2016 Iowa State Fair to Debut in Two Weeks

DES MOINES, IA (07/28/2016)(readMedia)-- "MY State Fair" 2016 is only two weeks away! You won't want to miss over half a million dollars of jaw-dropping free stage entertainment, mouthwatering food, top livestock competitions and so much more.

The free entertainment line-up is filled with nearly 250 acts of rising stars and annual favorites. The Fair's four main stages offer free entertainment with gate admission. They feature a wide array of music genres with acts like Holy White Hounds, Confederate Railroad, The Des Moines Symphony, CAM and more. Visit http://www.iowastatefair.org/entertainment/ for a complete list of free stage acts.

Twenty-six new foods will debut at this year's Fair, including sweet treats like Ice Cream Nachos and The Strawberry Blonde as well as hearty snacks like the Not Your Mamma's Taco, Pride of Iowa Wrap and Bacon Cheddar Brat Sandwich. These foods join the nearly 200 food stands with more than 75 delectable items served on-a-stick. Three top contenders are vying for the 2016 Iowa State Fair People's Choice Best New Food Contest so make sure to vote for your favorite at iowastatefair.org/food/contest.

The Fair also boasts one of the world's largest livestock shows, and the state's largest art show. There are 15,462 exhibitors and over 58,439 entries ranging from cattle and llamas to paintings and photographs. Don't miss the Big Boar winner and the famous Super Bull, along with all the beautiful artwork in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center.

Thrill rides located west of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center offer Fairgoers even more exciting experiences with the Crazy Mouse rollercoaster, Sling Shot, Sky Scraper, Climbing Experience and Turbo Trampoline. Also, be sure to enjoy the view as you leap from the 28-foot tower and fly 130 feet across the grounds on the zipline.

Of course, you will need to visit Fair favorites including the Butter Cow, various crazy contests, the state's largest art show and the largest foods department of any state fair. Be sure to check out the Fair's great line-up of kids' activities from family friendly stage entertainment to hands-on agriculture education.

Plan your trip today at http://www.iowastatefair.org/entertainment/fair-schedule/.

Advanced admission tickets are available now through August 10 at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, area Iowa Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstores and Fareway stores and online at iowastatefair.org. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 11-21.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2016 Iowa State Fair, August 11-21, 2016. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.