Win a Seat at the Table: Farm to Fair - America's Picnic

DES MOINES, IA (06/09/2026) (readMedia)-- From Iowa fields to the Iowa State Fair, every meal has a story. On Sunday, August 16, 2026, join Iowa farmers for an evening of food, family and farming at the Farm to Fair – America's Picnic meal while enjoying a special four-course meal featuring Iowa-grown ingredients prepared by acclaimed Iowa chefs Grant Gillon, Aaron Holt and Andrea Love. Tell us why you want a seat at the table by July 15, 2026, by applying at https://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/farm-to-fair. One hundred lucky winners will be selected at random to win a pair of tickets (2 seats) for the meal. Fair admission is not included.

Iowa State Fair Farm to Fair Dinner

Sunday, August 16, 2026

6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Alliant Energy Landing

Menu includes a four-course meal including drinks and dessert featuring Iowa chefs

Chef Grant Gillon, 2023 MasterChef Winner, Private Chef, Altoona

Chef Aaron Holt, Owner and Operator of Catering by Doolittle Farm, Story City

Andrea Love, Owner and Operator of Dinner Delights, Des Moines

Deadline to enter is Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Farm to Fair is presented by Choose Iowa in partnership with Midwest Dairy, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Egg Council. For more information about the chefs and the meal or to enter, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

About The Iowa State Fair

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. Fair Spirit, to be held August 13–23, 2026, promises to stand as one of its most historic events yet. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

About the Choose Iowa Brand and Program

Choose Iowa is the state's signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made food, beverages, and other agricultural products. A marketing initiative overseen by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Choose Iowa builds on the growing demand for local foods. Choose Iowa creates new markets for Iowa farmers and provides consumers with more choices. Learn more at www.ChooseIowa.com.

About Iowa Commodities

Midwest Dairy, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Egg Council represent key Iowa agricultural commodities. Through exhibits, educational programming and public relations at the Fair, these commodity organizations highlight the innovation, stewardship and traditions that have shaped the state's farming heritage.