1978 Chet Randolph’s Reflection, 2016 Chicken Washing and Blow Drying, 2012 Giant Pumpkin Contest, Chainsaw Carving Compilation, 2015 Little Hands on the Farm, Fast-Forward Flashback: Grand Champion Slaps and more.
On this episode of Celebrating the Fair:
- 1978 Chet Randolph’s Reflection
- 2016 Chicken Washing and Blow Drying
- 2012 Giant Pumpkin Contest
- Chainsaw Carving Compilation
- 2015 Little Hands on the Farm
- Fast-Forward Flashback: Grand Champion Slaps
- 1990 Great Truck Jump
- Fair Fun at Home
- 2013 Horseshoe Pitching
- 1999 Spelling Bee
- 2016 Henna Tattoo Artist
- 2011 The Butter Cow’s 100th Anniversary
- 2012 Food Judging
- History Comparison: Monster Arm Wrestling — 1978 vs. 2019
- 1974 IPBN Behind the Scenes
Experience the Iowa State Fair through the eyes of four individuals maintaining its traditions.
The story of the Iowa State Fair — Iowa's annual showcase and its biggest celebration.
On Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m., Iowa PBS will offer a live broadcast of the 2026 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest. The event will also be livestreamed on iowapbs.org and YouTube.
The 2026 Iowa State Fair Parade will be broadcast statewide and livestreamed on iowapbs.org and YouTube on Wednesday, August 12 at 6:15 p.m.
The Bill Riley Talent Search showcases young Iowans' talents and an Iowa State Fair tradition.
Knock-knock! Who’s there? Some of the funniest kids in Iowa. The State Fair’s Joke Telling Contest is full of charm, chuckles, and pint-sized punchlines.
Bags fly and rivalries ignite at the Iowa State Fair Cornhole Tournament. Watch fierce teams compete for bragging rights in this fun, fast-paced showdown.
Get a whiff of tradition! The Cow Chip Throwing Contest at the Iowa State Fair is messy, hilarious, and surprisingly competitive. Watch the chips fly!
Think you know your plants? At the Iowa State Fair, contestants race to identify dozens of weeds in a unique contest that’s part quiz, part nature walk.
Watch skilled utility workers climb, race, and compete at the Iowa State Fair’s Lineman’s Rodeo—a thrilling display of strength, speed, and precision.