Iowa State Fair brings thousands to Des Moines, breaking records

(The Center Square) - The Iowa State Fair set attendance records for three of its first seven days as Iowans and out-of-state residents enjoy the annual August event in Des Moines.

Tuesday was the latest record-setting day with 101,244 people, according to the fair's website. The previous record was 102,953 attendees, set in 2019. Attendance records were also broken on Saturday with 118,286 and on Sunday with 114,937, according to the fair.

Attendance through Thursday was 742,041. In 2023, 1,133,958 people attended.

Things were different this year than last year, when the upcoming 2024 Iowa Caucuses drew former President Donald Trump and his competitors. The Des Moines Register Political Soapbox had just one presidential candidate speak, Libertarian Chase Oliver.

This year, there was less politicking and more politicians just having fun.

Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand participated in one of the fair's most popular traditions, the state butter cow made by Sarah Pratt. He named the display Brogan Malcolm, after a resident of his hometown of Truro. Brogan, who was born without sight, according to Sand, named the cow for 10 years.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, toured the butter cow exhibits and handed out eggs on a stick, according to her Facebook page .

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, 90, took a break from his 99-county tour to stop by the fair. He took an informal poll on his Facebook page of what treat was the favorite fair food--deep-fried Oreos, Barksdale's chocolate chip cookies, Peachey's doughnuts or Applishus apple egg rolls. Many of the commenters made political jabs instead of choosing a favorite.

The fair ends Sunday with a dog show, horse show and a plethora of other agricultural events, plus food, rides and attractions. But if you were hoping to enter the "Husband Calling Contest," you are out of luck. A winner was named Friday.