Photo: Crcjfly / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Iowa State Fair draws more than a million visitors over 11 days every August in Des Moines. It has been held at its current grounds since 1886.
The fair is a showcase for 4-H and FFA kids, who bring livestock, projects and exhibits. Wright County sends its share of youth exhibitors every year.
There’s also the butter cow, sculpted every year since 1911, and more than 50 foods on a stick. The fair is a stop for presidential candidates in election years.
Vendors and the city of Des Moines rely on the fair for a big chunk of their summer business.
Curt Hanneman writes for Clarion News Online.