Why the Iowa State Fair Keeps Me Coming Back Year After Year
I'm beyond excited for the start of the Iowa State Fair (ISF) today! After watching Our Great Fair on PBS, I have a renewed love for the annual tradition that brings millions of visitors.
This annual extravaganza, timelessly captured in the livestock barns and fairgrounds, is so much more than a fair—it's the pulsating heartbeat of Iowan culture. It has been a steadfast beacon of community spirit, uniting a diverse group of people bound by a shared affection for agriculture, entertainment and food. It's a tradition that has not only stood the test of time but has flourished with each passing decade.
The enticing aroma of corn dogs and cotton candy, the eye-catching whirl of amusement rides – these are the familiar threads that weave the tapestry of the ISF. Its roots are planted deep in the heartland of America, and year after year, it offers vibrant experiences for both young and old.
The ISF is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the United States. Steeped in tradition, the fair's roots stretch back over a century and a half, with the first fair held in Fairfield, Iowa, in 1854.
A Journey Through History
The journey of the Iowa State Fair is as fascinating as the fair itself. The inaugural event in 1854, seven years before the Civil War, was no more than a simple gathering of local farmers eager to showcase the fruits of their labor. Over the years, the fair gradually transformed into a grand exposition, attracting visitors and exhibitors from all corners of the country.
"The Iowa State Fair is more than just an event; it's a symbol of our state's history and a testament to the hard work and dedication of countless Iowans."
Tradition at Its Core
Despite its growth and evolution, the Iowa State Fair has faithfully preserved its tradition. This commitment to tradition is evident in the annual livestock shows, a central feature of the fair since its inception. Not to mention the famed Butter Cow, an iconic artwork crafted entirely from butter, which continues to captivate audiences year after year.
Experiencing the Iowa State Fair
For the past 30 years, I've had the privilege of attending the Iowa State Fair. Each year, I am struck by the familiar comfort the fair invokes. From the smell of the food wafting through the air to the carnival games, every element of the fair transports me back to childhood and simpler times.
"A tradition is not merely a repetition; it's a thread of continuity. The Iowa State Fair is just that - a continuous thread that binds us together, through good times and bad, celebrating our unity, resilience, and shared love for all things Iowa."
The Iowa State Fair is also known for its food, and one of the most popular fair foods is the corn dog. The corn dog was invented at the ISF in 1946 and has since become a staple at fairs and festivals nationwide. Thousands of corn dogs are sold at the Iowa State Fair each year, which has become a must-try for anyone attending. Iowans also celebrate convenience each year by celebrating the multitude of foods that can be made on a stick, from fruit to pork chops and everything in between.
Finally, the Iowa State Fair is known for its livestock, produce and food competitions. The fair has a long history of showcasing the best of the best in the state, and the competitions are a highlight for many fairgoers. From cattle to cinnamon rolls to the biggest pumpkins, the Iowa State Fair has it all, and the competitions are a great way to learn about agriculture and farming in the state.
Interesting facts about the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair has a rich history of showcasing new technology and innovation, including introducing the first electric washing machine in 1910.
The Iowa State Fair has a tradition of hosting political candidates, with the famous 'Soapbox' speeches taking place each year.
The Iowa State Fair is known for its iconic butter cow sculpture, a tradition since 1911.
The Iowa State Fairgrounds covers over 400 acres.
The Iowa State Fair attracts over 1 million visitors each year.
The first Iowa State Fair was held in Fairfield, Iowa, in 1854.
The Iowa State Fair has been held in Des Moines, Iowa, since 1878.
For more than two decades, Joseph L. Murphy has had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with people from all walks of life through photography. He has photographed presidents and heads of state, traversed the winding alleyways of the Fes Medina in Morocco, photographed the sprawling countryside and people that make up Argentina and covered events that have defined the U.S. Most recently, Murphy’s travels have taken him to Cambodia, Mexico, China, Vietnam and Ecuador.
He has spent the past 20 years specializing in agriculture photography for multiple organizations, publications and marketing projects.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, Murphy determined at an early age that his love of photography would shape his vision for life.