For Immediate Release
July 22, 2010
Lori Chappell
515/262-3111 ext. 204

Fresh Fun for Young Iowa State Fairgoers

With interactive music shows, hands-on activities and Blue Ribbon Kids events, the 2010 Fair offers “Non Stop Fun” for families, all free with gate admission. Check out the line-up of youthful fun during this year’s Fair, August 12-22.

BLUE RIBBON KIDS:
Kids looking for a new adventure alongside the classic thrills of the Iowa State Fair won’t want to miss Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair’s club for kids. Fairgoers 10 and under can sign up for free, fun and educational activities each weekday of the Fair.

Each club participant will receive one Blue Ribbon Kids water bottle and an exclusive coupon book (while supplies last) at their first event. Members with perfect attendance to all weekday club activities will be entered in a drawing for a Nintendo DSi bundle including a car kit and two games. One will be awarded to a boy and one to a girl.

Schedule of Blue Ribbon Kids Events:
(All events begin at 2 p.m. in the Blue Ribbon Kids Tent on Expo Hill.)
Thursday, August 12 – Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club Kick-off Event Friday, August 13 – Creepy Crawlies
Monday, August 16 – How I Care for and Show My Animals
Tuesday, August 17 – Make and Take Crafts
Wednesday, August 18 – Gardening Fun Thursday, August 19 – Fair Square Fun
Friday, August 20 – Staying Safe around Our Pets

FUN FOREST STAGE:
Professional comedian and magician Erik “Doc” Anderson takes the Fun Forest Stage daily bringing some old-fashioned fun with a little humor and a lot of audience participation. Show times: 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Presented by VSA Iowa Fest. No 11 a.m. show on Friday, August 13.

The Fast Horses delights audiences with its colorful presentation of the evolution of Native American music and dance including singing, costumes, storytelling and magic. Show times: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. daily. No 11:30 a.m. show on Friday, August 13.

Emmy Award-winner Mallory Lewis brings joy and laughter to the Fun Forest Stage with her pal Lamb Chop and their routine of comedy, songs and interactive entertainment. Show times: Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. daily. No noon show on Friday, August 13.

MORE ENTERTAINMENT:
At the Shenanigans Wild West Comedy Show Fairgoers can follow the antics of Sheriff Hoppalong Casually and Deputy Leon P. Jones as they face off against a pair of dimwit desperadoes named Bad Bob and Bubba Bob. This slapstick show includes an off-the-wall combination of cornball comedy, special effects and audience participation. It's light-hearted entertainment for the whole family! Show times: Noon, 2 & 5 p.m. daily, Walnut Square.

At the Sinbad High Dive Show, Fairgoers can watch the journey of a brave and courageous sailor in search of the fabled Golden Pineapple. Sinbad’s quest to find this most valued treasure takes him to the Island of Gold Reef where he discovers a magical pit, gets incredible leaping powers to win the Book of Knowledge and uncovers clues to the location of the Golden Pineapple. This free-wheeling trampoline show is sure to delight all through its story-telling acrobatics. Show times: Noon, 3 & 6 p.m. daily, Expo Hill.

Vocal Trash combines street instruments and vocal harmonies to deliver entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. This five-piece band from Texas performs oldies and rock ‘n’ roll with a contemporary beat. The group is often considered a unique blend of the popular drum act “Stomp” with an a cappella vocal style. Join in the fun as they perform on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at 7 and 9 p.m. August 16-21.

Don’t miss Art Attack hands-on craft activities for kids, daily in the Cultural Center Courtyard from
1-5 p.m., and stop by Little Hands on the Farm where young Fairgoers can try their hands at planting, plowing and harvesting their own Little Hands crops daily from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In addition, the Fair’s strolling entertainment offers fun for all ages. Rock-It the Robot stands tall at nearly nine feet and isn’t afraid to “bust a move.” Whether it’s the electric slide, clogging, hip hop or a few steps of his own, Rock-It will wow audiences with his rhythm and style. Also, watch for Bandaloni One Man Band and catch the loveable Fair mascots, Fairfield and Rosetta, strolling through the grounds daily.

AG EDUCATION:
The Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center made its debut at the Iowa State Fair in 2007 and has since featured live births of various species including cows, sows, nanny goats and ewes. Fairgoers of all ages will be drawn to the chicks, turkeys and ostriches hatching, along with the baby ducklings. In addition, a key feature is the Christensen Farms Stage, which offers programming that ranges from puppet shows to contests like the moo-off and oink-off throughout the Fair.

The Milking Parlor, located north of the Cattle Barn, is the place to find answers to all your questions about milk. Milking demonstrations will be narrated by a dairy industry professional who will explain the life cycle of a dairy cow and the milking process. Additionally, an expert can tell you how much milk a cow will produce, how much a cow eats and how dairy products are made from milk. The milking experience will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, put your name in the hat for a chance to compete in a butter sculpting contest. Demonstration times: 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Monday, August 16 through Sunday, August 22. No 7 p.m. demonstration on August 22.

The Iowa State Fair is set for “Non Stop Fun” August 12-22, 2010. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.