Annual Parade to Kick-Off 2016 Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (07/21/2016)(readMedia)-- The 2016 Iowa State Fair Parade will be Wednesday, August 10 at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. "Nothing Compares" to over 120 different floats, animals, vehicles, and performing units kicking off the 2016 Iowa State Fair, August 11-21.

This year's Parade Marshal will be Dorothy Faidley. Dorothy began helping with the Fair in 1963 in the Food Department and stepped up to help with the Textiles and Clothing Department in 1965. In 1981, the Textiles and Clothing Department was reorganized into the Fabrics and Threads Department, and Dorothy took over as superintendent the following year. Through Dorothy's efforts, the Fabric and Threads Department has more than doubled in entries. The Iowa State Fair is thrilled to honor Dorothy's years of service and dedication to the Fair during this year's parade.

The Iowa State Fair Parade is the state's largest parade and sets the stage for one of Iowa's premier events, the Iowa State Fair. Staging will take place at the State Capitol complex and parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the event will be broadcast on KDSM Fox 17 Wednesday, August 10 throughout central Iowa beginning at 10 p.m. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 11-21.

# # #

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.