The Iowa State Fair Starts Today, Celebrates 100 Years of the Butter Cow

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the state, you undoubtedly know what an institution the Iowa State Fair is in Iowa.

A tradition since 1854, the 2011 Iowa State Fair begins today and runs through August 21. This year, fairgoers will celebrate 100 years of a very important State Fair icon: the butter cow.

While you’re celebrating birthdays, Fair folks want you to know that there are two other important milestones to celebrate: 100 years of the Varied Industries Building and 125 years at it’s current location on the Fairgrounds at East University Avenue and East 30^th Street in Des Moines.

It goes without saying that the Iowa State Fair is huge. This 11-day event brings in more than one million visitors each year, luring them with a host of entertainment, food and attractions unparallelled in the Midwest.

If you’re heading out to the fairgrounds, – admission, hours, parking etc., of course, but if you’re looking for something new this year, there’s plenty of that, too.  

Is it food you’re after? Try the fried butter on a stick, peanut butter and jelly on a stick or Red Velvet Funnel Cake, all new to the Fair this year.

You like to imbibe? Visit the Iowa Craft Beer Tent where breweries from across the state will have 36 different brews on tap with experts on hand to guide you to your favorites.

Want to ride the rides? The Crazy Mouse and other thrill rides have been moved west of the Varied Industries. There you’ll also find the Area 51 Scare Zone, an all new alien-themed haunted house-style attraction.

You like the contests? The Iowa State Fair already boasts the largest state fair foods department in the nation and this year it’s grown by 47 new contests including Land O’Lakes Best Butter Cookie competition, Iowa’s Best Sauerkraut, Cooking in an RV and Dessert on a stick.

You want to be entertained? The Iowa State Fair has some of the best free entertainment anywhere.  You can catch hometown favorite The Nadas, The Ying Yang Twins and Casting Crowns all on the Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage.

You like technology? The Iowa State Fair has a new mobile application that can help you navigate the fairgrounds right from your phone. The app is 99 cents and is available on iTunes. 

Whatever your choosing, the Iowa State Fair has it. For more information, check out the Iowa State Fair website and pick your favorite food, ride, show or activity.