2009 State Fair Midway Full of Thrills and Savings

The 2009 Iowa State Fair, set August 13-23, has enough heart-stopping entertainment on the midway and thrill rides to test even the bravest Fairgoers. And with several ways to save, Fairgoers can enjoy even more rides.

The Fair welcomes Belle City Amusements, bringing new rides and lower prices to the midway this year. Don’t miss The Fighter, whose spinning seats lift riders 30 feet in the air and then swing in an 88-foot circle! Ride prices may vary.

Fairgoers can save big at the midway for the 2009 Fair. New this year, purchase a set of five midway tickets for $13; each ticket good for one ride. For an even bigger day of midway excitement, purchase a Mega Pass wristband for just $25. It includes unlimited mechanical rides any one Fair day from open to close, including weekends. These midway special savings must be purchased by August 12 and are available while supplies last at the State Fair Ticket Office and online at www.iowastatefair.org. Mega Passes can also be purchased at statewide Walgreens and Des Moines-area Hy-Vee stores.

West of Walnut Square, thrill rides are guaranteed heart-pounding entertainment. The new Crazy Mouse rollercoaster not only speeds riders down a zig-zagging track, but spins each car around in a complete circle at the same time. Cost is $4.50 per ride per person. The Ejection Seat, which uses two huge bungee cords to launch riders 150 feet into the air at speeds of 60 mph, and the Skyscraper that blasts Fairgoers 160 feet in the air in mere seconds will be returning to the Fair this year. Cost to ride may vary.

Opening Day Gate Admission “Canned” at Iowa State Fair Food Drive

On opening day, August 13, the Iowa State Fair is trading gate admission to help Iowans in need. From 5-7 a.m. get one free admission with a minimum donation of two canned food items or $2 to the Food Bank of Iowa. One admission per person per donation (parking not included).

Today, more Iowans than ever are turning to the Food Bank of Iowa to help feed their families. The Fair is aiming to collect 65,000 pounds of food, which would provide 41,578 meals to Iowans in need.

The opening day celebrations kick-off in the Grandstand at 5 a.m. with a special appearance by Olympic gold medalist and Fair Parade Marshall Shawn Johnson at 7:30 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. From 5-8 a.m. Fairgoers can collect raffle tickets for a chance to snag thousands in cash and prizes in the cash cube.

Those attending the Fair later in the day can also enjoy $2 off regular adult admission from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a donation of two canned food items or $1 donation to the Food Bank of Iowa (cannot be combined with other offers). Gate admission is half-price after 5 p.m. Monday through Thursdays.

Fair festivities continue all day with contests, games, food and entertainment including performances by The Nadas, Drew Seeley, Firefall and Trailer Choir. Christian music stars Steven Curtis Chapman and Jeremy Camp will light up the Grandstand stage at 8 p.m. Tickets for the Grandstand show are $27 (plus convenience charges) and are available through Ticketmaster and the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office.

NEW! This year at the 2009 Fair!

Rock Painting by Ray “Bubba” Sorenson
Cultural Center Atrium (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Ray “Bubba” Sorenson is primed and ready to wow Fairgoers with his rock-solid talent and creative flare. Stop by the Cultural Center to see the “rock” artist in action as he completes a new Iowa-themed mural each day of the Fair. If inspiration strikes, feel free to grab a brush and begin your own masterpiece on one of the small rocks waiting in the wings.

Fishing Friendzy
Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Expo Hill
Stop by the Fishing Friendzy Bait Shop, load up your tackle box, and grab your rod and reel. Try your hand at casting with the Bull’s-eye Challenge before competing in the Reel ‘Em In Quick obstacle course and hooking the big one in the Fishing Derby. Check out the photos in our photo album!

Welde’s Big Bear Show and Grizzly Falls
Daily, Noon, 2 & 4 p.m., Walnut Square
From full-grown to tiny tots, these cute, cuddly and furry grizzlies educate audiences about the importance of habitat conservation while acting out remarkable tricks and eye-catching stunts. Drop in for one of the daily show times at Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. or just stop by to see the bears play in their Grizzly Falls exhibit throughout the day. Check out the photos in our photo album!

Wine Experience
Daily, Grandfather’s Farm
Stomp grapes, sample wine and learn more about Iowa’s wine and grape industry at the new wine exhibit at Grandfather’s Barn. Pick up a bottle of Chancellor, the Fair’s new dry red wine, or a bottle of the Fair’s sweet crisp Edelweiss.

Butter Sculpting Contest
August 17-23, Milking Parlor
Now Fairgoers can get in on the butter sculpting action. Names will be drawn after each milking demonstration for the chance to test their skills in a sculpting competition. Don’t forget to check out the world-famous Butter Cow in the Agriculture Building.

Quilting Sew-In
Daily, Noon – 5 p.m., Varied Industries Building
Stop by the first-ever State Fair Sew-In to try your hand at simple quilting. Volunteers will be on hand to teach quilting basics. Each participant will receive a commemorative pin and completed quilts will be donated to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and Iowa Angel Tree Camps.

Belle City Amusements
Daily, 10 a.m. – Midnight
The Fair welcomes Belle City Amusements, bringing new rides and lower prices to the midway. Don’t miss The Fighter, whose spinning seats lift riders 30 feet in the air and then swing in an 88-foot circle! Ride prices may vary. Now there are even more ways to save! Buy discounted midway tickets before the Fair or a Mega Pass wristband good for one day of unlimited rides.

Stitch This!
August 22, 7:30 p.m., 4-H Exhibits Building
Inspired by the hit TV show “Project Runway,” this 4-H competition challenges teams of high school youth to deconstruct a wedding dress and design it into new wearable garments in just 16 hours. Catch their creativity as they take to the runway for final judging on August 22 at 7:30 p.m.