DES MOINES, IA (07/28/2015)(readMedia)-- Just a few short weeks remain to purchase your tickets for the 2015 Grandstand entertainment during the Iowa State Fair.

Great seats are still available for Christian artist Casting Crowns with special guest for KING & COUNTRY on August 13, country artists Justin Moore with special guest Easton Corbin on August 14, Reba with special guest Caroline Kole on August 16, and Alabama with special guest Chris Janson on August 20. Tickets also remain for rock artists YES and Toto on August 18 and Rock-A-Thon hosted by Eddie Truck starring Dee Snider, Dokken, Warrant, and Firehouse, on August 23. Pop artists, The Fray with special guest Andy Grammer on August 21 and Meghan Trainor with special guests Charlie Puth and Life of Dillon on August 22 also have seats available. Don't wait to get your tickets for the Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today on August 19.

Tickets for all Grandstand events are on sale at Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800/745-3000 and through the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office. All concert seats are reserved and do not include Fair admission. Gate admission must be purchased separately, discount advanced tickets are available at the Iowa State Fair ticket office or online at iowastatefair.org. Convenience charges apply.

The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, located on the front porch of the Administration Building, will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to Noon Saturday through August 12 for walk-up orders only. During the Fair, August 13 through 23, the Ticket Office is open for will-call pick-ups only. Any remaining tickets go on sale at the Grandstand ticket windows, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the day of the show.

# # #

DES MOINES, IA (07/22/2015)(readMedia)-- The 2015 Iowa State Fair Parade will be Wednesday, August 12 at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Over 120 different floats, animals, vehicles, and performing units are set to kick-off this year's "Fair Tour", August 13-23.

The Iowa State Fair Parade is the state's largest parade and sets the stage for one of Iowa's premier events, the Iowa State Fair. Staging will take place at the State Capitol complex and parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Arlette Hollister will lead the parade this year serving as the Parade Marshal. Arlette has been a mainstay in the Foods Department at the Iowa State Fair for nearly 30 years and is excited to lead the kickoff to another great Fair. Arlette and her family have been attending the Iowa State Fair for over 50 years, and she has spent every Fair since the summer of 1986 as the Foods Department Superintendent. Through Arlette's efforts, the Food Department has grown from 27 divisions to 228 divisions and entries have increased from 4,053 to 10,597. To honor Arlette's years of service and dedication to the Fair, she will kick off this year's "Fair Tour" and lead the parade.

Highlights of the event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM Fox 17 beginning at 10 p.m. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 13-23.

# # #

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

News from Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (07/20/2015)(readMedia)-- Begin your "Fair Tour" with a wide variety of new discoveries to taste, watch and experience at this year's Iowa State Fair. New Fair foods, attractions and entertainment await you in addition to the many traditional Fair favorites.

Foods

This year's Fair foods feature over a dozen new items. New treats include food contest finalists Ultimate Bacon Brisket Bomb, Corn in a Cup, and Toasted Coconut Caramel Cluster. Try them all and vote for your favorite. Fair Squares, the official Fair treat, will also debut the newest flavor, Chocolate Marshmallow Malt, a tasty treat comprised of marshmallows, chocolate chips, cocoa puffs and malted milk powder.

Attractions

Whether you're a lifelong fairgoer or a day-tripping tourist, adventure and excitement are waiting for you at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Our Fair experts are already hard at work scouting out the best spots and unearthing hidden gems to customize a tour that is perfect for you and your travel companions. Whether you're a foodie, an avid animal lover, an entertainment junkie or just someone looking for the nooks and crannies around the Fairgrounds, you'll be able to leave knowing you saw the hottest spots around the grounds. Audio tours will be live starting August 13.

The first phase of Ruan Plaza, a pedestrian friendly plaza connecting Grand Avenue to the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center, will be complete for this year's Fair. The Plaza will feature a boulevard area with improved utilities and access for vendors and exhibitors. This beautification project will also include 20-foot wide walkways to allow for easier pathways from one end of the Fairgrounds to the other. Phases two and three will resume after the 2015 Fair.

Stop by the John Deere Agriculture Building to experience "It Takes an Iowan," a new interactive exhibit focused on Iowans as leaders in the ongoing effort of providing food for the nation and the world. The exhibit will highlight the advancement of technology to better produce food, as well as education about agriculture around the world. Learn that Iowans are not only leaders in feeding the world, but also in education, technology, communication, legislation and transportation.

Be sure to stop by the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center this year and visit local artist Ben Schuh as he creates a one-of-a-kind mural in the atrium during the Fair. The mural will feature both naturally-occurring and man-made points of interest in Iowa such as wind turbines, the High Trestle Trail Bridge, 4-H exhibitors, farmsteads and much more. Stop by to see the mural come to life during the 11 days of the Fair.

Runners and joggers alike will have the opportunity to experience a 5K race like no other. The ninth annual Fairgrounds 5K, which has traditionally been held in November, is during the Fair this year and will take place on Saturday, August 22nd at 7:30 a.m. The route will take you down the Grand Concourse, through the hills of the Campgrounds, and along Rock Island. You'll see vendors, campers and livestock on your adventure across the Fairgrounds. It's a perfect chance to get your exercise in while supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation and their renovation efforts.

Stage Entertainment

The new MidAmerican Energy Stage, formerly known as Fairview Stage, will debut at this year's Fair - complete with new restrooms and additional seating to enjoy a variety of entertainment. The larger stage will host some of our best free entertainment yet.

This year's line-up features southern rock band 38 Special. The group boasts more than twenty million in record sales, with hits such as "Hold On Loosely," "Second Chance," "Back Where You Belong" and more. Other rock groups include Head East, Autograph, Get the Led Out, and Steelheart.

After thirty years together, Restless Heart is still enjoying one of the most successful careers in country music history. With hits that include "I'll Still Be Loving You" and "When She Cries," their success includes six number one hits and the 1990 Vocal Group of the Year from the Academy of Country Music Awards. Other country acts include Haley & Michaels, Dan + Shay, Raelynn and Big Smo.

Back by popular demand, the self-proclaimed "Glee-meets-Stomp" group Vocal Trash will perform daily on the MidAmerican Energy Stage. Also returning is funk band Here Come the Mummies and Hairball, the world's ultimate 80s arena rock impersonation act.

"Nothing Compares" to the excitement that awaits Fairgoers August 13-23.

# # #

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

DES MOINES, IA (07/06/2015)(readMedia)-- With numerous ways to purchase Iowa State Fair tickets "Nothing Compares" to the fun found on the Fairgrounds August 13-23. For fairgoers planning ahead, the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office is now open to offer discounted tickets for admission, rides and more.

The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, located in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds, is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday. Walk-up orders will be available until August 6. Cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted. All offers good while supplies last.

Advance Admission

Adult and children's advance admission tickets are available at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, and online at iowastatefair.org as a print your own fee-free option. Adult advance admission tickets are just $8 (ages 12 and older; regularly $11), and children's admission tickets are $4 in advance (ages 6-11; regularly $5). Children ages 5 and under are admitted free every day. Tickets may also be purchased at participating Iowa Fareway Stores, Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Drugstores. Online mail orders placed after Sunday, August 2, will not be mailed, but will be held at will call. Tickets are good any one Fair day.

Fairgoers can enjoy an even bigger benefit when buying early. Advance admission tickets have a coupon for a free small Potato Olé® at participating Iowa-area Taco John's. Coupon expires 9/30/15. See store for details.

Punch Cards

Buy a convenient Punch Card with 11 days of adult Fair admission for $88. Each punch is good for one admission to the Fair. Cards may be used by individuals or families. Punch Cards may be purchased at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Punch Cards are only available until August 12 or while supplies last.

Fair Play Packs

This value-packed deal, including specials on admission, food and select rides, is perfect for employee incentives or Fair-loving families! Fair Play Packs are available for purchase now at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Visit iowastatefair.org for details. Must be purchased by August 12 or while supplies last.

Midway Savings

Save on the Midway with a Midway Pack, which includes a set of five Midway ride tickets for only $14. Each ticket is good for one ride. Available now at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Midway Mega Passes, good for unlimited rides any one Fair day, are also available. Visit iowastatefair.org for details. Fair admission must be purchased separately. Must be purchased by August 12 or while supplies last.

Food Tickets

Buy a set of five $1 food tickets good for food or beverage purchases at any Fairgrounds concession, excluding the Midway. Cost is $5 per set, and they may be purchased through the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office or online at iowastatefair.org (a five percent processing fee applies). Available while supplies last.

# # #

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.