Iowa State Fair Parade Applications Available Now

DES MOINES, IA (03/17/2015)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and enter the State Fair Parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair. The parade is set for Wednesday, August 12. Fair Tour 2015 embarks August 13-23.

Applications are available at www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515/262-3111 ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.

Entries will be judged and winners will receive plaques in each of the following categories: best use of Fair theme, best specialty group, most creative/original, Governor's Cup (best overall marching band), marching band (by class), best performance, best horses and best drum line.

The parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 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. To be considered for television coverage, the description information on the application must be completed and returned. Due to the length of the parade, it is not possible for all entries to be televised.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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