Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons joins The Catholic Morning Show one month before opening day to preview the 2026 Iowa State Fair, running August 13–23 in Des Moines. Parsons details new America 250 exhibits, expanded shade and seating, and new transportation options designed to make this year's fair the most comfortable yet. He also reflects on the community spirit that makes the fair one of Iowa's most cherished annual traditions.
One Month Out: CEO Jeremy Parsons joins the show 30 days before the 2026 Iowa State Fair opens, sharing that fairground campsites and food concessionaire setup begins roughly two weeks prior, in late July.
America 250 Programming: This year's fair features a "fair within a fair" celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, including a display of 250 American flags near Pioneer Hall, a special exhibit from the State Historical Society of Iowa and Living History Farms, and nightly drone shows.
Comfort Upgrades: Forty new benches, an additional shaded seating area, a new park-and-ride pickup from Southridge Mall, and a new entrance off University Avenue are all new for fairgoers in 2026.
Behind the Scenes: Parsons describes the roughly 80 full-time staff, 300 seasonal workers, and up to 1,500 fair-time employees — plus thousands of volunteers — who make the 11-day event possible.
Plan Your Visit: Daily schedules, the full list of 84 new foods, and fair planning tools are available at iowastatefair.org. The 2026 Iowa State Fair runs August 13–23 in Des Moines. Iowa Catholic Radio will have a booth near the Riley Stage throughout the fair.
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