1983 Put on a Happy Face, 2016 The Gantry Show, New Fair Foods compilation, 2015 Mutton Bustin’, Fast-Forward Flashback: Fashions, 1978 Chuckwagon Races, Fair Fun at Home, 1983 Live Butter Cow Interview With Norma “Duffy” Lyon, and more.
On this episode of Celebrating the Fair:
- 1983 Put on a Happy Face
- 2016 The Gantry Show
- New Fair Foods compilation
- 2015 Mutton Bustin’
- Fast-Forward Flashback: Fashions
- 1978 Chuckwagon Races
- Fair Fun at Home
- 1983 Live Butter Cow Interview With Norma “Duffy” Lyon
- 2014 Bandaloni
- 2017 Tall Corn Contest
- 1978 Morgan Mini Mules
- 2013 Young Farmers’ Challenge
- 2014 Spider Scaring
- History Comparison: 1982 Bathtub Race vs. 2015 Outhouse Race
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.