The State Fair (Part 1)

A blog for life and events around Des Moines has to include an item on the state fair. Being on the Internet, the piece has to include some background information for non-Iowans, as well as something new for the locals.

I had planned to attend the fair during its first week and to talk with people about their views of the fair and of Iowa. Alas, when I finally made it to the fair on the second Thursday, the mood on the fairgrounds was not conducive to pestering people for their opinions.

The morning was rainy and that seemed to limit the crowds and to dampen the energy level. The line for samples of dairy, soybean, and meat products in the Agricultural building stood still for minutes at a time, as though it were just too much effort to move. Smiles and the pace picked up midway through the afternoon after the rain clouds finally dissipated. Having been at the fair just the one day I cannot say if the malaise of moodiness was due wholly to the weather or if it had another underlying cause. However, KCCI TV news reported on Friday that hot weather had kept food sales down and CityView reported that dry weather had severely limited the number of entries into produce contests. People tending booths seemed worn down and not pleased to be there.

The Information booth people were helpful, though. I even found an answer to my question about reserve champions. The term refers to second place. I was curious because the term “reserve” could mean either higher or lower quality and coverage of auctions I had seen in prior years seemed to praise reserves more than champions. The person at the Information booth explained that a champion may not go to auction at the fair. The animal might be taken to another, bigger show. If the champion wins there, it can bring more money. However, sometimes it comes in third or fourth and the value is lost.

I also learned some things at the Vatterott College booth in the Varied Industries building. Enrollment and course options are up and the college is constructing a new building at 7000 Fleur Drive. The web site reveals that the career and technical education center has campuses in several other states, too.

The presidential selection caucuses were heavily promoted. WHO-TV had mason jars into which a kernel of corn counted as a vote for a candidate. The political parties had candidate and caucus information at their booths. Even the State Historical Museum was promoting a caucus exhibit that opens on October 5, 2007. Alas, nobody was informing Iowans that school board and municipal government elections will be held this year.

As always, there were rides to excite children and games for men to show their prowess. Gardeners and gardening centers provided colorful plants to landscape the fairgrounds. Pride of 4-H animal raising and practicality of farming continue to be major reasons for the state fair.

Guest Writer: M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.