Iowa PBS celebrates Our Great State Fair
A semi-colorized archival image of fairgoers at the Iowa State Fair. People of all ages are standing and walking around and through tents. A ferris wheel is in the background of the right side of the image.

Explore the history of Iowa's biggest event — the annual showcase of our state's best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Join Iowa PBS in celebrating the Iowa State Fair with its new two-part documentary Our Great State Fair. It premieres Tuesday, August 1 and Wednesday, August 2 at 7 p.m. on statewide Iowa PBS, the PBS App and iowapbs.org.

The Iowa State Fair is the culmination of everything Iowa is known for: a social event, a livestock show, a competition stage, an entertainment venue, a political platform and a classroom. It's a place to experience Iowa's past and, at the same time, look towards its future. Our Great State Fair carries on Iowa PBS’s long standing tradition of bringing the best of the 11-day event to all Iowans.

“Iowa PBS has covered the Iowa State Fair for more than 50 years, but we wanted to look at the entire history of the fair,” said Iowa PBS Producer and Director Theresa Knight. “We were able to take a step back and look at what it’s meant to people over the years and why it’s an important part of Iowa’s history.”

The story of Our Great State Fair begins in 1854 as an experimental agricultural exposition in Fairfield and continues into the 21st century as a statewide celebration in Des Moines. Viewers will discover the stories that set it apart from any other fair, and learn how the event brings people together for 11 unforgettable days each year.

For fair fans who can’t wait for the broadcast premiere, Iowa PBS is partnering with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation to host a special premiere screening of Our Great State Fair. Limited tickets are available for purchase for this exclusive event, taking place Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m. on the fairgrounds. Additionally, select Fridley Theatres around the state will provide free screenings of the two-hour film. Moviegoers in Carroll, Centerville, Decorah, Muscatine and Spencer can enjoy Our Great State Fair Sunday, July 30 at 2 p.m. Learn more about both of these screening opportunities at iowapbs.org/events.  

In addition to its statewide broadcast, Iowa PBS .1 is available to livestream on iowapbs.org/watch, pbs.org/livestream, the PBS App and YouTube TV. Iowa PBS programs, behind-the-scenes extras and more can be enjoyed on iowapbs.org, Facebook and YouTube. Viewers can also stream their favorite shows on demand using the PBS App, available on iOS, Android and many streaming devices.