News from Iowa State Fair

For more information contact: Lori Chappell, 515-262-3111 x204

Iowa State Fair Named One of North America's Top Events

DES MOINES, IA (11/17/2008; 1157)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair, one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country, has been designated one of North America's top events by two separate organizations.

The American Bus Association (ABA) named the Fair one of its 2009 "Top 100 Events in North America." This is the fourth time the Fair has garnered the award.

The Top 100 list is chosen from among 524 events nominated by state and provincial tourism officials, as well as convention and visitors bureaus. A 14-member selection committee of tour operators evaluates each event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motor coaches and skill at handling large groups, plus a variety of other criteria.

Now in its 27th year, the annual guide for professional travel planners and the general public highlights the top fairs, festivals, parades and shows across North America. While the Top 100 are not ranked, ABA highlights the top U.S. and Canadian events for 2009.

In addition, the Iowa State Fair has been named to Discover America's 2009 list of Top 200 Events. The Fair also received the honor in 2006 and 2008.

More than 3,000 national events were up for review by Spread The Word Advertising over a one-year span. The criteria for selecting the Top 200 were not always the size, and grandeur of the event, rather the culture, venue, diversity and overall unique experience. From food festivals to music festivals, art shows to car shows, parades to pow-wows, and rodeos to Octoberfests, "Discover America" has carefully selected the greatest events in the country for 2009.

To experience what the ABA and Discover America already know, mark your calendars for "State Fair Time," August 13-23 and plan to attend the Iowa State Fair. For more information, visit us online at iowastatefair.org or call 800-545-FAIR.

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