Opening Day at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (07/10/2017) (readMedia)-- One month, just 30 days away, August 10 marks the opening day of the 2017 Iowa State Fair!

Enjoy $3 off adult admission with the donation of three cans of non-perishable food. Donations will be accepted at all gates from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be donated to the Food Bank of Iowa. One in eight Iowans are food insecure, so this is a great opportunity to enjoy the Iowa State Fair and help Iowans in need.

Join the Healthiest State Initiative for a guided 30 minute walking tour showcasing the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Walk and learn about the growth and development of the Fairgrounds from 1886 to today. This free tour begins at 8:15 a.m. on the Grand Concourse and ends at the State Fair Opening Ceremonies in front of Thrill Ville.

The official 2017 Iowa State Fair Opening Ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. in the newly renovated amusement area called Thrill Ville. Be one of the first to take a spin on the new rides or try your luck at the new games.

Don't miss strolling acts such as the Bandaloni One Man Band sponsored by Mountain Valley Spring Water, Robocars sponsored by Cellular Advantage and Super Tall Paul at Expo Hill. Fairgoers can also enjoy the Turkey Calling Contest, Youth Rooster Crowing Contest and the Twins, Triplets and More Contests.

Christian music favorites for KING & COUNTRY with special guest Matt Maher will be on the Grandstand at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at etix.com. Other activities include free entertainment: Merle Haggard's Strangers Featuring Ben & Noel Haggard, The Lacs and Tonic Sol fa.

A complete listing of opening day activities will be available at iowastatefair.org in mid-July. Nothing Compares to State Fair Thrills, August 10-20, 2017.

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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 State Fair Thrills, August 10-20, 2017. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.