a DOUBLE Ferris Wheel!

Facts about the Iowa State Fair!

Thanks, Wikipedia 

The Fairgrounds comprises over 445 acres of which 160 acres are campsites. Annual attractions include the world famous Butter Cow sculpted by Iowan Sarah Pratt, the 10 acre Midway and its double Ferris wheel, one of the world's largest livestock shows, the country's largest state fair foods department (more than 900 classes), the state's largest arts show and over 600 exhibitors and more than 50 foods on-a-stick!

The Iowa State Fair places a great deal of emphasis on the agricultural presence in the state. To that end, there are many livestock shows and sales. These include contests for the biggest animals: the Big Boar, the Big Ram, the Super Bull, the Largest Rabbit and the Heaviest Pigeon. There are also livestock shows for sheep, swine, beef and dairy cattle, horses, goats, llamas, rabbits and pigeons, as well as cat and dog shows.

Additionally, the Fair is home to several zany contests including pigeon rolling, rooster crowing, wood chopping, pie eating, monster arm wrestling, outhouse races, cow chip throwing and tall corn. It also hosts the world's only Lawn Chair Toss competition.

The Fair traditionally has many free entertainment acts strolling through the grounds or performing on one of the five free stages. These acts include a wide range of musical and artistic talent from local gospel choirs and dance troupes to Grammy-w

The Fairgrounds facilities also offer a variety of options for additional fun. Heritage Village offers Fairgoers a chance to wander back in time to take in the sites and sounds of Iowa life around the time of the Fair’s establishment in 1854. Attractions include the traditional hymn sings in First Church, story time and children’s activities at the Country School, shopping at the General Store and stops at the Barber Shop, Telephone Company and Depot. Many of the heritage contests and Rural Americana Olde Tyme performances at the Fair take place in Pioneer Hall, also located in Heritage Village.

The Varied Industries Building offers Fairgoers a first-hand peek at the newest products and designs from leading local and international companies in various industries. Visitors can explore everything from new pianos to the latest all-terrain vehicles, while still taking time to collect freebies from the vendors. The Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Department is located on the second story, displaying examples of Iowa’s most beautiful quilts, rugs, dolls and more. Eager seamstresses can even perfect their own technique at one of the many “Make It and Take It” sessions or try their hands at simple quilting at the State Fair Sew-In.