Most people who do not live in Iowa have no idea where Iowa is.
I was one of them. “Iowa? Don’t they have a lot of potatoes there?” (No, actually that’s Idaho.)
But after 12 years, I am now a captive Iowan and I absolutely love it here.
Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye State, is No. 1 for corn production in the United States. (Funny thing, I have an allergy to corn and my husband moved me to a state that has the most of it.)
But I digress. I’m not here to talk about corn -- although Iowa sweet corn is simply the best.
I’m here to tell you about another thing Iowa is famous for -- the Iowa State Fair!
Each year more than one million people from all over the world converge on Iowa for the Iowa State Fair. The fair has been held in Des Moines every year since 1854 and is considered the best in the country. It is also the largest event held in Iowa each year. You can easily spend a few days without running out of things to do.
The 2019 fair is scheduled August 8th to 18th.
A life-sized butter cow
The Iowa State Fair is known for its food, its animals, its rides, its concerts, its Future Farmers of America demonstrations, its flower shows, and ... its butter cow.
Yes, a life-sized cow made out of 600 pounds of butter! You can butter a lot of bread with this amount of butter! (Did you know Iowa is the birthplace of sliced bread? It's true! Look it up!)
 Photo courtesy of Iowa State Fair |
You also won't want to miss the entertainment at the fair, which includes things like impressive tractor displays, chainsaw sculpture demonstrations, livestock demonstrations, and well-known headlining bands. This year's lineup includes Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryant, and Hootie & the Blowfish. (See the complete lineup!)
What food can't you put on a stick?
But let’s face it. We all know why we really go to state fairs. THE FOOD! With more than 200 food vendors to choose from, you can find anything your heart desires...especially if your heart desires something FRIED or something on a STICK.
My family and I tried everything from a deep-fried block of cheese on a stick to loaded deep-fried spiralized potato chips. I couldn’t find deep fried butter on a stick, and yes, I totally would have tried it. We also enjoyed bacon wrapped ribs on a stick and apple egg rolls. YUM! (And for you healthy people out there, don’t worry, there are lots of healthy food choices for you too. Even some served on sticks.)
 Photo courtesy of Iowa State Fair |  Photo courtesy of Iowa State Fair | |
Rice Krispie treats on a stick. | Salad on a stick is one healthier option. |
You'll want to wash all this down with a drink! The big kids in my group really enjoyed the Bloody Marys, while the actual kids dove into root beer floats.
Around every corner and down every row, the Iowa State Fair will bring you endless family memories. A fun, unique, and deliciously good time, I can truly say nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair!
Planning to visit Iowa? Along with the fair, take the time to explore Des Moines and nearby Adventureland Resort, along with the farmers market, the Blank Park Zoo and the Science Center of Iowa.
Looking for food options outside of the fair in the Des Moines area? Try Zombie Burger, Jethro's BBQ, Creme Cupcake, and Fong's Pizza.
Charlotte Linde is the co-publisher of Macaroni Kid EATS! She would love if you'd join her foodie family! Sign up today to receive our free monthly Macaroni Kid EATS newsletter!
