The Iowa State Fair recently wrapped in Des Moines, Iowa—keeping more than a million visitors busy with everything from the food to an exciting lineup of rodeo events over the course of the 10-day event.
Offering diverse culinary delights across more than 60 food stands, the fair is a testament to the contributions of farmers who provide the raw ingredients for these delectable offerings. The fair also serves as a platform for showcasing the achievements of 4-H members, FFA participants, and the farmers themselves, highlighting the interconnections of agriculture, community, and education.
At the heart of the action, the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters welcomed visitors with mouthwatering aromas of sizzling steak. The Fair’s Pork Tent also resonated with the sizzle of cooking pork, another delicacy that owes its existence to the hard work of dedicated Iowa farmers.
Among those representing the state’s livestock community was Mike Bateen from Odiebold, Iowa, a seasoned farmer with a passion for raising cattle. Mike and his wife have volunteered at the fair for 26 years, embodying the spirit of community engagement that makes the fair a true showcase of Iowa’s agricultural heritage. When asked about his favorite fair food, Mike proclaimed the steak sandwich from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters as his top choice.
The passion for agriculture was further exemplified by the reigning Iowa State Fair Queen Kalayna Durwhose of Henry County, whose enthusiasm for the fair was palpable. As she mingled with the crowd, she shared anecdotes of her memorable moments, including a victorious outing at the Cass County Fair’s golf cart rodeo.
Another farmer, Sidney Walker of Webster City, Iowa, found the fair to be an excellent opportunity to connect with people and share the joys of farming. His farm not only grows crops but also raises sheep, cows, and horses. As fair-goers indulged in corn dogs and other delights, Sidney’s presence underscored the important link between farmers and the food on their plates.
According to a local CBS affiliate KCCI, this year 1,048,244 people attended the Iowa State Fair during the 10-day event — which is around 70,500 less than last year’s attendance record.
