Iowa State Fair and the Quest to be #1

Philly Cheddar Cheese Steak

 That's right, it's that time of the year, the time of year to engage all five senses at the Iowa State Fair. There are a lot of people to see, free music to be heard, animals to be petted, food to be consumed, and enough smells to take down a candle factory. The fair is an Iowa tradition, the fair is Iowa.

1/4 Lb. Corndog



PB&J on a Stick

 I will say the amongst the Des Moines Registers coverage of the fair they had printed a funny article that expresses funny timing on their part. The same day I went to the fair the Register released an article exclaiming Iowa's goals to jump from #19 to #1 healthiest state in America. Kudos for the ambition, but I might have suggested printing the article after the Iowa State Fair.

"Colossal" Pork Tenderloin



Eating is just a big of part of the Iowa State Fair as is the Butter Cow (who celebrated her 100th year at the fair). And I'm not talking about a hot dog and french fries, I'm talking about deep-fried anything, overly-priced, and always served on a stick -->.

I'm not complaining about it though, I love it. Among the things not pictured to the right I had some Ice Cream and a few more beers. It's a great part of the fair, but it just doesn't seem to qualify Iowa for any healthiest state awards.



Gryo

 

The fair is here to stay though, and it is always welcomed. Besides the massive amount of food vendors everywhere, there is a lot to see and I have plenty of childhood memories that come directly from the fair.

Where else can you get your picture taken with a 25 foot python? Where else can you get insulted by a loudmouth clown before you try and dunk him in water?

Side note: The clown has forever been banished from the fair after he got jumped in the parking lot a couple of years back. Joke that I remember to this day: What does Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Pink Floyd have in common? Answer: Their last big hit was The Wall. (the dunk tank had to make a lot of money)

Where else can you see not only the worlds biggest bull (and coincidentally the worlds biggest bull genitals) but also see a cow completely made of butter? The possibilities are endless.

If you have never been to the fair, you clearly are not from Iowa. Although I don't know if I could go ever day like some fair goers and RV campers manage to do, it's always worth the long afternoon and the near 100$ you will spend on food and beer. Make a trip, bring the family, go pet a pig.