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News From Iowa State Fair
News from Iowa State Fair
For more information contact: Lori Chappell, 515-262-3111 x204
NASA Astronaut Peggy Whitson to Lead State's Largest Parade
DES MOINES, IA (08/04/2008; 1601)(readMedia)-- Iowa native and NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will serve as Parade Marshal for the 2008 Iowa State Fair Parade, set Wednesday, August 6. The parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. The Parade is the state's largest and the annual kick-off to the Fair, which runs August 7-17.
Peggy Whitson cites her Iowa roots and farm-kid adolescence as her inspiration to study biochemistry. After graduating from Mt. Ayr High School and Iowa Wesleyan College, Whitson attended Rice University in Houston where she began work for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Today, she is NASA's most experienced astronaut having spent just over 376 days in space.
In addition to being named the first female commander of the International Space Station in 2007, Whitson has received countless awards and recognitions for excellence in her field including the prestigious NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal.
Spectators will be able to watch nearly 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol Complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.
Three viewing areas along the route are accessible to disabled persons - East Grand Office Park, 100-200 East Grand (north side); East 1st Street and Grand (south side); and 6th Avenue and Grand (north side).
Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM FOX 17 beginning at 10 p.m.
The 2008 Iowa State Fair runs August 7-17 - "U Gotta Love It." 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.
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Peggy Whitson
