All the Fairgrounds Has to Offer

When someone mentions the Iowa State Fairgrounds, what do you think of? Food on a stick? The Giant Yellow Slide? The Butter Cow? Well, what about pork. The Iowa State Fairgrounds is the home of the amazing Iowa State Fair, but it is also home to many other events as well. And one of them is literally days away! The World Pork Expo has arrived, and starting on Wednesday, people from all over will drive through the gates of the Fair to enjoy it. I was doing a little light reading on the Pork Expo, and people come from literally all over the world for this event. There was an FAQ about it and one of the questions was, “what paperwork do I need to get into the US?” As someone who is from the Des Moines area, but never been to the Pork Expo, I was blown away by this question. I guess I have been really missing out all my life. Well, not this year! I am eager to see what all of the buzz is about, and not to mention eat some really great food.

While we’re on the subject of buzz, have you heard the buzz about the Iowan of the Day program? It’s the Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products’ way of honoring Iowans who are the best of the best. They have a strong work ethic and sense of Iowa Pride, are heavily involved in their community, and have many personal achievements, among other things. If this sounds like someone you know, then be sure to nominate them! The 10 winners will receive $200 cash, an introduction on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, four Grandstand concert tickets for their award day, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, VIP parking, accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott hotel, and a one-year subscription to The Iowan and Iowa Gardening magazine. Don’t let those deserving of this award go another day unnoticed; nominate your all-star for this year’s Iowan of the Day!

-Emily

John Putney and 2013 Iowan of the Day winner Keith Sash on the Iowan of the Day golf cart