Farm Bureau members, visitors can test their farm strength, win great prizes
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Aug. 6, 2012 - Iowa State Fair visitors can flex their "Farm Strong" strength and ag knowledge at Farm Bureau Park each day of the fair. Whether it's finding out if pigs can get sunburn or discovering how many farms are in the state, fairgoers can talk to Iowa farmers about agriculture and play a free high-striker game to earn prizes.
The strength of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) comes from its members who will enjoy a number of "Farm Strong" perks at the fair. They can redeem a member coupon for a free prize and register to win a free John Deere Gator utility vehicle provided by the Van Wall Group and Barker Implement, which are premier John Deere dealers.
All park visitors can enter a drawing to win $1,000 in groceries and learn more about Farm Bureau benefit partners and special member discounts on services and products including Morton Buildings, Case IH tractors and utility vehicles, Van Wall Energy and Ford and Lincoln vehicles. In addition, people who join their county Farm Bureau at the fair may register to win a John Deere lawn tractor.
Young fairgoers will also find free entertainment at Farm Bureau Park as the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee members offer a variety of free kids' activities and prizes from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11.
The park will also emphasize the importance of conservation with a unique mobile unit called the Conservation Station, provided by the Iowa Learning Farms and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The station features a rainfall simulator and offers activity modules for all ages.
The IFBF is again promoting the importance of healthy lifestyles by featuring a number of free blood pressure, glaucoma, cancer and other health screenings on select fair days. Other special activities at Farm Bureau Park on select fair days include :
- Saturday, Aug. 11
- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Conservation Station learning activities sponsored by the Iowa Learning Farms and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
- 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Free blood pressure screenings provided by Des Moines University.
- 4 p.m., Governor's Charity Steer Show at the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion. The show promotes beef and raises money to aid families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses.
- Tuesday, Aug. 14 - Farm Bureau Day at the Fair
- 9 a.m. - noon, 49th annual Farm Bureau Cookout Contest on the Grand Concourse. Free samples available. Judging begins at 10 a.m.
- 9 a.m., Century and Heritage Farm Awards presented at the Budweiser Stage, south of the Varied Industries building.
Farm Bureau Park is located next to the Varied Industries Building, right off the Grand Concourse. For a complete listing of Farm Bureau activities at the fair, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.
