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From its very humble beginnings in the 19th century, the Iowa State Fair later become the basis for a novel, a motion picture musical (State Fair) and, today, the event by which all other state fairs are measured.

The very first Iowa State Fair, which had a total budget of just $324, was held in Fairfield 1854. It proved too difficult for people to come to the fair from far off, and so the fair moved around to various parts of the state settling permanently in 1878 its home as we know it today in Des Moines.

Today, the Iowa State Fair is a highly-anticipated eleven day event held every year in late summer, attracting over a million people from within the state and across the country.

One of the most entertaining parts of any state fair is the livestock, and in this the Iowa State Fair never disappoints. Fair-goers can take in blue ribbon contests judging the finest cattle, horses and pigs, along with sheep shearing competitions, pie eating contests, wood chopping contests, and even arm wrestling.

Like butter

Another mainstay of the Iowa State Fair is the life-size butter cow which has been featured at the Iowa State Fair every year since 1960, (while spawning imitators of the sculpted butter display at practically every other state fair since.)

In July 2009, controversy erupted when it was announced that a special butter sculpture of Michael Jackson would be displayed in the pop idol's honor.

Special online voting at the fair's Web site helped settle the churning dispute when - by popular demand - it was announced that the world-famous Iowa State Fair butter cow would share the spotlight this year NOT with Jackson, but with an equally famous moonwalk by astronaut Neil Armstrong. Go figure.

And of course, what would a state fair be without the music? The Iowa State Fair has enjoyed great success by sticking to its agricultural roots while also attracting some of the country's biggest entertainers.

Every year, more families make it a point to travel to Des Moines to take in the most quintessentially authentic American state fair. If you're one of them, remember: plan early!

More about the iowa State Fair around the Web:

Iowa State Fair.com - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, food, concerts, entertainment, competition, livestock and people watching, with directions, map and photos.

Iowa State Fair - Wikipedia - A complete history of the fair including modern highights and attractions, photos, related resources.

Iowa State Fair on Iowa Public Television - TV schedule, colorful video coverage and a library of related clips.

A Frugal Guide to the Iowa State Fair - Tips, tricks and advice on making it affordable for an entire day out with the family.

also see -> Christmas in Iowa | Iowa Lakes & Beaches

Iowa Wineries | Iowa Fall Foliage | Moving to Iowa