Get a bird’s-eye view from the sky glider. Photo: Travel Iowa
You know the drill: The Iowa State Fair Parade starts at 6:15 tonight near the Capitol. The main event at the fairgrounds starts bright and early Thursday with an 8:15 a.m. historical walking tour organized by the State Historical of Iowa and the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. This year’s tour includes stories about botanist George Washington Carver, 4-H founder Jessie Field Shambaugh and — you can’t make this up — an entrepreneur named Keith Elwick, whose inventions for manure spreaders eventually earned him a meeting in 1963 with Queen Elizabeth.
This year’s Grandstand lineup includes Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, New Kids on the Block, The Black Keys, Maren Morris and more.
And, of course, don’t forget about the food. So much food. Grab a bucket of Barksdale’s State Fair cookies and take your pick of treats on a stick. If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill (maybe not right after you eat), check out the fair’s rides and attractions for all ages. Here’s the full glorious schedule.
