July 1 Marks Deadline for State Fair Competitions, Parade Entries

DES MOINES, IA (06/18/2015)(readMedia)-- July 1 is the deadline to enter the Iowa State Fair parade and many of the Fair's competitive events.

Premium books and entry forms can be accessed at iowastatefair.org/premiumbooks. Entrants in competitive events may enter online or submit their entry by mail. While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department. Many departments will accept late entries through July 8 with additional fees. For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions or the online entry system, contact the Competitive Events Department at 515/262-3111 ext. 207.

The Iowa State Fair parade, set for Wednesday, August 12, 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.

The Iowa State Fair invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and "Find a New Path" by entering the "Fair Tour" State Fair parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair.

Applications are available at 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.

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

# # #

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 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.