Be a judge of the Tribute to Bessie: Scrumptious Berry Pie contest on Saturday, August 17 at 2:00 pm in the Elwell Family Food Center during the Iowa State Fair.

Bessie Heiliger owned Bessie's Bus Depot in Bloomfield and was famous for her hometown cooking. You'll be judging berry pies that must use at least two berries and have a homemade crust.

• Sample a blueberry pie to get your tastebuds in training.
• Gate admission for two and a parking pass are also included.

Carved at during the Iowa State Fair in 2022, this rooster's colorful feathers will brighten up your yard.

You won't go away mad after a night listening to Motley Crue with special guest Pop Evil on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four seats are in Sec C10, Row 28, Seats 11-14.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

A t-shirt pillow has an attitude like the band, "Take Your Ticket and Stick It."

The Iowa State Fair has historically given lapel pins to staff and volunteers. Here is a framed set of pins from 2000 to 2023. It is missing 2020 as one was not made that year.

You won't have a head full of doubt if you buy these tickets to enjoy the music of The Avett Brothers with G. Love & Special Sauce on Friday, August 16 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four seats are in Sec C10, Row 28, Seats 11-14.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

An Iowa State Fair t-shirt pillow is included.

Enjoy Foreigner's Historic Farewell Tour with special guest Melissa Etheridge on Friday, August 9 at 8:00 pm in the front row.

• Your four seats are in Sec P2, Row 1, Seats 1-4.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

Be a judge in the Iowa Orchards Creation food competition on Friday, August 9th at 12pm in the Elwell Family Food Center. The entrants must use a fruit in their dessert creation.

Gate admission for two and a parking pass included.

Take a peek at other prize-winning recipes with copies of the 22nd edition Iowa State Fair cookbook and Baking Blue Ribbons.

It'll be a puzzle figuring out the winner so practice with this farm-themed brain twister.

In the 1980's Jim Quinn ran the official Iowa State Fair souvenir tent. He created this series of eight souvenir plates that feature iconic buildings of the Fairgrounds.

Framed Iowa State Fair poster surrounded by a mat with the autographs of the performers on the Grandstand Stage in 2018.

The headliners included Reba, Daughtry, Casting Crowns, Old Dominion, Papa Roach, Jim Gaffigan, Thomas Rhett, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sugarland, Peter Cetera and Florida Georgia Line.

Have a sweet little sign for every month of the year. These 4" wooden tiles are each decorated and painted with a simple accent. Display your tile of the month in the decorative stand.

Sold out in 45 minutes, here's your chance to be at Jelly Roll's rockin' concert with special guest Dax on Saturday, August 10 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four seats are in Sec C10, Row 28, Seats 11-14.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

You can die a happy man after listening to the music of Thomas Rhett on Tuesday, August 13 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four seats are in Sec C10, Row 28, Seats 11-14.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

Hang this framed souvenir pennant of the Iowa State Fair on your wall. The red felt is decorated with carousel, ferris wheel and harness racing graphics.

The Iowa State Fair is best when you get involved. Here are some fun activities you can try.

• Always a good philosophy, be a judge at the Life is Better with Cake baking contest on Friday August 9th at 11 am in the Elwell Family Food Center.
• This layered German chocolate cake, made by a ribbon winning baker, will get your tastebuds in training.
• See how low you can go at Llama Limbo on Saturday, August 17th at 6:00 pm in the Outdoor Arena. Don't worry, we'll provide the llama.
• Fair Games is the theme for the 2024 Fair After Dark program, a 21 year and older, exclusive event on Saturday, August 10 at 8:00 pm. Come be a participant with a friend as you'll have two tickets.
• Since you'll be coming multiple days, included are six gate admission tickets and three parking passes.

This souvenir folder of Des Moines postcards is a treat for the eyes. Featuring 8 connected two-sided postcards they fold into a folder.

The set features highlights of Des Moines and the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The 2 cent stamp is postmarked 1925.

Enjoy the music of Ne-Yo with special guest Eric Bellinger on Saturday, August 17 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four seats are in Sec C10, Row 28, Seats 11-14.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

An Iowa State Fair t-shirt pillow.

Barbie is looking lovely in this Pink Ribbon collector's version.

Pair it with a perfectly pink Iowa State Fair t-shirt pillow and a Barbie carrying case and you're in the pink.

The precursor to the Des Moines Arts Festival, Art in the Park was held on the Fairgrounds from 1992-1998.

This framed poster is from the 1993 event and features the butter cow.

Attending every day of the Iowa State Fair is a piece of cake when you are camped right outside the gates!

• Enjoy staying in the NEC lot with full hookups for the duration of the Fair. This lot is along the north side of the Fairgrounds' property.
• Two admission wristbands, allowing for 11 days of entry, are included as is a parking pass for your campsite.
• An Iowa State Fair t-shirt pillow is included too.

A $100 Kwik Star gift card will supply drinks and snacks for the camper.

Be ready for a day at the Fair.

• Start with two gate admission tickets and a parking pass, an iTouch watch to track your steps and a 32 oz glass water bottle plus True Citrus oacks keep you hydrated.
• Two pairs of Fox River Mills lightweight ankle socks, one size men's and one unisex.
• A Pistil Byrne sun hat and navy cooling bucket hat will keep the rays off your face.
• A Raygun "Life is Fair" XL t-shirt and you can accessorize with hair ties and clips plus a mini hairbrush from Teleties and two pair of Knockaround sunglasses.
• Don't get bitten with Sallye Ander No-Bite-Me bug repellent, cream and soap as well as After Bite itch relief.
• A day at the Fair can bring about stains on your shirt, get them out with Hogwash stain removing Powerhouse soap.
• Use a bar of lotion to moisturize your hands and feet.
• Try out two pocket size versions in Chia and Bee Silk.
• Three lip balms in chai, peppermint and natural will keep your lips ready to eat more food on a stick!
• Two pair KnockAround

Vintage Iowa State Fair pillow cover showcasing the buildings and other highlights of the Fair. And it is all surrounded by blue fringe!

Learn more about supporting youth in agriculture with a foursome in the IFAA golf tournament on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny. Includes cart, green fees, food and beverage.

$100 Hy-Vee gift card to purchase meat, golf balls, towel and koozies.

Invitation to attend IFAA events at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 17 including the scholarship picnic, awards, Sale of Champions, and post-sale reception.

Enjoy a baking lesson for four in your home. Learn how to bake a dessert of your choosing from baking champion Eileen Gannon. Eileen has won over 600 ribbons at the Iowa State Fair alone plus numerous other competitions. Date subject to mutual agreement and must be used by 6/1/2025.

Don't have a recipe in mind? Select one from either the 22nd or 21st edition Iowa State Fair cookbooks.

And be inspired to create with chocolate when you sample Sunday Night Foods' delicious chocolate sauce.

This vintage Iowa State Fair pennant is red and white and features a graphic with a horse, bull, the Grandstand and a lady.

Enjoy the comedy of Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias on Thursday, August 15 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four front row seats are in Sec P2, Row 1, Seats 1-4.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

An Iowa State Fair t-shirt pillow.

The Ribbon & Pear cooking school will help you bake your best.

• Enjoy a two hour in person lesson on the baked good of your choice.
• Lost a recipe? Want to recreate grandma's banana bread?
• Always wanted a go-to dessert for potlucks? Sure thing! The location is in Ankeny.
• The lesson must be scheduled and completed before 11/9/2024.

This package comes with a fresh baked item for you to sample.

Gather recipe ideas by skimming through the 22nd edition Iowa State Fair cookbook and Baking Blue Ribbons.

Don't feel like making anything big? Satisfy your sweet tooth with a mini bundt cake maker.

The last chainsaw woodcarving of the 2023 Iowa State Fair, this hand standing bear would look good on your porch or patio.

Be a judge in the new Sunday Night Foods Baking Championship contest on Friday, August 9th at 2pm in the Elwell Family Food Center. Entrants are to use one of Sunday Night Foods sauces in their creation, so be ready for rich flavors.

Gate admission for two and a parking pass are included as well as a copy of the 22nd edition Iowa State Fair cookbook and a jar each of Sunday Night dark chocolate and sea salt chocolate.

Using blocks created from line drawings of Iowa State Fair buildings, Deb Zumbach has created a quilt of the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Be a judge in the Always Room for Dessert's food competition in memory of Olive Tarbell, a long-time food department exhibitor.

• The contest is on Thursday, August 8th at 12 p.m. in the Elwell Family Food Building.
• We're sure Olive would have filled this special Iowa State Fair pie plate by New Harmony Pottery with a delicious dessert.

Find some dessert ideas yourself with both a 22nd and 21st edition Iowa State Fair cookbook.

Gate admission for two and a parking pass.

Want to improve your baking skills? Enjoy a casual, informative and hands on cooking lesson for up to four people.

• The two-hour lesson can be tailored to your desires - recreating your grandma's cake; replacing a lost recipe; needing the perfect go-to dessert?
• Sure thing! The location is in Ankeny.
• The lesson must be scheduled and completed before 11/9/2024.

This package comes with a fresh baked item for you to sample.

Gather recipe ideas by skimming through the 22nd edition Iowa State Fair cookbook and Baking Blue Ribbons cookbook.

Spend time together with gift certificate for four to ride the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad's Wolf picnic train which runs on Sundays at noon from May - October 2024. Food service is not provided.

During the winter months enjoy 90 minutes of family bowling from Warrior Lanes in Waukee and a pitcher of pop.

• Valid for shoe rental for up to five bowlers on one lane through 3/31/2025.

On a trip to the Iowa State Fair, take part in Cuddles and Snuggles in the Animal Learning Center. It's a chance to be with the baby animals before the building opens to the public.

• Select your time from the five dates offered at the 2024 Fair.
• It includes gate admission for four and a parking pass.

Capture this time of your lives with a 30 minute family photo package with The Farmhouse Studio in Altoona. Expires 7/31/25.

Enjoy the music of Greta Van Fleet with special guest The Beaches on Sunday, August 11 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four seats are in Sec C10, Row 28, Seats 11-14.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

Feel like a Grand Marshall in the State Fair parade when you ride in a "Blue Ribbon Blue" 1976 Cadillac El Dorado convertible. The parade is on Wednesday, August 7.

A selection of state fair swag to show your love of the Fair as well as a t-shirt pillow.

Enjoy a day at the Fair with two gate admission tickets and a parking pass.

While at the Fair get your cariacature drawn. Wildman Caricatures will airbrush two faces in color mounted on chip board at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. The drawings can be done together or separately.

Enjoy the music of Kidz Bop on Sunday, August 18 at 6:00 pm.

• Your four front row seats are in Sec P2, Row 1, Seats 1-4.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

An Iowa State Fair t-shirt pillow.

This 18" x 18" map of the Iowa State Fairgrounds has been laser etched to create a cool piece of art. Icons highlight favorite places on the grounds.

Enjoy the music of Lauren Daigle with special guest Blessing Offor on Thursday, August 8 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four seats are in the front row, Sec P2, Row 1, Seats 1-4.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

An Iowa State Fair t-shirt pillow.

Explore the Central Iowa Railroad Club's display at the Iowa State Fair with four passes.

Once home, set up your own Traintown, USA with two John Deere HO scale train sets.

These are both collector's editions that are out of production

The fireworks exploding over the Grandstand after a concert signal the end of another great day at the Iowa State Fair.

Mark Iwig captured this stunning display at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

The piece is a 35" x 20" gallery wrapped canvas.

Enjoy the music of Brett Young with special guest NEEDTOBREATHE on Monday, August 12 at 8:00 pm.

• Your four seats are in Sec C10, Row 28, Seats 11-14.
• Gate admission for four and a parking pass are included.

An Iowa State Fair t-shirt pillow.

Two large overstuffed pillows featuring Iowa State Fair t-shirts will add fun flair to your family room.

You watched Ally Frame create this "Shop Local" mural at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Now you can enjoy it in your own home.

The 8' x 4' painting features pigs enjoying a locally grown life.

OMG! How would you like to have unlimited rides on the Sky Glider?

Win this package and you and a companion can glide high over the 2024 Iowa State Fair as much as your heart's desire.

Pass is non-transferable.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation has issued a lapel pin every year since 1993. Here is the full collection beautifully framed.

Have a full day at the Iowa State Fair seeing and judging.

• The Iowa Egg Council has some egg-ceptional items of swag and included a $50 gift card to the Cluck'n Coop.
• Don't eat too much though as you'll be a judge at the Exceptional Eggs Cooking Contest on Tuesday, August 13 at 2:00 pm in the Elwell Family Food Center.

A 22nd edition Iowa State Fair cookbook plus Baking Blue Ribbons will give you many recipes to try.

Gate admission for two, a parking pass, two cup of cookie coupons and some Iowa State Fair swag make it a great day.

This beautiful, hand-appliqued quilt uses the pattern "Flowers for MacKenzie" which features 23 floral applique blocks inspired by nature.

• Created by Leigh Lussie, it is 53" x 76" in rich red and yellow fabrics.
• Leigh was a well-known Iowa quilter having won many awards at the Iowa State Fair and nationally, including Best of Show and Sweepstakes.
• Dawn Cavanaugh, another award winner, machine quilted this for Leigh.

For the legit barbeque aficionado, here's a selection of rubs (bourbon molasses, sweet rib and mango) as well as BBQ sauces and grilling gloves.

Cajun cooking is known for spice combos that make a tongue zing. Enjoy flavor create from these five spice jars from Lucky Cajun - Voodoo, Natil, Bulgasari, Black Label and Sodium Free.

Pull some recipes from the 22nd and 21st edition Iowa State Fair cookbooks to use your new spices and rubs.

See if there are any of these flavor combinations entered in the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner food competition.

• Be a judge of this contest on Friday, August 9th at 9:30 a.m. in the Elwell Family Foods Building.
• Gate admission for two and a parking pass included.

Concoct your own delicious meal with a Lodge enameled cast iron 6qt Dutch oven.

This package is filled with places that make Des Moines a great place to live.

• There is a Des Moines logo t-shirt, bandana and flag and a pillow that features the skyline.
• Gift cards have been provided by Bar Nico ($50), Zanzibar ($20), Chuck's Restaurant ($25), Cha Cha's Highland Bakery ($25), The Republic ($50), Alba ($100) and Applishuis (4 cookies at the Fair).
• You can't miss Des Moines' largest event so the Iowa State Fair has provided 4 gate admission tickets and a parking pass.
• Relax with four weekday rounds of golf a either Waveland, Bright Grandview or Blank golf courses.
• There's a fun door mat and a throwback blank featuring famous buildings in Lee Township (aka The East Side).
• Bankers Trust included a $100 Visa gift card and some fun swag items.
• And finally savor an assortment of chocolates from The Chocolate Storybook and fresh tea from GongFu Tea.

Venture into the butter cooler in the Agriculture Building to help Sarah Pratt sculpt the tail of the butter cow. Up to five people can participate to learn more about this famous Iowa State Fair tradition. Gate admission for five and a parking pass are included.

A t-shirt pillow featuring the butter cow and a cutter cow statue help mark the fun experience.

There's enough here to have a date night of some sort every month, so no more excuses.

• Included are restaurant gift cards to Alba ($100), the Republic ($50), The Other Place ($50), Chuck's ($25) and a wine tasting at The Cork ($70).
• Update your wedding photo by having a 30 minute photo session with Maggie Gulling Photography.
• For fun outings, visit the Funny Bone Comedy Club with four passes, enjoy a movie at The Palms with four BOGO admission passes and shop for a fun costume at the Theatrical Shop with a $50 gift card.
• Enjoy a day at the Iowa State Fair with two gate admission tickets, a parking pass and two tickets to Glow Party at the Garden. This is a 21 and older Fair After Dark program on Saturday, August 9 at 8:00 pm.
• For now, you can both enjoy eating an assorted box of chocolates from The Chocolate Storybook.