shows daily at noon, 2 and 5 p.m on Expo Hill.

Seed Survivor, an interactive exhibit in the Agriculture Building, is designed to teach kids about plants and what it takes to grow them. Or explore the AgVenture Discovery Trail by picking up a map and lanyard, visiting all 10 stops and turning it in to receive a prize.

The young pop band Action Item has been played regularly on Radio Disney and has worked with Nick Jonas, producing songs for their album, "The Stronger the Love." The band will be making their Fair debut on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage on Friday, August 10 at 8 p.m.

There's no knowing what tricks Silly Sally the Clown will pull out of her hat. This fun-loving, kid-friendly clown has created shows that both teach and entertain audiences of all ages. She wows the crowd with magic, music, puppetry and dancing. The performance will be held on Thursday, August 9 at 2 p.m. on the Anderson Erickson Stage.

Local singer and story teller Nina Givan as Mother Goose travels throughout Iowa providing children with educational and engaging entertainment. Story time will be held August 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 10 a.m. and noon on the porch of the Ralph H. Deets Historical Museum and at 2 p.m. in the Country School.

No matter what your age, fun will be had by all on Iowa Park and Recreation day. Visit the Anne & Bill Riley Stage and Grand Concourse on Thursday, August, 16 and participate in bubble gum blowing and pie eating contests, big wheel races, arts & crafts and scavenger hunts.

In addition to feeling the squish of grapes between your toes during the Grape Stomp (daily, 11 a.m., 2, 3 and 6 p.m.), more Grape Getaway Kids' Activities will be held daily at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in a tent north of Grandfather's Barn.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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