Documentary
Our Great State Fair explores the history of Iowa's biggest event - the annual showcase of our state's best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. The story begins in 1854, as an experimental agricultural exposition in Fairfield, and continues into the 21st century as a statewide celebration in Des Moines.
Clips
Fair organizers realized it would be advantageous to have more entertainment to attract people to the fair, but their vision of a strictly educational fair was challenged by the desires of fairgoers.
The dirt track racers of the early 1900s were big superstars, like today's football players or rock stars.
The need for a large gathering space that could seat thousands made the Grandstand a focal point for the modernization of the fairgrounds.
Goodbye miles-long traffic jams. Hello, Grand Concourse.
Easy cleanup, no mess and portability. Food on a stick solved a great number of fair food inconveniences.
Exposition Hall was one of the first and largest of the new wood-frame buildings to be erected on the fairgrounds.
Visitors come from around the country to see and purchase various breeds of livestock at the Iowa State Fair.
The Iowa State Fair takes the livestock barns from temporary to something more permanent.
Everyone who visits the fair can learn something new about where their food comes from and all the work that goes into producing it.
Fairgoers took great pleasure in experiencing the danger, mayhem and destruction of many fair spectacles.
Bill Riley was fascinated by talented people, especially young people, and started the Bill Riley Talent Search, which continues to give young Iowans the chance to shine every year.
Inside the Agriculture Building, the best of the state's agriculture is displayed alongside the famous Butter Cow.
The demolition of Exposition Hall, the fair's oldest building at the time, is a key moment in Iowa State Fair history.
Our Great State Fair explores the history of Iowa's biggest event - the annual showcase of our state's best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. The story begins in 1854, as an experimental agricultural exposition in Fairfield, and continues into the 21st century as a statewide celebration in Des Moines.