Mark Ballas to Join Shawn Johnson at Iowa State Fair Opening Day

Two-time Dancing with the Stars Champion Mark Ballas will be celebrating the launch of "State Fair Time" with his dancing partner, Fair Parade Marshal and Olympic gold-medalist Shawn Johnson on Opening Day, August 13. The 2009 Iowa State Fair runs August 13-23.

Ballas will join Johnson on stage at 7:30 a.m. and perform several songs, including an acoustic version of "Every Step of the Way," the song he debuted at the July production of "Shawn Johnson and Friends." The performance will be followed by Opening Ceremonies at 8:30 a.m.

Ballas will again perform in the evening on the Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage from 8 to 9 p.m., in between The Nadas' shows at 7 and 9 p.m.

The morning performance is part of the special events in the Grandstand in honor of Opening Day. Fairgoers can also collect raffle tickets for a chance to snag thousands in cash and prizes in the cash cube. From 5-7 a.m. the Fair is offering free admission at the gate with a minimum donation of two canned food items or $2 to the Food Bank of Iowa.

"State Fair Time" in 2009 is set August 13-23. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or check out www.iowastatefair.org.

Note to the editors: Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas will be available for questions following Opening Ceremonies (approximately 9:15 a.m.) in the Board Room of the Administration Building.

* * *