Iowa State Fair Time

I have my mother to thank for the annual tradition of trekking to the Iowa State Fair. The first Iowa Fair was held in 1854, but Mother began going in 1964, before we girls were born and never missed a year, something I boast of as well. I laugh now about how often one of us would get lost, but it wasn't funny back then! It happened so often, Mom started pinning notes on our shirts saying, "If lost, please take to the Hall of Law".

So this was my 43rd visit to our great state's fair. It's something not many understand, unless they too go every year, but it's something I love to the depths of my soul. The sites, the smells, and the people. It all brings back such vivid and fond memories. And for the past 20 years, Jim and have enjoyed making our own memories and new traditions.

Each year we both take a weekday off from work to spend at the fair. Just the two of us and the thousands of others who take it all in. We get up early (ya, I know, big shocker) and arrive at the gates around 7 or 8 AM. Sometimes we get breakfast at one of the church tents by the hog and sheep barns. The smell of coffee and the sound of eggs and bacon frying amidst the squealing and baaaaing, well, you just can't get that experience anywhere else!

We watch the constant commotion of 4-H kids leading, or rather, being drug around by their calves or lambs as they head to the show ring. We can't help by smile as Jim remembers those days gone by. He used to show calves too. And I, of course, search out every horse and pony I can. Today they are showing big draft horses and little miniatures.

Monday was also Veteran's Day at the Fair. So we took time to salute our Veterans as they paraded by down the concourse. Everyone clapped as each car or float came by. Very cool. Here is a man on a Calvary horse. Reminded me of Col. Potter from M*A*S*H*. The kids just couldn't resist coming up and petting the calm, almost asleep, steady steed.

Our favorite things? Well, that changes year to year as you might expect, with age of course, but especially since the Fair changes so much itself. But for me, as you might expect, it's seeing all the horses dolled up and prancing around the show ring. Growing up I always watched with such envy because I wanted a horse so badly as a little girl. For Jim, it's admiring all the reconditioned tractors. Usually done by 4-H kids, he marvels at how well they look and the talent and dedication those youngsters had to complete it. He also remembers bringing his Grandpa's old tractor back to life.

We both love visiting the Agriculture Bldg and all it's fares. The Butter Cow, of course, a huge State Fair tradition. The first cow was sculpted at the fair in 1911 and usually uses 600 lbs to complete. All of which is recycled and re-used for up to 10 years.

And then there is undoubtedly the food! Back when Mom took us to the fair, we packed a cooler with lunch and had picnics right on the fair grounds under a big oak tree. Jim and I used to do the same for many years, but for the past few, only vendors are allowed to park on the grounds, so we've been sampling more fair food than ever now... for better or worse!! We try to try something new each year. This year it was from the oldest concession stand on the fairgrounds. The Zagnolli family has been selling sell hot sausage sandwiches here since 1932 (77 years). It was really good!!

For some strange reason, the phenomenon has now become how many foods can you serve on a stick. Undoubtedly started with the famous Corn Dog. History buffs can't decide just who deserves credit for the famous dog, but it does go back to the 1940s and now over 100,000 are sold each year!

Today we tried a hard boiled egg on a stick with Cookies seasoned salt for free at the Iowa Egg Council booth. Yum AND good for ya!! BONUS!!

Well, I could go on and on about the Iowa State Fair... but we'll go again later this week I'm sure. You just can't take it all in in one day, ya know! 400 acres is a lot to walk! The Fair's website has some really interesting history and facts and a list of what's going on each day. I sure hope you get to go! And if not, I'll let me know what you'd like to see, I'll take a picture and put it up for you!! :)