Iowa State Fair 2010 Fun for All

That is if you've worn comfortable shoes, loose fitting clothes, but have some kind of covering handy in case of rain. Bring some sun screen and leave junk at home. You don't want to have to lug stuff around all day. If money is tight, eat before you go or make tough decisions, because you and/or your family can quickly eat yourself through $100. Do your homework and know what you'd like to see. Go on line and read opportunities for each day. This is especially important if you have any kind of budget [time and money] while you're visiting the Iowa State Fair.

Grounds are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. with buildings open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The midway is open 10 a.m. to midnight. [Building and exhibit hours may vary.]

Vehicles, motorcycles and campers may park in the north lot for $10. Bike parking inside Gate 10 is available for $2. Motorized scooters can be rented for $55 per day.

Advance tickets of $7 are available with an additional $1. charge. Punch cards can also be purchased for 11 days of adult fair for $77. Packages are available for a variety of opportunities.

Shuttle parking is free at locations. Round trip fares are $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors. [Children under 5, free.] Exact cash fare is required. One of the shuttle ride options is located at the State Capitol. Other parking is available at the Iowa State Fairgrounds or throughout the neighborhood. Don't park too far away, though, you'll have enough walking to do.

Construction workers put the finishing touches on the Richard O Jacobson Exhibition Center just last month. The building will be home to both the Fair's horse shows and special opening day events on August 12 which will honor the military and their families with country star Lee Greenwood singing a free concert at 7 p.m.

One of the newest 2010 contests will be the judging for the lightest - and the heaviest pigeons. Another is to see a demonstration featuring Angora Rabbit Wool Spinning. And yes, they may sound weird, but just try judging the heaviest pigeon yourself!

The Iowa State Fair has 53 new divisions in the Foods Department. Check out Indian Summer Applesauce or Rockin' Rhubarb for kids. Of course, there is the cinnamon roll judging and pie judging and jellies and jams just like grandma used to make. Samples are often available of a variety of products.

The Iowa State Fair has the largest state fair food department in the U.S. Pick up a copy of the newest Iowa State Fair Cookbook and you'll find recipes from the 2008 and 2009 competitions.

New treats for the Iowa State Fair, Fair Squares, the traditional rice cereal bar are available in plain or peanut butter for $2. The proceeds will go to improve the fairgrounds. You'll find them at the northwest corner of the Administration Building.

Or you may want an "Octodog" - a hotdog cut to be shaped like an octopus and served on a stick. Find them at the Chicken Coop, a new kids'-only food stand. Stick food - the only kind of Fair Food!

Entertainment will be available throughout the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Look at the schedule for your favorites for the day. Find some shade, grab a snack and enjoy. Take time to visit the 4-H, animal, tourism, food, quilt, and many other various opportunities. Maybe you'll enjoy seeing the ugliest cake or maybe you want to watch a demonstration on making special foods.

Grandstand opportunities are exceptional. Pick your favorite. You may want to just attend in the evening to enjoy the grandstand show. Or perhaps make that the topping of your favorite day.

Kids and some grownups alike enjoy the midway. The hawking vendors, great rides and, at night, the colors make for lots of fun.

On August 19 at 12:30 you can sit back in air conditioned comfort and Think Outside the Lunch Box at 12:30 in the Elwell Family Center Judging room III. At 3 p.m. the same day you can decorate a cookie in Judging Room 1.

Whatever you and/or your family decide to do at the Iowa State Fair is up for grabs. Sometimes it's best to split up for awhile and meet "by the Pepsi clock" awhile later. That way someone can see the machinery and the biggest boar and others can check out the quilts and foods - or maybe the photo display or museum.

Just remember to take breaks, be sure to drink water if it's hot and enjoy those benches that so many have donated for the comfort of Iowa State Fair-goers. The people watching is one of the best entertainments offered at the Fair.

Pull out the Fair section in the Sunday Des Moines Register or go on line to Iowa State Fair.com for additional and concise information.