Senator Ruben Gallego visited Iowa, addressing past criticisms of the Iowa caucuses, emphasizing the need for Democrats to focus on working-class issues, and criticizing recent legislative votes and policies affecting Iowa, while also discussing his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict and his political future.
Weather conditions at the Iowa State Fair have caused some event cancellations and camping area closures, with updates on reopening and safety tips for visitors including hydration, sun protection, and available amenities like air-conditioned buildings and seating areas. First aid stations are also available for emergencies.
Donald Trump has unveiled his plans for celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary, highlighting his past experiences with fairs and his recent campaign activities, including visiting the Iowa State Fair and engaging in traditional festivities.
The Iowa State Fair has finalized its Grandstand concert series lineup with the addition of rock band Greta Van Fleet and country singer-songwriter Brett Young, both with special guests, for performances on August 11 and 12 respectively. Tickets for these concerts, along with others in the lineup, will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday.
The Iowa State Fair has announced the final two concerts on the Grandstand, featuring Brett Young with special guest Needtobreathe and Greta Van Fleet with special guest The Beaches. Tickets for both shows go on sale on Friday at iowastatefair.org or 1-800-514-3849. The fair has also announced seven other concerts, including performances by Lauren Daigle, Foreigner with Melissa Etheridge, Jelly Roll, Thomas Rhett, Mötley Crüe, Gabriel Iglesias, The Avett Brothers with G.Love & Special Sauce, Ne-Yo, and Kidz Bop.
A bull went missing from the Iowa State Fairgrounds and was later captured and euthanized for safety reasons, according to a statement from the Iowa Beef Expo, despite efforts to capture it. The Iowa State Fair police had notified the Des Moines Police Department about the missing bull, and it was captured shortly before 10 a.m. The decision to euthanize the bull was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of people and animals at the show.
The 2024 Iowa State Fair has announced the first two Grandstand concerts, with Christian singer Lauren Daigle performing on August 8 and rock legend Foreigner taking the stage on August 9. Ticket prices range from $35 to $70, and tickets go on sale on December 1. Two more Grandstand acts will be announced before the end of the year.
The beloved butter cow sculpture at the Iowa State Fair is actually a wire mesh structure covered in slabs of butter, rather than being entirely made of butter. This revelation, which was mistakenly attributed to the Iowa State Fair instead of the Illinois State Fair, has left Midwesterners shocked and even angry. The butter used for the sculpture is recycled and can be reused for up to 10 years.
Hansen's Manhattan Deli in Des Moines, Iowa, is offering a second chance for people to try the famous lobster rolls from JR's SouthPork Ranch, which were a hit at the Iowa State Fair. The deli will be serving the lobster rolls until they run out, with customers paying $25 instead of the $29 charged at the fair. Chef Heith Sheeley sources the lobster from Maine and serves it on a toasted roll with bread from Gateway Market. No pre-orders are available, and the deli won't be offering footlongs or the Iowa corn and bacon roll.
Jason Aldean performed at the Iowa State Fair amid controversy surrounding his latest single "Try That in a Small Town." The song has faced criticism for its lyrics and music video, which some believe contain racist undertones. Aldean addressed the backlash during his performance, defending the song and thanking fans for their support. He also announced a new album slated for release in November. The concert drew a crowd of 12,581 attendees.
Elle Clark, a musical theater vocalist from Humboldt County, won the 63rd Annual Bill Riley Talent Search at the Iowa State Fair with her showstopping performance of Barbra Streisand's "Don't Rain on my Parade." Clark's combination of humility and confidence set her apart from the other talented acts, earning her the first-place prize of $10,000. Four other acts were also honored, and seven young performers were named champions in the "sprouts" category. Clark plans to continue pursuing her passion for singing by studying theater at Iowa Central Community College.
The Iowa State Fair showcased life-size sculptures made from butter and a variety of deep-fried treats, attracting over a million visitors and 13 presidential candidates, including Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. The fair featured more than 200 food stands and over 60 different mobile foods on a stick, along with attractions like an 'ugly cakes' contest. One of the highlights was a 600-pound cow made entirely from butter, displayed alongside sculptures of Iowa athletes. Trump overshadowed DeSantis and other contenders, criticizing DeSantis's poor poll performance and suggesting he should drop out of the race.
Republican presidential candidates, excluding Donald Trump, are praising Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds as they visit the Iowa State Fair. Reynolds, who was reelected to a second term last November, is conducting interviews with the candidates and providing them with an opportunity to connect with voters. Former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum have all commended Reynolds for her leadership and accomplishments. However, Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination, has criticized Reynolds for remaining neutral in the race. Despite the controversy, Reynolds is focused on bringing the candidates to Iowa and allowing them to present their visions and answer tough questions.
Heather Ryan, founder of the organization Bitches Get Stuff Done, disrupted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' visit to the Iowa State Fair and a rock-painting event. Ryan, a Navy veteran, is using a brash style of activism to advocate for progressive policies and protect reproductive rights. She plans to hold activist trainings and encourages others to engage in in-your-face activism. Ryan's actions have gained attention on TikTok and she hopes to use social media to amplify her message.