Annual Parade to Kick-Off 2014 Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (07/31/2014)(readMedia)-- The 2014 Iowa State Fair Parade is set Wednesday, August 6. The Parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines and is the kick-off to this year's "Amazingly Amusing" Fair, August 7-17.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will serve as this year's Parade Marshal in honor of over 100 years of service to the Des Moines Area. The CVB draws millions of visitors to the area each year and serves as a resource for many local events including amateur, collegiate and professional sports in tandem with the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, a division of the CVB. In the last several years, the CVB has collaborated with the Iowa State Fair to bring even more events to the area including the NAIA Wrestling Tournament, Percheron Horse Association of America's World Congress and National Junior High Finals Rodeo.

The CVB is led by President and CEO Greg Edwards. In addition to his role with the organization, Edwards serves as Chair of the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Des Moines Affiliate, as a board member for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Destination Marketing Alliance and the Travel Federation of Iowa, and Past Chair of Destination Marketing Association International.

The Iowa State Fair Parade is the state's largest, showcasing nearly 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM Fox 17 beginning at 10 p.m.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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