DES MOINES, IA (07/12/2012)(readMedia)-- Iowa State Fair's free grounds entertainment will fill the Fairgrounds with family fun August 9-19. These grounds acts are just part of the more than half a million dollars of entertainment available to Fairgoers free with gate admission. "Nothing Compares" to this mix of art, music, comedy and animals that is sure to provide fun for all ages!
The Kids' Zone will be packed with kid-friendly food, entertainment and activities for the youngest Fairgoers. Located north of the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center, Kids' Zone includes the Blue Ribbon Kids' Club Tent, Little Hands on the Farm, Bengal Tiger Encounter, Butterfly House and Turbo Trampoline.
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.
Fairgoers won't want to miss the fun and excitement found in the family-friendly entertainment area located west of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. This area will feature the Swampmaster's Gator Show and the BMX Pros Trick Team several times daily.
Starring Swampmaster and native Iowan Jeff Quattrocchi and his band of playful alligators, the Swampmaster's Gator Show provides thrills, laughter, fun facts and edge-of-the-seat entertainment for all. Swampmaster's shows are daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., west of Jacobson Exhibition Center. For those looking for even bigger thrills, the BMX Pros Trick Team is sure to deliver. The show features the world's most extreme bicycle stunt riders in a spectacular, non-stop, action-packed event. The BMX Pros Trick Team presents the same championship talent that competes in the X-Games. BMX Pros Trick Team perform daily at 1, 3 and 6 p.m., west of Jacobson Exhibition Center.
Fairgoers can also enjoy an impressive array of new, fun family shows across the Fairgrounds. 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 are daily at noon, 2 and 5 p.m on Expo Hill.
Bandoloni, the one man band, will be strolling the Fairgrounds to impress audiences with his harmonious multitasking. Fairgoers will want to join in the fun as he belts out familiar family favorites while playing guitar, harmonica, tambourine, high-hat, kick-drum, snare and more - all at the same time! Catch Bandoloni strolling around the Fairgrounds daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.
"Back to the Farmer" will be the focus of a sculpture in the Varied Industries Building by Canstruction, Inc., a group that creates art from canned goods before donating their sculpting material to local food banks. Positioned around the main build of a futuristic car will be colorful and engaging sculptures depicting the continuous improvement of Iowa's farmers. Also, chainsaw artists A.J. Lutter and Gary Keenan will be sculpting four different pieces each day at 10 a.m., noon, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. in Heritage Village. The sculptures will be auctioned off at the end of the Fair.
The Cultural Center atrium will be showcasing The Art of Becoming AWARE sculptures from
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. The sculptures are made from trash pulled from Iowa's rivers in Iowa DNR's Project AWARE cleanup efforts.
Rounding out the free grounds entertainment, Hedrick's Petting Zoo will allow kids of all ages to get up close and personal with many animals that may not be found in the typical Iowa barn. Visit their exhibit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Pella Wildlife Company will also present animal shows featuring bats and wolves and other endangered species at Maytag Family Theaters daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. In addition, an ongoing wildlife education center will run continuously in Homemakers' Theater.
"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. A complete listing and details of free grounds entertainment, as well as all other Iowa State Fair events, is available online. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.
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