Natalie Krebs
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Iowa Public Radio
U.S. Senate candidates Republican Ashley Hinson, Democrat Josh Turek and Libertarian Thomas Laehn spoke at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox during the first days of the state fair.
Sheila Brummer
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Iowa Public Radio
Madeleine Charis King
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Iowa Public Radio
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On this episode, we listen back to some of our favorite state fair interviews. We talk with Iowa State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt and her apprentices, her twin daughters Hannah and Grace, about working together and making buttery artwork. Then, we travel to the fairgrounds to take a ride on the Sky Glider with Tracy Shedd. Shedd has worked on the Sky Glider in some capacity for the last 50 years. (Portions of this episode were originally produced August 2025 and August 2024.) -
The 2026 Iowa State Fair is almost here. On this episode, we meet some of the winningest State Fair competitors of all time. Dr. Rod Zeitler is a master canner, Deb Zeitler is a master weaver and Marcia Miller is a master pie maker. Rod and Deb Zeitler's State Fair entries made it to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. And Marcia Miller shares how she turned her State Fair pie domination into a way to raise money for animals. Then, a new documentary tells an untold State Fair story. East side native and filmmaker Shawn Hicks decided to capture those who live around the State Fair grounds and sell parking. There will be screenings of 'Parkers' at the Fleur in Des Moines Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
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After coming to an abrupt conclusion in 2023, the long-running book sale once run by Planned Parenthood North Central States is starting a new chapter under the leadership of a new, volunteer-run nonprofit.
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State fairs are a big draw this time of year for millions of visitors. Whether it's getting a chance to pet a newborn calf, take a ride in a giant plastic ball or eat any number of fried foods, going to the fair is always an experience. -
Today, a conversation with Iowa State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt. And, we talk with the owner of a new boozy bookstore in West Branch.
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Kat Schmidt from Des Moines was named Grand Champion of the 2025 Fiddling Competition Sunday at the Iowa State Fair.
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The tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump last month significantly shortened the timeline for wind and solar energy tax credits. But an executive order and an onslaught of new federal policies pose a greater threat to the two industries that help electrify Iowa. -
Democratic Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego visited the Iowa State Fair Friday, but he did not say if he plans to run for president in 2028. -
Beyond the classic blue ribbon pies and livestock showings, the Iowa State Fair offers a schedule of weird and wonderful events that prove just how much Iowans love a good spectacle.
