1971 Square Dancing, 2018 Cowboy Mounted Shooting, 2003 Yodeling Contest, 2007 Buttons the Clown, 1984 Pig Racing, Fast-Forward Flashback: Quirky Races, State Fair Singers, 2013 Ferris Wheel Fun and more.
On this episode of Celebrating the Fair:
- 1971 Square Dancing
- 2018 Cowboy Mounted Shooting
- 2003 Yodeling Contest
- 2007 Buttons the Clown
- 1984 Pig Racing
- Fast-Forward Flashback: Quirky Races
- State Fair Singers
- 2013 Ferris Wheel Fun
- Fair Fun at Home
- 1985 Iowa Boy Best Cinnamon Roll
- 2016 Egg Rolling Contest
- 2015 Ye Old Mill
- 2015 Pedal, Power and Pull
- 1984 Combine Demo Derby
- 1987 Ladies Nail Driving
- History Comparison: 1978 Blacksmith — 1978 vs. 2016
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.