The tacky and talented: Iowa's State Fair

It's not the biggest state fair, but it may be the best

I love the Iowa State Fair. The delicious food, the people watching and the talent on display (both free stages and Grandstand shows).

Since I was a kid and my grandfather would ride the bus to the east side, I’ve enjoyed the Fair.

There are drawbacks: Hot weather, bad or expensive parking, huge beer-swilling crowds… But it’s always a fun experience.

The Midway is one of the iconic attractions at the Iowa State Fair. (Photo by John Naughton.)

I’ve visited more state fairs across the country than most people. (About 10: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Tennessee, South Dakota and Nebraska.)

How does Iowa’s state fair rank? Among the best. The food and free music stages put it toward the top.

Minnesota drew 1.8 million visitors last year, Texas more than 2.5 million over 24 days. So, we’re not the “biggest” (Iowa had 1.1 million visitors last year).

Food stands lure Iowa State Fair visitors to a calorie-laden feast. (Photo by John Naughton.)

The Minnesota State Fair is exceptional. Great Grandstand shows, fantastic foods. But it’s jammed into a residential area and offers little parking. There are lots of parking areas served by bus (like a network of commuter buses), but if you arrive on a day that not all shuttles are in service, you may end up driving for miles to find your way to a lot in operation. Must do’s: Minnesota Food Building, Grandstand shows with artists that aren’t found elsewhere.

The State Fair of Texas is… well, Texas sized. There are lots of permanent buildings and rides and a taste-tempting array of food. Kool-Aid pickle, anyone? It’s a lot of fun but by far the most expensive fair to visit, from parking to the staggering $25 admission cost just to get in the gate.

The Giant Slide is an iconic feature of the Iowa State Fair. (Photo by John Naughton.)

We, as Iowans, are rightly proud of our great State Fair.

If you do venture to other states, keep in mind that not all of them are created equal.

The Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island? It seems like a large Iowa county fair to me. (Bonus points for free parking and discounted admission when I visited.)

Missouri’s Fair in Sedalia? Tiny and disappointing, compared to bigger events.

Indiana? Draconian alcohol rules. Alcohol sales were banned for decades — try telling the Bud Tent folks that.