This past week, the Iowa State Fair has been in full swing. The hundreds of different fried foods have been flying out of vendor’s booths, the sun is sizzling, and there has been hundreds of FFA members partaking in this historic event. The fun all started this past week with many of the FFA exhibitors coming in on Tuesday and Wednesday to bring in their pride and joy, whether it was livestock, a tractor, a picture, or a plant. Members wanted to show off all the hard work they had put into their SAE’s, and one way to do that was to exhibit at the state fair. Therefore, there were a plethora of shows filled with FFA exhibitors to watch and participate in from Tuesday to Saturday. There even is a group of over 140 members who love the fair so much that they stay for the entire fair to work as Grandstand Ushers and Free Stage attendants. They get to work all of the shows at the fair and help concert-goers to find their seats. And we of course can’t forget about all the wonderful food and different booths to visit, including the FFA display. Needless to say, there is something for everyone at the fair. In fact, the state officers were there for it all and are here to share their favorite parts of this year’s fair!
Elisa:
One of my favorite memories of the Iowa State Fair happened at our display in the ag building. We see quite a few people walk through the display and some even stop and ask questions or share their FFA stories with us. On Wednesday, I had not one, but two sets of parents ask me about how their students can take agricultural education courses and be in FFA if their school doesn’t offer it. Out of habit, I asked both sets of parents if they were former FFA members (typically this is the case because they want their child to have the same awesome experiences they had). However, much to my surprise, none of the parents had worn the blue corduroy. The conversation continued on as I helped them understand their opportunities, but it wasn’t until I was back standing by myself that it hit me. Even though those parents hadn’t experienced FFA for themselves, they saw how crucial agricultural education was to helping their child succeed and wanted to give them an opportunity that they themselves didn’t have. Easily one of the coolest moments of my Iowa State Fair.
Chase:
My favorite memory of the Iowa State Fair happened in the second week when I got the opportunity to work at the Avenue of Breeds. I’ve never owned livestock before, so when I heard I had the chance to go and help take care of some animals that night I was ecstatic! I've always wanted to learn more about raising livestock, and what better way to do it then by getting some real hands on experience! Once we got there I was really able to see all of the different breeds that they have for the public to learn more about. As it was time to close we got ready to take some of the animals out to the their tie outs for the night. I got to walk a Charolais heifer which is the first time I had ever got to walk a cow, and it was pretty fantastic if I do say so myself. After that, I was able to take a draft horse named “Gus” out for some exercise. If you didn't know those things are HUGE. One of the best parts about it was once we got out to the arena I was able to get on Gus and actually ride him around. After that I didn't think my night could get any better, but I was proven wrong. I was able to start mingling with the members of the North Polk FFA Chapter that puts on this amazing event all throughout fair. Not only did I get to learn a little more about livestock, and try some new things, but I got to spend about two hours with a great chapter while connecting with their outgoing members throughout the night that were passionate about teaching not only me, but the public about agriculture. That's a memory from my Iowa State Fair experience that I will never forget.
Blake:
The Iowa State Fair is like a huge melting pot where over a million fair food connoisseurs, concert enthusiasts, and agvocates gather together for 11 days to bask in all things Iowa, and in my two weeks at the fairgrounds, I found myself falling into all of them at least once. However, my experience at the state fair led me to one booth that unites all groups under the Iowan trademarks of food, family, and farming: the Iowa Food and Family booth located in the Varied Industries building. While volunteering my evening there, I saw a variety of fair goers young and old, from both near and far, and all were interested in how agriculture played a role in their daily lives. They were astounded to know that nearly 50% of farmers nationwide volunteer in youth organizations, and that there are only 8 genetically modified crops in production. Yet, many were able to quickly rattle off popular pork products they use on a weekly basis or the many major exports Iowa holds #1 status in. I loved having the chance to learn more about agriculture (because there is always something left to learn), but I will always remember the phrase one woman used as she left the booth, “Well, today I learned something. And that means today is a good day.”
Savannah:
My favorite memories happen in the livestock barns at the Iowa State Fair. As a youngin’ I was basically treated like an animal. My parents would put a lawn chair in an empty lamb pen, give me something to entertain myself and let me be. While they helped my sisters get their animals ready for the show, here are a couple things I managed to learn.
Gluing quarters to the ground and watching people try to pick them up is very entertaining. (Don’t use a dollar-People will get that thing-even if it is the last thing they do).
Even more entertaining than gluing quarters to the ground is dropping plastic spiders from the ceiling.
People HATE spiders.
Sleeping in a lawn chair is strangely comfortable.
People know you, even if you do not know them and vise versa-so behave.
This year was a little different. I was very busy trying to balance being a state officer and getting my animals ready for the show. Here is what I learned in the first few days of the 2016 Iowa State Fair.
Do what your sister tells you-Just do it.
My parents are my biggest supporters, even if I don’t always give them the credit.
People still HATE spiders.
My sister is great, but I’d never admit it.
I have met the most inspiring, caring, and loving people here. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
My favorite memory of them all made me tear up a little bit-but no worries-happy tears. I said thank you to all those who have made this week possible, as they loaded the trailer to head home. I ran into one last person on my way out and thanked him for all he and his family have done for my family over the years and he simply said “Make us proud girlfriend, make us proud.”
Cully:
My favorite thing about the Iowa State Fair is all the different atmospheres you get to experience when you arrive at the gate. You might take your first step into a livestock barn where you get to see many competitive individuals do what they love. You might be coming to the fairgrounds for a concert at one of the stages spread out across the grounds or at the grandstands. You might come across just one of the hundreds of food stands throughout the grounds. No matter the experience you have at the Iowa State Fair you will always be surrounded by energetic, excited, smiling fairgoers and that is the memory I will always remember. Getting to talk to many people hearing why they are at the fair keeps me interested in everything the Iowa State Fair has to offer.
Cole:
When they say, "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, they are right. Over the course of the fifteen days I have been on the grounds, I have experienced many firsts. The most memorable first for me was the Parade of Champions. For me, the entire event was special and will resonate with me for many years to come. Even though it was a scorching day with high humidity, and the team was suited up in official dress; I know everyone was excited. When the hitch team rolled up, and we began to load into the back, I was amazed by the amount of talent and skill that surrounded me. From the vantage point above the rest of the patrons watching on the street, I could see all the exhibitors with their projects lining up behind. My favorite part of this "first" was to see the smiles and excitement shared by the exhibitors. My role for the Parade of Champions allowed me to stand just inside the arena before the members walked out to be recognized for all of their hard work. I could see that every single FFA member was extremely proud of their exhibit, and rightfully so. No matter how each of the exhibitors did over the course of the Fair, I want to commend them for all of their hard work, commitment, sacrifice, and effort leading up to this remarkable event.
Hoffman:
Throughout the duration of the fair I’ve learned quite a few things. I’ve learned just how dedicated some people are to serving others. I’ve learned that FFA advisors put their mental and physical well-being on the line to ensure that their students have a quality, and worthwhile experience. I’ve learned that some of the best memories are made when you least expect them. I’ve learned that teamwork makes the dream work, and you can accomplish anything with some sweat (a lot of that at the Iowa State Fair) and a positive attitude. Throughout my two weeks at the fair I’ve also made countless memories. It’s hard to narrow it down, but I would say my favorite memory of the Iowa State Fair was seeing how talented Iowa FFA members really are. From restored tractors to beautiful photographs, FFA members can do it all, and do it really well. I couldn’t help but feel proud every time I walked by all of the FFA exhibits these last two weeks, because I know how excited FFA members are to share their passion, and common bond with nearly a million fair-goers, and to me that is the ultimate prize. To all of the volunteers, friends, FFA members, FFA advisors, business partners, and anyone else who helped serve others these last two weeks, thank you for making the 2016 Iowa State Fair a phenomenal fair.
Hamilton:
For about the past 10 years, I have called the great Iowa State Fair my home-away-from-home. Making that three hour drive to Des Moines was always such an adventure, and with the sheep in tow I was excited to see what would happen in the ring as well. I was excited to hang out with friends, eat some pretty awesome food, and hang out in the sheep barn. The highlight of course was always the actual sheep show. Getting my sheep ready and taking them into the ring has always been one of my favorite things to do. However, this year, things were just a little bit different. Serving as a State Officer at the state fair has been such an awesome experience, but showing sheep was definitely not the same. Rather than being able to have my sheep ride out with me and checking on them 24/7 during the wonderful heat of state fair, I was getting the ribbons ready for the sheep show and making sure that all the sheep had the proper forms during check-ins. It was an awesome experience getting to help the show that I had been a part of for so long, but it was also pretty stressful. I couldn’t work with my own sheep and had to hope that my mom was getting them ready the way that I wanted them, and then would run to change my shirt and head into the ring only to run back to the table to hand ribbons out again. It was really fun but a lot of hard work, and I was exhausted. One of the people around the show ring could tell how exhausted I was, and talked to me about it. We started talking about how the judge was placing classes and our experiences growing up showing purebred sheep. It was a very enjoyable conversation, and really helped to re-energize me. At one point, she started talking about being a state officer. She said “My niece is an FFA member, the president of her chapter, and she absolutely loves that you and Savannah are showing sheep and state officers!” I couldn’t believe that something that I had been doing for years could impact other members. Putting the effort forth to continue to show sheep as a state officer had a positive impact on another student, and I think that was even better than the fair food.
Zoie:
This year marks year number 18 at the world’s greatest state fair. And like they say, nothing compares to MY Iowa State Fair. This year was something that I never thought I was going to be able to experience. The Great Iowa State Fair through the eyes of a State FFA Officer. My past two years as a district officer, I volunteered my time up in the display booth whenever I could. The State Officers praised me for doing so because that building is not air conditioned and there is no place to sit down. I saw how the state officers were running around, but I never really understood the time it took for them to do what they do at the state fair. Last year, I spent a whole week here on the grounds, and I called my mom crying every night telling her I missed her and I wanted to come home. I wasn’t sure how I was ever going to do college.
This year, I spent 15 consecutive days here on the grounds, and I didn’t call my mom crying once. (She although, has sent me good morning texts…. Every. Single. Morning.) If that’s not an accomplishment man, I don’t know what is. As I am very proud of myself for accomplishing that, my favorite memory from state fair was definitely the Animal Learning Center. As I said before, state officers are always on the go at the state fair. 5 a.m. mornings and 11:00 p.m. nights. If there was anything I needed in my day it was a BREAK. And for me, that break was the Animal Learning Center. I’ve always had a passion for livestock so this was right up my alley. Not only did I get some AWESOME scrubs, I was able to educate the younger generation about livestock. Plus, I got to hold a super cute goat and talk to super cute kids for an hour and a half.
Overall, state fair was a BLAST. And it was SO hard trying to pick my favorite memory. Our team grew closer, it rained and poured, it was ungodly hot, I got to judge a cookout contest, I met new people, re-connected with old friends, and man, we walked like 500 miles. But, I wouldn’t trade it for the world because nothing compares to MY Iowa State Fair.
