Celebrate with Iowa PBS at the Iowa State Fair

Visit Iowa PBS at the Iowa State Fair. Visitors to the statewide network’s exhibit in the Varied Industries Building will marvel at artifacts showcasing our state, such as an American Bison skull or a 4-H uniform dress from 1948, and much more. You may also pick up some great giveaways while enjoying educational fun for the whole family.

This year, fans of Iowa PBS can take a walk through the exhibit space to view historical items that showcase Our Great State Fair, the new documentary celebrating the Iowa State Fair, and FIND Iowa, an education initiative that encourages Iowans to get out and explore our great state. In addition, all fairgoers will get a sneak peek at what’s coming soon to Iowa PBS, and can cool off with a free, FIND Iowa collapsible fan. Fans are limited and are first come, first served.

Iowa PBS will continue Our Great State Fair celebrations with three mini, historical exhibits to explore. These exhibits can be found in the atrium of the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center, the lobby of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and the second floor of the Ralph H. Deets Historical Museum. Visitors can see artifacts from the Iowa State Fair, see clips of the documentary Our Great State Fair and can pick up an historical walking tour map.

In addition, Iowa PBS will again determine the “Great Iowan Recipe” from a selection of submitted recipes from amateur Iowan cooks that are relevant to their family, heritage or legacy. On Sunday, August 13 at 12:30 p.m.,Trellis Café owner and chef Lisa LaValle and AllSpice owner Rory Brown will judge this special competition in the Elwell Family Food Center. Stop by the Iowa PBS booth in the Varied Industries Building before the competition to pick up an exclusive Iowa PBS whisk, only available on the morning of the contest.

Iowa PBS will continue its 50-year-old tradition of bringing state fair highlights to Iowans everywhere. This year’s programming begins Wednesday, August 9 at 6:15 p.m. with a live broadcast of the 2023 Iowa State Fair Parade. The 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation will be livestreamed on YouTube, Facebook and iowapbs.org on Saturday, August 12 at 7 p.m. Fair coverage continues nightly at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on August 14-19 with Fair 2023 and concludes Sunday, August 20 at 8 p.m. with the State Fair Talent Championships. Follow Iowa PBS across social media for daily questions, quizzes and a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action.

Visit iowapbs.org/fair to check out all the state fair fun Iowa PBS has to offer.

Support for Fair 2023 is provided by EMC Insurance and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.