Official: 2014 Iowa State Fair Thread

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VeloClone

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Jan 19, 2010
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Not the biggest fan of the fair, but if you don't get a cup or bucket of cookies you're doing it wrong.

The spot where you can step on the scale and check your weight is only a few steps from the buckets of cookies - coincidence? I think not.

For the record, I usually step on with the bucket in one hand and a half eaten cookie in the other.
 

Fitzy

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Apr 8, 2014
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The spot where you can step on the scale and check your weight is only a few steps from the buckets of cookies - coincidence? I think not.

For the record, I usually step on with the bucket in one hand and a half eaten cookie in the other.
Liar. Don't try to convince me you don't eat those cookies in one big bite.
 

cyinne

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I love going to the Iowa State Fair also! We go every year and we live in freaking Nebraska! Yes we see the same thing year after year, but for my family it is more the nostalgia of the state fair that we love. Last year my parents got a Century Farm award at the fair, which was really cool. Both my wife and I growing up on a farms and my wife being in 4H and now living in the city we enjoy looking at the old tractors, cattle, sheep, hogs, horses, varied industries building, etc. We want our kids to appreciate how their parents grew up and how life should be.

If you want to see a sad state fair- go to Nebraska's... I went once when it was here in Lincoln and it was terrible! I have heard though since they moved it to Grand Island they have actually tried to make it better.....

The people of Iowa don't know how lucky you all have it to have one of the very best fairs in the United States!
 
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SaraV

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Mar 13, 2012
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Ice cream from the Ag building. Yum.

If you want to rest, and the line isn't ridiculously long, take the tram around the grounds. People watching while you're going somewhere.

My other thought: It's the week and a half where people bring out their crudest shirt(s) and wear them to the state fair.
 

stormchaser

Active Member
May 15, 2008
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The Cultural Center up on the hill has AC and usually isn't as crowded as some of the other buildings with AC. Has some fun crafts for kids to do up on the second floor. It's a little out of the way, but has a lot of cool things to do and see there.
 

ISUKing

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Apr 27, 2010
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I always have to ask my wife which building when I am there, cause I never remember, but there is a building that has a bunch of baby animals in it. Chickens hatching, baby piglets. Ducks. Its air conditioned and the area around the pigs is normally pretty crowded because they do live births, but my kids love seeing the baby animals.

I didn't even know it existed til about 2 years ago and I have gone to the fair every year for about 25 years. Don't know if thats because its hidden or because i'm kinda slow...
 

Ms3r4ISU

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Knapp Center has the livestock birthing center. It's been there for just a few years.

There's not a "pork day" at the fair.

ICBT is the place to be.

If you're feeling cynical about the fair while you're there, head to the 4-H Building and see the nearly 4,000 exhibits all from Iowa 4-H members.
 

cmjh10

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Dec 5, 2012
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Buffalo Center
Iowans who dont go to the fair are the worst.

And for those of you complaining about the food being too expensive, have you ever thought of bringing a cooler or two of food with you and leaving it in the car? Then at lunch, go to your car and have a nice, quiet, cheap meal.
 

ianoconnor

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I like looking at the animals, particularly horses. Otherwise we just walk around, get some fried food, then go home.
 

ianoconnor

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I don't understand how they continually leave the best brewery in Iowa off this... Does TG just not want to be at the fair, or what?

1459674_684357428306822_1824686276181386363_n.jpg
 

ClonesTwentyOne

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Feb 10, 2014
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I don't understand how they continually leave the best brewery in Iowa off this... Does TG just not want to be at the fair, or what?

1459674_684357428306822_1824686276181386363_n.jpg

Exile is a brewery that's growing fast. Just did a tour of their brewery last week, and was very impressed. They are putting 6-packs in Hy-Vee's this weekend.
 

matmann22

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Dec 31, 2007
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To the on that asked about things to avoid:
1) Driving your 30 foot horse trailer thru residential areas of Pleasant Hill. You wont make a 90 degree left hand turn. No matter how much you try. I saw this already and the fair doesnt start for two days
2) Dean Avenue is not for walking your livestock to a trailer. It is a STREET
3) The proper thing when lost is DONT stop in the middle of both lanes of traffic
 

abe2010

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Jan 14, 2009
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Story City, IA
I recommend the eggs on a stick from the Iowa egg council. A three hour shift passing those out gets me and my wife parking and admission free
 

cycfan1

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Nov 27, 2006
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Ames
I don't understand how they continually leave the best brewery in Iowa off this... Does TG just not want to be at the fair, or what?

1459674_684357428306822_1824686276181386363_n.jpg

Just had my first TG at el Bait Shop last week. Needless to say I'm hooked.

Really disappointed not at the tent.