photos by Bryon Houlgrave and Emily Peterson

The first Friday of the Fair always brings Cowboy Mounted Shooting; we also saw some ugly cakes, big pumpkins, sheep contests, concerts and more!

The action was mesmerizing this morning at Cowboy Mounted Shooting, a tradition at the Iowa State Fair that combines grace and power.

Musician Blake Guyre performs his Elton John/Billy Joel tribute concert.

 

Preparing sheep for the FFA Breeding Sheep Show.

 

The beginning stages of the Iowa State Fair sand sculpture. 

 

Little ones enjoying the Big Slide at the Iowa State Fair.

 

The Nadas at their Friday night concert at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Enjoying  an opportunity to cool down with water at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Disgusting looking cakes submitted to the Ugliest Cake Contest.

 

A quiet moment between a girl and her horse.

 

Fairgoer enjoying the results from the biggest pumpkin contest.

 

Fairfield and Rosetta, the Iowa State Fair mascots, greet children at the Fair.