Iowa State Fair and Fairfield Barnyard Bash Announce Dates and Activities

The Iowa State Fair will open on August 13 in Des Moines featuring an "America 250" patriotic theme. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig highlighted the Governor’s Charity Steer Show and the annual Century and Heritage Farm ceremony, which honors farms that have remained family‑owned for at least 100 and 150 years.

Fairfield’s Free Barnyard Bash returns on September 11 at the historic Maasdam Barns. Organized by the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce with the Jefferson County Farm Bureau, the free event offers hands‑on agricultural activities such as a tractor‑cade, antique tractor displays, rope‑making demos, and farm‑animal petting. Kids will receive a complimentary pulled‑pork sandwich thanks to a sponsorship from JBS in Ottumwa, while proceeds from food sales support local community groups.