Special Guest, Maddie Poppe, to be recognized during Opening Day Ceremonies at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/07/2018) (readMedia)-- Singer/songwriter, Maddie Poppe, from Clarksville sang her way to the top during Season 16 of American Idol. On August 9, at 9:00 a.m. for Opening Ceremonies, Poppe will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

Other opening ceremony recognition includes 2018 Parade Marshal, Delbert Routh and 2017 Iowa State Fair Queen, Jacqueline Ehrlich. Routh has been volunteering at the Fair for nearly 50 years, helping with events from the Super Bull to parades and the Clearfield Lions parking shuttles. Ehrlich was crowned during the 2017 Fair and has been traveling throughout Iowa representing the Fair between classes at Iowa State University.

Opening ceremonies will take place in the newly renovated Grandstand on the Kum & Go stage with support from Kyle and Sharon Krause. The new stage features a much larger, safer stage, new sound and lights. The Blue Ribbon Foundation will also recognize the 2018 Prairie Meadow Legacy Grant given to support expanded seating in the Grandstand now called Prairie Meadows Plaza.

During opening ceremonies, Fairgoers can enjoy the first glimpses of the Kum & Go Stage, the Prairie Meadows Plaza, the new restrooms and concessions areas. Opening ceremonies will also include free popcorn and before and after performances by Fair favorite, the Nadas.

A complete listing of opening day activities is available at iowastatefair.org or on the Official Iowa State Fair App. Nothing Compares to State Fair Moments, August 9-19, 2018.

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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 Moments, August 9-19, 2018. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.