DES MOINES – July 1 is the deadline to enter the Iowa State Fair Parade and many of the fair’s competitive events.
Entrants in competitive events may enter online or submit their entry by mail, postmarked by the deadline. Premium books and entry forms can be accessed www.iowastatefair.org/participate/competition/how-to-enter. While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department. Some departments will accept late entries through July 8 with additional fees. For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions or the online entry system, contact the competitive events department at 515-262-3111 ext. 207.
Iowa's largest parade is on Aug. 9 in downtown Des Moines. Applications are available at www.iowastatefair.org/participate/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515-262-3111 ext. 202. Parade float categories include marching bands and drum lines, walking and performing groups, novelty units and horses. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.
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 State Fair Thrills, Aug. 10-20. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.