Colonel Robert C. King to Lead Iowa State Fair Parade

DES MOINES, IA (08/03/2010)(readMedia)-- Iowa native and decorated Iowa National Guard Colonel Robert C. King will serve as Parade Marshall for the 2010 Iowa State Fair Parade on Wednesday, August 11. The Parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines and is the annual kick-off to the Fair, which runs August 12-22.

Colonel King served in the Iowa National Guard for nearly 36 years prior to his retirement in September 2004. During his last fifteen years of service he held the position of Headquarters, Iowa National Guard Public Affairs Officer, handling the community relations, command information and media relations for the Iowa National Guard. As a tribute to his service and dedication to promoting the Iowa National Guard, Colonel King was inducted into the Iowa Broadcaster's Association Hall of Fame in 2004. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, Humanitarian Service Medal, and brevet promotion to brigadier general. An avid Fair fan, Colonel King has been instrumental in the coordination of the Veteran's Day parade at the Iowa State Fair for several years.

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.

The Iowa State Fair is set for "Non Stop Fun" August 12-22, 2010. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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