DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2012)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to announce the recipients of the Iowan of the Day award for the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Each Iowan of the Day receives VIP treatment on their respective day! Starting with recognition on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage at 2:30; use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart; gate admission and grandstand tickets; VIP parking; $200 cash; and accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation began the Iowan of the Day award in 1997 to honor those Iowans who have truly made a difference in their communities. This year, the judges reviewed hundreds of nominations selecting those that show examples of integrity, Iowa pride, hard work and dedication.

"We are pleased to recognize these outstanding individuals as Iowans of the Day," said John Putney, Executive Director of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. "Their volunteerism, dedication and service to their community and the state of Iowa makes each one deserving of this honor."

The 2012 Iowan of the Day recipients are:

Esther Bielema of Wall Lake

Jeralyn Westercamp of Cedar Rapids

Troyce Vich of Waterloo

Janet Reynolds of Sioux City

Lila Bubke of Schleswig

Mary Maybee of Boone

Jim Gronbach of Dakota City

Ken Petersen of Council Bluffs

Garland Fickess of Bedford

Suzie Glazer Burt of Des Moines

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $85 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2012)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to the speed, action and adrenaline of track events at the Iowa State Fair. The Fair will host the thunder and roar of races, tractor and truck pulls and a demolition derby on the half-mile dirt track during the Fair's August 9-19 run.

Kicking off track events at the Fair, the Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models speeds into the Grandstand on Monday, August 13. The race feature late models, hobby stocks, stock cars and dirt trucks. Hot laps start at 5:30 p.m. with races at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-11. Admission for children ages 5 and under is free.

The Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today rumbles into the Fair on Wednesday, August 15. The following classes will face off in the dirt: Light Super Stock Tractors, Super Farm Tractors, Pro Stock Tractors, Modified Tractors, Diesel Super Stock Tractors, Modified 4 Wheel Drive Pickups, Modified 2 Wheel Drive Pickups, Unlimited Super Stock Tractors and Pro Stock Pickup. The action starts at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-11. Admission for children ages 5 and under is free.

The Fair's Demolition Derby wraps up the dirt action with non-weld, small car and county fair winners smashing and bashing on the track Saturday, August 18. The derby begins at 11:30 a.m. General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-11. Admission for children ages 5 and under is free.

Tickets for all Grandstand events are on sale at the State Fair Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Convenience charges apply. All track events are general admission. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission.

"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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DES MOINES, IA (07/24/2012)(readMedia)-- Celebrating six years at the Iowa State Fair, the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center continues to educate and delight Fairgoers of all ages. "Nothing Compares" to this hub of agricultural activity that will feature young farm animals and fresh educational programming August 9-19.

Learn about fish farming in Iowa at the new aquaculture exhibit, which features two 500 gallon tanks with viewing windows to see tilapia at different stages of development.

The state-of-the-art agricultural education exhibit also features live births of various species including cattle, swine, goats and sheep, allowing young and old alike to learn about the animal birthing process. Fairgoers can also catch a glimpse of chicks, ducks and polts (baby turkeys).

Animal lovers won't want to miss kid-friendly educational stage presentations on various agricultural topics, including honey bees, farm animal safety and butterflies. Other favorites include such contests as Milk Chug-A-Lug, Puzzling Puzzles and Minute to Win It - Farm Edition.

Also taking the stage, the TAF Magic Show will enchant kids of all ages. This magical extravaganza educates kids about agriculture through storytelling, juggling and music. Shows are daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 & 4 p.m.

Fairgoers can learn about life on the farm by checking out The Way We Live Award display and award ceremonies. The award honors six Iowa farm families for their love of the land and the product they produce.

Visit iowastatefair.org for a complete schedule of events at the Animal Learning Center.

"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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DES MOINES, IA (07/19/2012)(readMedia)-- The world-famous Iowa State Fair Butter Cow will share the spotlight this year with the fairytale classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The sculptures will be on display in the Agriculture Building's 40 degree cooler throughout the Fair, August 9-19.

The fairytale celebrates its 75 year anniversary this year since first premiering as a Disney film in 1937. It has seen recent fame for several remakes: feature films "Mirror, Mirror" and "Snow White and the Huntsman," and television shows "Grimm" and "Once Upon a Time." The butter sculptures will be available for viewing from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the Fair.

In addition, the Ag Building offers a variety of events and exhibits. New this year is the Seed Survivor exhibit. Kids can learn about plants and what makes them grow with this interactive display. It includes multi-media and virtual reality games, an insect video scope, a sunflower seed planting station, a watershed center and talking walls.

Also, explore the AgVenture Discovery Trail's 10 stops and discover the wide array of Iowa's agricultural commodities ranging from livestock production to wind energy to viticulture (grapes). Start by picking up a map and lanyard at the USDA booth in the Agriculture Building or the Canstruction exhibit in the Varied Industries Building.

Ice carver Bill Gordish returns to transform blocks of ice into works of art. He will demonstrate his creativity on August 9, 10, 11 and 14 just outside the front doors of the building.

Giant pumpkins will take to the scale August 10 and other jumbo vegetables weigh in on August 14.

Members of the Polk County Master Gardeners will be on hand from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Discovery Garden to answer Fairgoers' gardening questions.

Fairgoers will find traditional favorites including FFA, 4-H and open class horticulture and floriculture displays, an apiary exhibit, daily stage presentations and inside gardens as well.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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