Fair 2022

Season 55

    SpecialSeason55Episode2024
    The Bill Riley Talent Search showcases the impressive talents of young Iowans from across our state, and it's one of the most entertaining traditions at the Iowa State Fair.
    EpisodeSeason55Episode5506
    Highlights include: Homemade Ice Cream Freeze Off, Husband Calling Contest, Hat Parade, Chess Tournament, Little Hands on the Farm, Cookout Contest, Flower Identification Contest, Whistling Contests, The Ice Cream Show, Stock Dog Trials, DNR Archery, 4-H and FFA Sale of Champions.
    EpisodeSeason55Episode5505
    Highlights include: Flying Fools Dive Show, Cowboy Bootcamp, Blue Ribbon Foundation Bingo, Fair Prep — Sheep Barn Restoration, 4-H and FFA Goat Shows, Bubble Gum Blowing Contest, 4-H Exhibits Building, Farmer “Bull” Pen Trading Cards, Society Horse Show, Pioneer Hall Blacksmith, The Illuminator, Tractor Club Display and Parade and Old Fashioned Hymn Sing.
    EpisodeSeason55Episode5504
    Highlights include: Children’s Citizenship Ceremony, Governor's Charity Steer Show, Fine Art, Fair Prep — The Garden (FFA), 4-H Sheep, Hot Glass Academy, Anything Hot Contest, Giant Pumpkin Contest, ISU Dairy Science Demos, Campgrounds, Horseshoe Pitching and Funforest Playground.
    EpisodeSeason55Episode5503
    Highlights include: Butter Cow, Historical Walking Tour, Kids Can Cook, Cowboy Mounted Shooting, FFA Parade of Champions, Fiddlers’ Championship, Fabric and Threads, Pottery, Budweiser Clydesdales and Fair Mascots.
    EpisodeSeason55Episode5502
    Highlights include: Great Cinnamon Roll Challenge, 1920s Newspaper Printing, FFA Swine, Charros Performance, Giant Pumpkins, Queen Contest, FFA Ushers, Fair View Farmers Market, Art Experiences and Chainsaw Carving.
    EpisodeSeason55Episode5501
    Highlights include: Cowgirl Queen Contest, New Fair Foods, Twins, Triplets and More, Antique Tractor Pull, Classic Car Display, Big Animals, Cowboy Mounted Shooting Family, Sky Glider and more.
    SpecialSeason55Episode2024
    This annual fair tradition brings together county fair queens from across the state.
    SpecialSeason55Episode2024
    The Iowa State Fair parade, featuring high school marching bands, floats, cool cars, special causes and more.

Iowa State Fair

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Whether it's a quick photo from this year's fair or a treasured one from years ago, share your fair photos on social media by using #iowapbsfair.

Specials

    SpecialSeason55Episode2024
    This annual fair tradition brings together county fair queens from across the state.
    SpecialSeason55Episode2024
    The Iowa State Fair parade, featuring high school marching bands, floats, cool cars, special causes and more.
    SpecialSeason55Episode2024
    The Bill Riley Talent Search showcases the impressive talents of young Iowans from across our state, and it's one of the most entertaining traditions at the Iowa State Fair.

Photo Galleries

Clips

    ClipSeason55Episode5506
    A good, old-fashioned yelling contest in Pioneer Hall.
    ClipSeason55Episode5506
    The board becomes a battlefield in the chess tournament.
    ClipSeason55Episode5505
    Dana Lain takes us to a hands-on activity station where kids can find out if they have what it takes to be a cowboy.
    ClipSeason55Episode5505
    Join Blair Ryan to find out who can blow the biggest bubble at the Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeason55Episode5504
    Horseshoe pitching on Pioneer Hill.
    ClipSeason55Episode5504
    Charity Nebbe checks out this hot new attraction in Heritage Village.
    ClipSeason55Episode5503
    Visit with Sarah Pratt to learn more about the 2024 butter cow.
    ClipSeason55Episode5503
    Visit the Jacobson Exhibition center for a fast moving and exciting sport that’s straight out of the old Western movies.
    ClipSeason55Episode5502
    Abby Brown brings us the storied Mexican tradition of charreria at the Elwell Family Park.
    ClipSeason55Episode5502
    Some bakers have been trying for years, even decades to win the Great Cinnamon Roll Challenge. Blair Ryan reports.
    ClipSeason55Episode5501
    The Iowa State Fair's most iconic ride is celebrating its 50th birthday.
    ClipSeason55Episode5501
    Siblings who share a birthday compete in most alike and least alike contests.

Iowa State Fair

Interactive Map

Explore 50 years of Fair coverage by location.

History

    ClipSeason54Episode5401
    Fairgoers take a nighttime tour to learn more about the history of the fair in a social gathering at the Iowa State Fair Museum.
    ClipSeason53Episode5304
    What's changed over the last 40 years in the livestock barns? We dig into the Iowa PBS archives to find out.
    ClipSeason53Episode5303
    Take a trip through the Iowa PBS archives for a look back at the famous Butter Cow sculptor, Duffy Lyon.
    ClipSeason50Episode5005

    Learn about some of the races that used to take place at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

    ClipSeason50Episode5004

    Dean Borg visits the Iowa State Fair Museum to learn about some interesting historical anecdotes about past fairs.

    ClipSeason48Episode4805

    Food at the Fair has always been a highlight. Our fantastic friend Dean Borg explores Fair foods of the past in another State Fair Flashback!

    ClipSeason48Episode4804

    The Fair is always thrilling - and as Dean Borg finds out in tonight’s Fair Flashback - sometimes those thrills were mind-blowing!

    ClipSeason46Episode4604

    Why is the Iowa State Fair considered by many as the best in the country?

    ClipSeason45Episode4506

    Fair food - when you’re here you can smell it, see it and of course taste it! It’s probably safe to say it’s irresistible. And I’m probably even safer...

Iowa State Fair

Trivia

Test your Iowa State Fair knowledge.

Contests

    ClipSeason55Episode5506
    A good, old-fashioned yelling contest in Pioneer Hall.
    ClipSeason55Episode5506
    The board becomes a battlefield in the chess tournament.
    ClipSeason55Episode5504
    Horseshoe pitching on Pioneer Hill.
    ClipSeason55Episode5503
    Visit the Jacobson Exhibition center for a fast moving and exciting sport that’s straight out of the old Western movies.
    ClipSeason55Episode5502
    Some bakers have been trying for years, even decades to win the Great Cinnamon Roll Challenge. Blair Ryan reports.
    ClipSeason55Episode5501
    Siblings who share a birthday compete in most alike and least alike contests.
    ClipSeason54Episode5404
    Some of the finest pigs in the state are shown during the 4H Market Swine Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeason54Episode5404
    Meet the 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen.
    ClipSeason54Episode5404
    Meet Elivia Papcun, 2022 Cowgirl Queen, who shows what it takes to win the coveted title.
    ClipSeason54Episode5403
    Kids from across the state compete during the Chef Baking Championship at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeason54Episode5403
    The classic competition of strength. It's the Monster Arm Wrestling Event at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeason54Episode5403
    Fairgoers showcase their artistry in the Bonsai Show at the Agriculture Building.
    ClipSeason54Episode5402
    The annual contest to see which animals tip the scales at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeason54Episode5402
    These students showcase their mechanical and technical skills for the farm in Tech Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeason54Episode5402
    Enjoy the soft, soothing sounds of the Youth Rooster & Ladies Chicken Callin' Contest up at Pioneer Hall.
    ClipSeason54Episode5401
    4-H students from across Iowa compete with their horses during the 2023 Iowa State Fair 4-H Horse Show.
    ClipSeason54Episode5401
    Some of the best sheep shearers in the country make their way to the Sheep Barn to compete in the 2023 Sheep Shearing Contest at the Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeasonEpisode
    The dirt track racers of the early 1900s were big superstars, like today's football players or rock stars.
    ClipSeason53Episode5306
    Kids put the pedal to the pavement during the annual Iowa State Fair Big Wheel Races.
    ClipSeason53Episode5306
    Themed diapers, creative diapers, Fair-related diapers?! Babies from Iowa compete in the Decorated Diaper and Diaper Derby Contests.
    ClipSeason53Episode5305
    The roar of big trucks and tractors are back for the 2022 Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeason53Episode5304
    Bill Riley introduces us to the 2022 Iowa State Fair Queen.
    ClipSeason53Episode5304
    The Governor's Charity Steer Show is an annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, taking place each year at the Iowa State Fair.
    ClipSeason53Episode5303
    The Iowa State Fair Cowgirl Queen Contest is a long-standing tradition going back to the 1960s and is a favorite each year.
    ClipSeason53Episode5301
    4-H students interested in fashion, design, and apparel production showcase their skills.
    ClipSeason53Episode5301
    Welcome to the game of trivia, where you've got to be fast, you've got to be knowledgeable and it really helps if you bring your family!
    ClipSeason50Episode5006

    Meet some future comedians at the 2019 Kids Joke Telling Contest.

    ClipSeason50Episode5006

    These works of art almost look too good to eat. It's the 2019 Decorated Cakes Competition.

    ClipSeason50Episode5005

    We visit Pioneer Hall to listen in on some of the competitors at the 2019 Accordion Contest.

    ClipSeason50Episode5005

    Meet some of the competitors at the Shining Star Competition.

    ClipSeason50Episode5005

    Learn about some of the races that used to take place at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

    ClipSeason50Episode5005

    Who can blow the biggest bubble at the 2019 Iowa State Fair Bubblegum Blowing Contest?

    ClipSeason50Episode5004

    We visit the 2019 Youth Livestock Judging Contest.

    ClipSeason50Episode5004

    What weird shapes are in store for the 2019 Iowa State Fair Most Unusual Vegetable Contest.

    ClipSeason50Episode5004

    Paul Yeager makes his way to the Poultry and Rabbit Barn to check out some of the pigeons at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.

    ClipSeason50Episode5003

    We head up to Pioneer Hill to meet some of people pitching horseshoes at the Iowa State Fair.

    ClipSeason50Episode5003

    Take a look at the highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest.

    ClipSeason50Episode5003

    Take a look at the highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest.

    ClipSeason50Episode5003

    We head up to Pioneer Hill to meet some of people pitching horseshoes at the Iowa State Fair.

    ClipSeason50Episode5001

    Travis Graven visits the Ellwell Family Food Center to see which bakers can create the ugliest cake at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.

    ClipSeason50Episode5001

    We meet some of the competitors from the 2019 Iowa State Fair 4H Horse Show.

    ClipSeason49Episode4906

    Daring Kids ride sheep to see who can hold on the longest.

    ClipSeason49Episode4906

    Daring Kids ride sheep to see who can hold on the longest.

    ClipSeason49Episode4906

    Travis Graven visits the Elwell Family Food Center for the Innovative Chocolate Competition.

    ClipSeason49Episode4906

    Trainers and majestic animals compete at the Clydesdales, Percherons, and Draft Ponies Competition.

    ClipSeason49Episode4901

    Paul Yeager stops by the Food Center to meet this year's entrants in the canned vegetables contest.

    ClipSeason48Episode4806

    There’s nothing like the power and might of the tractor and truck pull. Let’s head to the Grandstand to check out the action.

    ClipSeason48Episode4806

    Modern messaging methods like texting and emailing can never compare to good old fashioned YELLING - at the husband calling contest!

    ClipSeason48Episode4806

    Showing animals is a big part of the State Fair experience - and this year we’re excited to showcase the dairy goats!

    ClipSeason48Episode4805

    The truck and tractor pulls are a tradition at the State Fair Grandstand. Let’s take a walk behind the scenes with Mike Pearson.

    ClipSeason48Episode4805

    Highlights from the 2017 Iowa State Fair Auctioneer Contest.

    ClipSeason48Episode4805

    Tossing rubber chickens around might not be allowed or expected in very many public places, - but here at the State Fair, it’s encouraged - and awarded!

    ClipSeason48Episode4805

    The State Fair is chock full of kids who show all sorts of animals - even unique ones, like llamas!

    ClipSeason48Episode4805

    Whether big or small, the horses at the Jacobson Exhibition Center are entertainment in motion!

    ClipSeason48Episode4804

    The 4-H Sheep Show is the highlight of many young folks' summer. Iowa PBS's Mike Pearson brings us the excitement!

    ClipSeason48Episode4804

    Combining style and botanical skill, the flower and potted plant show is always a sunny part of the Fair!

    ClipSeason48Episode4803

    With a chance to go on to a national level, expert hot dog lovers participate in a dog-eat-dog competition.

    ClipSeason48Episode4803

    Meet the ladies competing for this year's title of Iowa State Fair Queen.

    ClipSeason48Episode4801

    The enterprising talents of Iowa’s FFA kids are showcased in the FFA Swine Show.

    ClipSeason48Episode4801

    Abby Brown is at the Twins, Triplets and More contest to check out some sibling similarities…and disparities.

    ClipSeason48Episode4801

    They’re hefty…spunky…and chunky. It’s time for a State Fair favorite - the Big Animals!

    ClipSeason48Episode4801

    We all acknowledge that Mike Pearson knows a lot about agriculture - so let’s see how he does in a contest about one of agriculture’s arch enemies - weeds.

    ClipSeason48Episode4801

    Here's a highlight from 2017's Tall Corn Contest.

    ClipSeason47Episode4706

    Join contestants at Pioneer Hall to see who can yodel best.

    ClipSeason47Episode4704

    Who will have the finest beards at this year's Iowa State Fair Bear Growing Contest?

    ClipSeason47Episode4701

    Women assemble at Pioneer Hall to see who can create the best chicken call.

    ClipSeason46Episode4605

    A look at 4H students competing in the 2015 Grand Champion Steer Competition. 

    ClipSeason46Episode4605

    Watch some incredible players go head to head during the Speed Chess Tournament at the Iowa State Fair.

    ClipSeason46Episode4603

    What creative desserts can go on a stick? This competition might shed some light on the question. 

    ClipSeason46Episode4601

    Enjoy the ringing beauty of some of the finest mandolin playing in the state. 

    ClipSeason45Episode4505
    We all know Iowa PBS’s Paul Yeager likes to wear flannel shirts and lumberjack boots, so we sent him to the Wood chopping Contest.
    ClipSeason45Episode4504

    Stock car racing highlights and results from the Iowa State Fair.

    ClipSeason45Episode4504

    A historical look at the Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest held each year at the Iowa State Fair.

    ClipSeason45Episode4504

    Dirt Track Racing held at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

    ClipSeason45Episode4503

    Watch Dirt Track Racing at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand hosted by Toby Kruse.

    ClipSeason45Episode4502

    This year heralds the 50th anniversary of crowning a State Fair Queen. It’s a glorious tradition kept alive by the candidate’s beauty, grace and stren...

    ClipSeason42Episode4206

    Contestants race to see who can finish a piece of pie the fastest.

Fair

About the Show

Featuring contests, unique stories, food, animals, music and more, Iowa PBS's Iowa State Fair coverage brings the sights and sounds of the fair to you.

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