DES MOINES, IA (07/12/2013)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to this year's line-up of family-friendly fun at the Iowa State Fair. From exciting new grounds attractions to educational exhibits, there's something for everyone at the 2013 Fair, set August 8-18.

Learn about the importance of Iowa's farming community with Certified LEGO Professional Sean Kenney in a special, agriculturally themed sculpture coordinated by the Iowa Food and Family Project. The piece, built entirely out of LEGO bricks, features key pieces of Iowa agriculture including farms, livestock and more. Visit the atrium of the Varied Industries Building to see the exhibit, participate in one of the daily LEGO building contests and learn about Iowa's agriculture first-hand.

Stop by Fun Forest for family-friendly stage entertainment throughout the day including performances by Mama Lou: American Strong Woman, educational presentations by the ReCycle Show with Richard Renner and acts provided by VSA Iowa, an organization striving to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.

Experience even more family-friendly fun at Expo Hill with daily performances by Team Rock extreme breaking experts and acrobatic circus duo Mango and Dango.

The Fair also boasts 11 days of entertainment specifically designed with young Fairgoers in mind. Stop by Kids' Zone, located north of the Animal Learning Center, to see feats of strength at the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, try your green thumb at Little Hands on the Farm or participate in hands-on crafts at the newly relocated Art Attack.

Kids can also enjoy special programming every weekday of the Fair with Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair's special club for ages 10 and under. Kids' Club members get to be part of the action during special Fair-themed activities. All events will start at 10 a.m. at the kids' club tent in the Kids' Zone, and will last 30-60 minutes. Membership is free and children can sign up beginning 30 minutes prior to any club event or download a form from iowastatefair.org and bring it along.

Don't miss out on all your Fair favorites returning this year, including Hedrick's Petting Zoo, Bandaloni One Man Band, Silly Sally the Clown, chainsaw carvers A.J. Lutter and Gary Keenan and Fair mascots Fairfield and Rosetta.

Visit iowastatefair.org for scheduling details on these events as well as the line-up of great free stage entertainment, livestock shows, contests and more.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. 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 www.iowastatefair.org.

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