People crowd Grand Avenue for Iowa State Fair parade in Downtown Des Moines

A Vibrant Celebration of Tradition and Community

Thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered along Grand Avenue in Des Moines on Wednesday night to witness the iconic Iowa State Fair parade. The event, a cherished tradition, drew crowds that began arriving as early as 4 p.m. to secure a prime viewing spot for the parade, which started at 6:15 p.m. The procession made its way from the State Capitol Complex, heading west down Grand Avenue toward 15th Street, offering a spectacle of color, music, and community spirit.

The parade featured a wide array of participants, including high school marching bands, elaborate floats, vintage cars, animals, live performers, and fair queen candidates. Each group contributed to the lively atmosphere, showcasing the diversity and creativity of the local community. Fair officials announced that awards would be given in various categories, including band, horse, and general divisions, highlighting the competitive yet celebratory nature of the event.

This year's parade was especially notable as it honored the Fiddlers Association of Iowa as the grand marshal. The association also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the fair’s Fiddlers’ Contest, a tradition that has been a staple of the fair since 1925. Known for their toe-tapping talent, rich traditions, and ability to bring generations together through music, Iowa’s finest fiddlers have played a significant role in the fair’s heritage. The Fiddlers’ contests will take place in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall from August 8 to 10, with the Fiddlers’ Championship scheduled for Sunday, August 10, at 3 p.m.

The Iowa State Fair runs for 11 days, beginning on Thursday, August 7, and concluding on Sunday, August 17. This year’s event promises to be another unforgettable celebration of agriculture, culture, and community.

Key Highlights and Updates

For those planning to attend the fair, there are several important details to note:

• KCCI Coverage: KCCI 8 News will be live at the MidAmerican Energy Stage every weekday during the fair at 4:30 p.m. Viewers can also stream KCCI 8’s coverage for free on the Very Local app.
• Download the App: To stay updated on all the latest news and events, users can download the Very Local app on their phones.
• Parade Marshals: Over the years, the parade has been led by a variety of notable individuals and organizations. Some highlights include:
• 2000: Gary Wergin and Mark Pearson
• 2001: Nick Ackerman
• 2002: Josh Boehm and Andrew Paul
• 2003: Charlie Wittmack
• 2004: Public Television’s Arthur the Aardvark, Iowa astronaut Loren Shriver, Mary Kranovich, and representatives from the Calvin Thornton family
• 2005: Bernie Saggau
• 2006: Bill Riley
• 2007: Bill and Susan Knapp
• 2008: Peggy Whitson
• 2009: Shawn Johnson
• 2010: Colonel Robert C. King
• 2011: Sarah Pratt
• 2012: Don Greiman
• 2013: Clearfield Lions and John Putney
• 2014: The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
• 2015: Arlette Hollister
• 2016: Dorothy Faidley
• 2017: Leroy and Pat Perkins
• 2018: Delbert Routh
• 2019: Roger Miller
• 2021: Joe Barksdale and Al and Nita Fincham
• 2022: Denny and Candy Elwell
• 2023: Regina Pirtle
• 2024: Don Hummel
• 2025: Celebrating 100 Years of the Iowa State Fair Fiddlers' Contest

Additional Information

For more information about the fair, visitors can explore the full coverage available online. This includes guides for the first day of the fair, updates on local stories, and insights into the events taking place throughout the 11-day celebration. Whether you're interested in the latest news, weather, or special features, the Iowa State Fair offers something for everyone.