Pics.jpgfair collage.jpgedit
My siblings and I grew up watching (or being forced to watch) any and all classic musicals.  I guess that is what happens when your mother was a theatre major.  But like many things I scoffed at when I was young and stupid (ok, so now I am just old and stupid) I actually have come to appreciate the level of cultural knowledge and background these classics gave me growing up.  I will never think of a state fair without hearing my Dad break into “our state fair is a great state fair, don’t miss it don’t even be late” from the 1945 classic State Fair. I also vaguely remember a scene about singing to an incredibly huge pig. So when Jason’s parents suggested we all go to the Iowa State Fair I was so excited I admit I almost peed my pants and much to everyone’s dismay started singing.  We drove to Des Moines and spent the day at the Iowa State fair.  It was a first folks and it was awesome.  Family adventures, mullets, jorts, fried things on sticks, oversized animals, apple cider donuts, a butter cow, tractors, and way too many sweaty people crammed into one place.  What is not to love?
IMG_4049.jpgedit
IMG_4039 (2)
“oh, that is why it smells like poo poo” My children are very astute and observant.
IMG_4091.jpgedit
in the kid’s area they go to be farmers
IMG_4075.jpgedit
IMG_4178.jpgedit
there was a building where the kids could SEE baby chickens hatching and live animals being born. Yeah that part was intense!  I cannot even imagine how they know and can time all that.  I can barely time using the veggies in my fridge before they go bad. We all saw a lamb being born and in case you did not have a front row seat to watch every detail they projected the birth on huge flat screens all over the building (poor mama sheep)…..this was Jason reaction…
IMG_4188.jpgedit
Silas later reflected “my favorite part of the day was when the sheep hatched out of it’s mama.” Too cute!
IMG_4128.jpgedit
of all the attractions at the fair Evy & Joshua LOVED the hand dryers in the bathroom….hilarious!
IMG_4215
Jason decided to get the full fair experience he had to try the most twisted, disgusting yet intriguing thing on the menu….fried butter (only in America!)
IMG_4222.jpgedit
and speaking of butter….
IMG_4153.jpgedit
We saw the famous butter cow! I may have squealed a tiny bit.
IMG_4155.jpgedit
the fair was HUGE and there was lots to see and lots of walking. By the end of the day our troops were a bit exhausted.
IMG_4134.jpgedit
I can confirm that “our state fair is a great state fair, don’t miss it don’t even be late!!” Jason already started making fried snickers plans for next time.  If you have never been: Go! If you have been spill what your fave experience was…
RoxanneSignature

  1. Anonymous says:

    I LOVE that you loved the fair! I HIGHLY recommend a lemonade shake-up from Pioneer Hall on your next visit! The Iowa State Fair holds many near and dear memories from my childhood-I am shamelessly smitten by all of the sweat, good eats, people watching and oversized animals.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Looks like a lot of fun. But is this fried stick really only butter?

  3. Anonymous says:

    Love love love state fairs! Glad you had a fun time! dre

  4. Anonymous says:

    I can just hear you singing. Daddy actually like the Ann Maragret version better, for obvious reasons. Every time he sang that it made me cringe. Looks like you had a great time. Walworth County Fair is this weekend, but it would be a let down after the state fair.

  5. Anonymous says:

    You need to come up to MN and come to our state fair. It is THE BEST!!!!!

  6. Anonymous says:

    You should make the trip up to MN to come to our State Fair – it is THE BEST!!!!!