Clips
Agriculture Building
They've grown the pumpkins, now it's time to see who has the biggest and the best.
This year celebrates the Butter Cow's 100th anniversary at the Iowa State Fair.
If you're looking for a place to relax after a long day at the fair, then you need to visit the Discovery Garden, a beautiful spot to rest.
Growing vegetables has taken on a new challenge. With this contest, it’s not just about quality - it helps if the veggies are funny looking too!
Bill Riley interviews Duffy Lyon in her 24th season.
What weird shapes are in store for the 2019 Iowa State Fair Most Unusual Vegetable Contest.
Paul Yeager visits the Butter Cow to see what is in store for the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
We meet the Iowa Honey Producers at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
Paul Yeager stops by the Food Center to meet this year's entrants in the canned vegetables contest.
Combining style and botanical skill, the flower and potted plant show is always a sunny part of the Fair!
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.
Enjoy these homegrown heirloom tomatoes and find out which is the best at this year's Iowa State Fair.
Discover just what it takes to grow an abnormally large pumpkin.
Join Charity Nebbe, host of Iowa PBS's new cooking series Iowa Ingredient, as she explores some tasty and unique flavors of the Iowa State Fair.
Contests
Meet some future comedians at the 2019 Kids Joke Telling Contest.
These works of art almost look too good to eat. It's the 2019 Decorated Cakes Competition.
We visit Pioneer Hall to listen in on some of the competitors at the 2019 Accordion Contest.
Learn about some of the races that used to take place at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
Who can blow the biggest bubble at the 2019 Iowa State Fair Bubblegum Blowing Contest?
We visit the 2019 Youth Livestock Judging Contest.
What weird shapes are in store for the 2019 Iowa State Fair Most Unusual Vegetable Contest.
Paul Yeager makes his way to the Poultry and Rabbit Barn to check out some of the pigeons at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
We head up to Pioneer Hill to meet some of people pitching horseshoes at the Iowa State Fair.
Take a look at the highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest.
Take a look at the highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest.
We head up to Pioneer Hill to meet some of people pitching horseshoes at the Iowa State Fair.
Travis Graven visits the Ellwell Family Food Center to see which bakers can create the ugliest cake at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
We meet some of the competitors from the 2019 Iowa State Fair 4H Horse Show.
Trainers and majestic animals compete at the Clydesdales, Percherons, and Draft Ponies Competition.
Daring Kids ride sheep to see who can hold on the longest.
Travis Graven visits the Elwell Family Food Center for the Innovative Chocolate Competition.
Paul Yeager stops by the Food Center to meet this year's entrants in the canned vegetables contest.
Showing animals is a big part of the State Fair experience - and this year we’re excited to showcase the dairy goats!
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.
Modern messaging methods like texting and emailing can never compare to good old fashioned YELLING - at the husband calling contest!
The truck and tractor pulls are a tradition at the State Fair Grandstand. Let’s take a walk behind the scenes with Mike Pearson.
Highlights from the 2017 Iowa State Fair Auctioneer Contest.
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!
The State Fair is chock full of kids who show all sorts of animals - even unique ones, like llamas!
Whether big or small, the horses at the Jacobson Exhibition Center are entertainment in motion!
The 4-H Sheep Show is the highlight of many young folks' summer. Iowa PBS's Mike Pearson brings us the excitement!
Combining style and botanical skill, the flower and potted plant show is always a sunny part of the Fair!
With a chance to go on to a national level, expert hot dog lovers participate in a dog-eat-dog competition.
Meet the ladies competing for this year's title of Iowa State Fair Queen.
The enterprising talents of Iowa’s FFA kids are showcased in the FFA Swine Show.
Abby Brown is at the Twins, Triplets and More contest to check out some sibling similarities…and disparities.
They’re hefty…spunky…and chunky. It’s time for a State Fair favorite - the Big Animals!
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.
Join contestants at Pioneer Hall to see who can yodel best.
Who will have the finest beards at this year's Iowa State Fair Bear Growing Contest?
Women assemble at Pioneer Hall to see who can create the best chicken call.
A look at 4H students competing in the 2015 Grand Champion Steer Competition.
Watch some incredible players go head to head during the Speed Chess Tournament at the Iowa State Fair.
What creative desserts can go on a stick? This competition might shed some light on the question.
Enjoy the ringing beauty of some of the finest mandolin playing in the state.
Stock car racing highlights and results from the Iowa State Fair.
A historical look at the Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest held each year at the Iowa State Fair.
Dirt Track Racing held at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
Watch Dirt Track Racing at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand hosted by Toby Kruse.
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...
Contestants race to see who can finish a piece of pie the fastest.
Food
How have food competitions at the Fair evolved over the years?
Contestants race to see who can finish a piece of pie the fastest.
Cinnamon roll connoisseur Chuck Offenburger is on a quest for the Blue Ribbon best.
These works of art almost look too good to eat. It's the 2019 Decorated Cakes Competition.
Charity Nebbe and her friends have enjoyed a lot of Fair food over the years. Here are some favorites!
These works of art almost look too good to eat. It's the 2019 Decorated Cakes Competition.
What weird shapes are in store for the 2019 Iowa State Fair Most Unusual Vegetable Contest.
We meet the Iowa Honey Producers at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
Travis Graven visits the Ellwell Family Food Center to see which bakers can create the ugliest cake at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
Travis Graven visits the Elwell Family Food Center for the Innovative Chocolate Competition.
Paul Yeager stops by the Food Center to meet this year's entrants in the canned vegetables contest.
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!
With a chance to go on to a national level, expert hot dog lovers participate in a dog-eat-dog competition.
The all-American summer drink, lemonade, has been offered here at the Fair for decades.
Enjoy these homegrown heirloom tomatoes and find out which is the best at this year's Iowa State Fair.
We explore the back rooms where Iowa producers are preparing the meat for the Iowa State Fair-goers.
What creative desserts can go on a stick? This competition might shed some light on the question.
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...
Wonder what fair food was like forty years ago? Take a look at what fair food was like in this vintage Iowa PBS clip.
Join Charity Nebbe, host of Iowa PBS's new cooking series Iowa Ingredient, as she explores some tasty and unique flavors of the Iowa State Fair.
Join Charity Nebbe, host of Iowa PBS's cooking series Iowa Ingredient, as she explores some tasty and unique flavors of the Iowa State Fair. ...
Join Charity Nebbe, host of Iowa PBS's cooking series Iowa Ingredient, as she explores some tasty and unique flavors of the Iowa State Fair.
Join Charity Nebbe, host of Iowa PBS's new cooking series Iowa Ingredient, as she explores some tasty and unique flavors of the Iowa State Fair.
Discover just what it takes to grow an abnormally large pumpkin.
Grand Concourse
Skip Nelson and Sara Frasher introduce viewers to the IPBN mobile unit on the Grand Concourse in 1974.
Champion spellers show off their skills in the Family Center.
Presidents and presidential candidates love to visit the fair.
Fairgoers have engaged in some quirky races over the years, including pumpkins, zucchini, donkeys and scooters!
Buttons might be a clown, but he takes his job welcoming people to the Fair very seriously.
The coals are hot, the food is prepped - grab your forks everyone and let’s see what’s cookin’ on the Grand Concourse!
Square dancing tractors on the Grand Concourse in 2001.
Watch some incredible players go head to head during the Speed Chess Tournament at the Iowa State Fair.
Here is a tour of the fair grounds with a birds eye view!
Compare Grand Concourse races of the 1980s and today.
This pedal powered theatrical circus towers over the crowd on an 18 foot high structure. Acts such as contortion, Chinese poles and trapeze will be featured on the large structure, strolling down the Grand Concourse.
Dean Borg visits the Iowa State Fair Museum to learn about some interesting historical anecdotes about past fairs.
Here are some highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Veterans Parade.
This pedal powered theatrical circus towers over the crowd on an 18 foot high structure. Acts such as contortion, Chinese poles and trapeze will be featured on the large structure, strolling down the Grand Concourse.
Ye Old Mill has been attracting riders for just over 100 years! Go with with us as we take you on this popular (and dark) boat ride.
Watch some incredible players go head to head during the Speed Chess Tournament at the Iowa State Fair.
Why is the Iowa State Fair considered by many as the best in the country?
The buildings around the Iowa State Fairgrounds are some of the most architecturally unique exposition structures across the country.
Grandstand
The 1990 Great Truck Jump - the finest of Grandstand spectacles!
Combines battle it out on the dirt track at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
In this rodeo sport, teams of horses lead covered wagons to the finish line on the dirt track.
Learn about some of the races that used to take place at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
Dean Borg stops by the historic museum at the fairgrounds to learn about the various forms of entertainment that have taken place at the Grandstand.
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.
The truck and tractor pulls are a tradition at the State Fair Grandstand. Let’s take a walk behind the scenes with Mike Pearson.
The Fair is always thrilling - and as Dean Borg finds out in tonight’s Fair Flashback - sometimes those thrills were mind-blowing!
Dirt Track Racing held at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
Stock car racing highlights and results from the Iowa State Fair.
Watch Dirt Track Racing at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand hosted by Toby Kruse.
The buildings around the Iowa State Fairgrounds are some of the most architecturally unique exposition structures across the country.
History
Learn about some of the races that used to take place at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.
Dean Borg visits the Iowa State Fair Museum to learn about some interesting historical anecdotes about past fairs.
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!
The Fair is always thrilling - and as Dean Borg finds out in tonight’s Fair Flashback - sometimes those thrills were mind-blowing!
Why is the Iowa State Fair considered by many as the best in the country?
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...
Livestock Pavilion and Barns
Paul Yeager makes his way to the Poultry and Rabbit Barn to check out some of the pigeons at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.
We visit the 2019 Youth Livestock Judging Contest.
Experience the sights and sounds of the Iowa State Fair Cattle Barn.
Trainers and majestic animals compete at the Clydesdales, Percherons, and Draft Ponies Competition.
Showing animals is a big part of the State Fair experience - and this year we’re excited to showcase the dairy goats!
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!
Here is a tour of the Poultry Barn
Whether big or small, the horses at the Jacobson Exhibition Center are entertainment in motion!
The State Fair is chock full of kids who show all sorts of animals - even unique ones, like llamas!
The 4-H Sheep Show is the highlight of many young folks' summer. Iowa PBS's Mike Pearson brings us the excitement!
The enterprising talents of Iowa’s FFA kids are showcased in the FFA Swine Show.
They’re hefty…spunky…and chunky. It’s time for a State Fair favorite - the Big Animals!
Learn how people wash and clean their chickens to get them show ready for upcoming competitions.
Learn about some of the magnificent horses at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.
Ye Old Mill has been attracting riders for just over 100 years! Go with with us as we take you on this popular (and dark) boat ride.
A look at 4H students competing in the 2015 Grand Champion Steer Competition.
Follow the story of one man putting together his draft horse team.
Pioneer Hall
Kids take the stage and see who has the best joke in this funny and cute joke telling competition.
Here is a tour of Pioneer Hall.
The Great Cowchip Throw of 1996, with Peter Hamlin and Pat Boddy.
Strong women drive 8 penny nails at Pioneer Hall. With Pat Boddy.
Morgan Halgren takes us to the 2003 yodeling contest at Pioneer Hall.
Kids see who can push their wobbly egg the furthest during the Iowa State Fair Egg Rolling Contest.
Men from across the state enter their whiskers in the Beard Growing Contest. Who will have the most luxurious beard?
A look at how rolling pin throwing became rubber chicken throwing at Pioneer Hall.
Meet some future comedians at the 2019 Kids Joke Telling Contest.
We visit Pioneer Hall to listen in on some of the competitors at the 2019 Accordion Contest.
We head up to Pioneer Hill to meet some of people pitching horseshoes at the Iowa State Fair.
We head up to Pioneer Hill to meet some of people pitching horseshoes at the Iowa State Fair.
Modern messaging methods like texting and emailing can never compare to good old fashioned YELLING - at the husband calling contest!
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!
Join contestants at Pioneer Hall to see who can yodel best.
Who will have the finest beards at this year's Iowa State Fair Bear Growing Contest?
Kids see who can push their wobbly egg the furthest during the Iowa State Fair Egg Rolling Contest.
Women assemble at Pioneer Hall to see who can create the best chicken call.
Step back in time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of antique tractors at the Iowa State Fair.
Enjoy the ringing beauty of some of the finest mandolin playing in the state.
A historical look at the Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest held each year at the Iowa State Fair.
The buildings around the Iowa State Fairgrounds are some of the most architecturally unique exposition structures across the country.
Riley Stage
A tribute to nearly five decades of Iowa State Fair Queens!
Bill Riley remembers the year a storm came in during the Iowa State Fair Queen contest.
Bill Riley reflects on how it's impossible to pick a favorite act.
Bill Riley reflects on what the Bill Riley Talent Search means to the young people who perform.
Bill Riley reflects on how hard it is to predict who is going to win the Bill Riley Talent Show Championships at the Iowa State Fair each year.
Who can blow the biggest bubble at the 2019 Iowa State Fair Bubblegum Blowing Contest?
Take a look at the highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest.
Take a look at the highlights from the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest.
Highlights from the 2017 Iowa State Fair Auctioneer Contest.
Meet the ladies competing for this year's title of Iowa State Fair Queen.
Abby Brown is at the Twins, Triplets and More contest to check out some sibling similarities…and disparities.
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...
Contestants race to see who can finish a piece of pie the fastest.
Thrills
Bungee jumping was all the rage in 1992. Videographer Jason Cooley goes above and beyond to bring the experience to viewers at home.
Round and round it goes. What makes this Ferris wheel at the Iowa State Fair so special?
Ye Old Mill has been attracting riders for just over 100 years! Go with with us as we take you on this popular (and dark) boat ride.
Take a tour of the Iowa State Fair midway.
Visit the Midway and check out some of the 2019 Iowa State Fair rides.
Dean Borg visits the Iowa State Fair Museum to learn about some interesting historical anecdotes about past fairs.
Take a tour of the Iowa State Fair midway.
Ye Old Mill has been attracting riders for just over 100 years! Go with with us as we take you on this popular (and dark) boat ride.
Round and round it goes. What makes this Ferris wheel at the Iowa State Fair so special?