>>> Funding for fair 2022 is brought to you by -- friends, the Iowa PBS foundation.

And by -- >> For more than 110 years, we have served policy holders, independent agencies and providing insurance products for business and life.

Count on EMC.

>> I am Kevin Rasmussen, and I'm a big farmer.

We feel a deep responsibility to protect our environment and to assure sustainability.

It's important to share our story, and that others know we're always striving to do better.

>> Welcome to our live coverage of the Iowa State Fair parade for 2022 on Iowa PBS.

Hello, I'm Bill Riley with my good friend, Charity.

Charity, the energy in downtown Des Moines, it's amazing.

The folks have lined the parade route in anticipation of the event that marks the start of the state fair.

>> So wonderful to be here with you, bill.

I know you're eager for the parade to start, and it is coming.

But right now, take a moment to text your friends and neighbors.

Let them know that the parade is live on Iowa PBS.

We're also streaming on facebook, YouTube, and IowaPBS.ORG.

>> Lots of ways to enjoy the parade from the comfort of your own couch at home.

So grab a corn dog, settle in and get ready for the big Iowa State Fair prayer, because it's going to start right now!

♪ ♪ >> We are here, sitting in the shade now, instead of in the sunshine, waiting for the parade to come past.

It is so fun, Bill.

There's so many people out and about on the streets of Des Moines, and it's really it's hot.

I'm not going to pretend it's not hot.

It's just a gorgeous evening.

>> It is August, and it's state fair time and state fair parade time.

>> We would be disappointed if there wasn't some heat, right?

>> Exactly right.

As we said at the open, this is kind of the kickoff to the state fair.

They have the official grand opening and everything.

As far as I'm concerned, this is where it starts.

>> I know that people have been on the fair grounds getting ready, everybody just intimately involved in the fair has been gearing up for this day.

Of course, there are the contests.

So there are people who have been having their jams and jellies and pickles judged.

Of course, the gates open tomorrow morning.

That's when the crowds start coming, and the excitement starts.

>> Yes.

And is it going to be a very exciting state fair, 2022.

So many great things going on with the state fair.

So we're going to get started with the parade right now.

The Des Moines police escort.

>> The colors are coming down the street.

Of course, people are standing up all up and down the street in respect.

>> This is the Iowa State Fair patrol.

>> People have been lining up for the last, gosh, couple of hours getting ready, staking their claim, putting the chairs out in the sun and going and finding some shade for a little while.

>> The shade comes at a premium.

Yeah, I think those spot are passed down through the families.

It's like camping at the fair.

>> Oh, you can see that there is a little bit of construction right behind the parade route this year.

They're doing some work over there, so that's exciting to see.

We'll see that view next year.

>> It's a beautiful facility.

But needs to be updated from time to time.

So we're located right across the street.

That's where you see the beautiful chain link fencing in the background.

>> That is the view of progress.

>> Speaking of -- I don't know if the folks can see it, but upper left corner, you can see some scaffolding, they're working on the capitol dome, as well.

So always a little updating.

The Iowa state patrol.

>> You're going to be enjoying the fair a little different this year.

>> I'm going to be working backstage where there's a whole other show.

A show behind the show.

So we're -- yeah, I'm really excited for this year.

It's going to be a wonderful talent show.

>> That is great.

Of course, you will be in front of the camera, as well, on our state fair coverage on Iowa PBS.

>> Your humble host for the highlight program.

>> And you get to do some of the features.

You get to have some fun this year.

>> I am.

It's going to be a whole new look.

>> The rumor is you're throwing couches.

>> Our parade marshals, Charity.

This year, Denny and candy ELwell.

What an an nor to be parade marshals.

>> There, of course, is the governor.

>> Governor Kim Reynolds.

>> We mentioned the parade marshals.

And Paul Yager got a chance to visit with Denny earlier on.

Let's take a listen.

>> What does it mean to be grand marshal of the parade?

>> Well, I've been coming to this fair since I was 5 years old.

So it's -- I think it's a nice thing.

I just say it's a nice thing.

I've been to many fair things and it's nice to be recognized in this fashion.

>> Excited about being in front of the line?

>> Yes, I am.

I'm so humbled to have this opportunity to represent our fair like we're doing.

And our parade is just awesome, it really is.

>> There's a couple of other things that are nice, too.

What are some of those for you?

>> I love to watch the grandchildren on the slide.

Just the excitement of all the animals and the foods.

Just can't eat and see enough.

>> Is there something you always have to do every year.

>> Well, I start out eating every morning about 10:30 at Marianne's.

The first stop.

As the day progresses, Dicky donuts and on and on and on.

>> That's quite the hit list.

>> Oh, yes.

You can see it doesn't hurt me any.

>> Congratulations.

>> I appreciate it.

You bet.

Have a good fair.

>> All right.

We've had the dignitaries going past.

A lot of politicians, people riding in cars and waving at the crowd.

>> I like starting the state fair off every day with that.

>> He kind of gave us a whole program that all of us should be following at the state fair, right?

So we've got mayor of Des Moines there in front of us.

>> Cub fan.

>> Clearly.

>> Nice.

>> Beautiful day for a parade.

Biggest parade in the state of Iowa.

>> I hear some singing coming down the road there.

So we've got the fair board members waving at us.

>> I don't think they sing.

>> No, they're playing the hits.

What are they playing?

>> They're rocking to the oldies.

>> Sweating to the oldies for sure.

♪ ♪ >> Those are the folks that keep this state fair running.

Can't thank them enough.

>> And here comes maKenna, the 2021 Iowa State Fair queen.

>> A little fact about my friend.

She lives in plymouth county.

If she goes out her front door and turns left, she's in south Dakota.

That's how far northwest that young lady lives.

>> And maybe we'll hear some singing now.

Here are the 2022 state fair queen candidate.

>> I don't know how many we've got.

Typically, there's a possible 104 queens, Charity.

Some counties have more than one county fair.

So it's always an exciting part of the state fair.

The crown willing be Saturday night.

So make sure you join us.

Loads of fun.

>> They look and sound pretty excited to be here.

That's great.

>> They're all so talented.

So beautiful.

And civic involvement is amazing.

I was able to assist with the judging at Jones county fair.

Charity, I don't know how they do it, with 100 and something young ladies of this caliber.

I couldn't handle the ten candidates I had to sort through.

It's amazing.

>> The reigning Iowa state fair queen, we saw her a little while ago.

And Paul Yager paid her a visit before the parade.

>> All right.

You're coming to the end of your reign.

What did you enjoy most this year?

>> I definitely loved getting to meet people.

Seeing people from all different walks of life and learning what they love about the fair, it's been amazing.

>> You have the girls warming up to be your replacement.

But what about the ones who are behind them?

Talk to those young women who might be watching.

Give them some inspiration about what they can do to be in your spot.

>> I think it starts when you're younger.

You have to have a passion or love for what you do.

Starting young, remembering what dedicates you and what you love.

So for me, it was starting out when I was in FAA as an 8th grader.

Here I am now, and I followed that passion through and bringing me into something that can bring me further in life.

>> It's brought you a long way.

Where is the crown going to stay once you're done?

>> I don't know.

It's going to be safe.

>> Thank you very much.

>> Thank you.

>> All right.

Our first dancers of the parade, dance FX out there doing a great job.

What a great, huge group of kids.

>> Danielle Ogden's dance effects.

Having fun on a little steamy August afternoon, rolling down grand avenue.

>> They're going to get a workout.

>> That's where I could be.

The sag wagon, that's me.

>> Well, maybe they would let you join them, Bill.

>> Not if they're smart.

[ Laughter ] >> Wonderful to look at that view down grand avenue and see just the street lined with the -- >> If you can't make it to the fair, we've got you covered.

For over 50 years, Iowa PBS has been showcasing the best of the Iowa state fair.

Tune in each night, next week Monday through Saturday at 9:00 or 10:00 to see the fair like you won't see it anywhere else, right here on Iowa PBS.

♪ ♪ and, again, I'm so thrilled to be -- >> Speaking of Iowa PBS.

>> Yeah, here come our peeps.

>> This is our view coming down.

>> The posse.

>> Of course, Iowa PBS will be at the fair.

Abby brown with the cartwheel.

Love that energy.

We always love for you to stop by in the building and visit us.

>> There's the Iowa PBS steam trailer that provides a variety of engaging activities for all ages.

Building challenges to water table fun.

>> All over the state this summer.

>> That's just really fun stuff.

Looking good, everyone.

>> If you bump into us if we're out and about, say hi.

>> We love to talk to all of our fans of Iowa PBS.

>> And Bill does a competition, he needs a big crowd of people cheering him on.

>> Paul Yager and I are going head to head.

I'm afraid -- well, I am going to be great.

>> I believe in you.

>> I'm going to be great.

Mindy Williamson is the marketing director for the Iowa state fair.

Paul talked to Mindy, so let's see how that went.

>> Easiest question, what is new at the fair?

>> We like to publish a top 11.

We have 11 days of the fair.

Some of my favorite highlights, we're trying to break the world's record in corn hole.

So an all bags tournament.

And we have a new sensory morning, which is for guests who maybe have some issues with the sounds and lights and things that we have.

Those are two of my top things.

Then can't forget food.

Everyone likes to talk about that.

53 new ones if you want to try them in 11 days.

>> That's a lot to ask.

I know they have a big event on the food.

Is there a leader in the clubhouse for you?

>> Not for me.

But for fairgoers to vote on, we have the finisher, a baked Poe -- potato from the rib shack and we have a Krispy Kreme doughnut with chicken wrapped in corn flakes and all fried in goodness.

What could be more emBLATic of state fair food?

>> Mindy Williamson, an amazing marketing director.

You can imagine how busy she is.

>> Absolutely.

Again, people get ready for the fair year around.

As soon as the fair closes, we're prepping for the next one.

>> Especially the food.

Maybe they can't get that first place, so they're back in the kitchen.

So they're trying new stuff.

>> Right, right.

I always love watching people when they're getting judged, talking to each other and swapping stories.

People are mostly supportive of the other people who are competing.

Not always.

>> You wonder if they're stealing some special sauce to add to next year's concoctions.

>> Mid American energy trucks here.

>> A boom truck and emergency response vehicle.

That's really something.

Roll those out.

When the weather doesn't cooperate.

Thanks to our friends at mid American energy.

>> Here come the county fair queens.

Each year, young women come together in a showcase of leadership, citizenship and pageantry to vie for one of the one coveted crown.

Don't miss the Iowa State Fair crowning its new queen.

Live stream the coronation Saturday night at 7:00 on YouTube, facebook, or IowaPBS.ORG/fair.

♪ ♪ and now the central Iowa model A club.

Always fun to see these old cars in action.

All dating from the late '20s, early '30s.

Nearly 5 million were built between 1928 and 1931.

>> Can't imagine the dedication to keep these beautiful pieces of history rolling along.

The club was founded by Bob DAR in 1961.

>> Over 90 families in the club.

>> Just think of the hours and hours of restoration and tinkering each one of these vehicles represents.

♪ ♪ music there with Charlene's dance studio.

>> How many years have they been a part of the parade?

SUFL a beautiful group of youngsters, doing a great job.

>> More royalty coming our way.

>> Talent championships, one of my favorite parts of the fair.

The incredible talented young Iowans that qualify.

You definitely don't want to miss the championships.

If you can't make it to the Riley stage, watch the 2022 Iowa State Fair talent championship on Sunday, August 21st, at 8:00 p.m. right here on Iowa PBS.

>> Now we have some great tractors.

1945 and 1947.

>> Are you a fan of red?

>> I am not going to swear an allegiance, Bill.

Are you?

>> I'm a green tractor guy.

But I would take -- I am an old gear head.

I would love to have an old tractor.

>> I grew up in cedar falls, so you kind of have to be green.

>> That was a good, you know, like a politician.

>> Try not to offend.

>> You wandered through the weeds perfectly.

Again, the Iowa state parade kicking off the Iowa state fair for 2022.

The weather looks like it will be wonderful.

We hope to see all of you at the state fair.

If you see our producers, directors and videographers on the ground at the fair, stop and say hi.

We love to talk and learn how you enjoy the programming with Iowa PBS.

We're sure proud of it, and we know that you value this programming.

So come up and say hi to us.

We would love to chitchat with you.

East high.

>> Marching scarlets.

>> And amazing high school in the metro area.

>> And it's been a tough year.

>> They have one of the largest alumni associations in the nation.

>> That is awesome.

Sending a lot of love to the whole east high community.

I love to see and hear the band.

They're Marching in shorts and T-shirts.

>> That's a smart band director.

>> Football season will be around.

♪ ♪ >> They're already thinking about Halloween with a little bit of "thriller."

>> Yeah.

I just hope they don't rough up my Roosevelt rough riders.

♪ ♪ the optimist, providing hope and positive vision.

>> And a contingent from Simpson college.

>> Yes, the home of the Des Moines opera.

>> 50 years of the Des Moines opera were celebrated this summer with an incredible opera season.

>> It was an amazing one.

>> Including a world premiere opera this summer.

area.

>> U.S. submarine veterans.

Above the water.

That's what I was trying to say, Bill.

You read my mind.

Here comes the submarine.

>> 10-foot model of the George Washington Carver, built by Jerry stockviewer.

>> Nice.

I would not go under water, though.

>> Yeah, we're kind of land lovers.

One of Iowa's largest pork producers, proud to walk in the parade.

We love everything the Iowa state fair means and stands for.

Thank you so much, Iowa select farms.

Makes me hungry.

>> More dancing from the dance avenue.

This is exciting.

Favorite tradition in Des Moines.

♪ ♪ >> Amazing.

Dance avenue.

♪ ♪ >> Some of the younger dancer are right here.

♪ ♪ >> A bunch of cuties.

Oh, my goodness.

>> So delicious.

>> That stuff is so good!

>> It is to die for.

>> Just saying.

>> When I walk in there, they always get a little nervous.

I get that glazed over look, like UH-oh.

>> The Iowa honey producers are next.

>> This is not the low carb section of the parade.

>> No, this is not.

Of course, you always need to stop by the Iowa honey producers at the fair and get some honey lemonade.

We've got the honey queens and princesses out there.

And beekeepers in action.

I wonder if they've got bees in those boxes.

>> I would imagine.

>> Maybe not.

Maybe not in the parade.

>> There's one right by the truck.

>> That is, a large bee.

I hope he doesn't get sleepy with all that smoke there.

Here are the green tractors coming our way.

>> YAY!

>> The central Iowa tractor club.

They take all different kinds of tractors, not just green ones.

>> You know, Charity, I was at the fair a couple of days earlier, and they were getting all the old tractors in place.

It's a wonderful spot.

If you're coming out to the fair, make sure you take time to visit that part.

For the old folks, that's where team town used to be.

Yeah, I know I'm dating myself.

>> Some families have been going to the fair for so long, you do have to put it into context.

The green tractors were up front.

>> This is just fascinating.

Rumor has it, I'm going to do a segment with the old farm machinery.

>> Oh, yeah?

>> Which I loved to go up and watch the old single cylinder, the one lungers.

>> How cool.

>> Yeah, it will be fun.

>> I can't wait to see that.

>> I might try to sit on an old tractor if I don't get in trouble.

If I get tossed out of the fair, at least they'll VIT on film.

>> Oh, my gosh.

That would be dramatic.

Now I'm kind of rooting for that to happen.

>> Oh, thank you.

>> Here are the corn patch clowns.

>> When you're at the fair, stop by the Iowa PBS booth and the varied industries building.

Walk through our display to see how much we value life-long learning.

Experience our display of the Iowa science phenomenon project and marvel at a GEODE the size of a basketball, plus, show off your love for Iowa PBS with our free, reusable tote bag.

See you at the fair.

>> How cool.

Stop by.

>> Put all your favorite stuff in there.

There's always important stuff.

>> Plus, there's air conditioning.

That's important stuff when you're at the fair, as well.

You've got to know your air conditioned spots, and you've got to make a plan.

>> Speaking of team town, I remember when that building was not air conditioned.

>> Oh, wow.

That must have -- >> It was steamy.

>> -- transformed the fair, the air conditioning in that building.

>> I was with dad one year, and someone was talking to him about the old days.

They said, Bill, what are some of your favorite memories of past years at the fair.

Honest answer, chairy, he looked at this person and said when you could eat the food and not get sick.

[ Laughter ] So he's going way back to before refrigeration.

>> Oh, goodness.

>> I pulled him aside and said dad, you can't say that.

Well, son, I used to have to take my own food to the fair.

Oh, my goodness.

[ Laughter ] >> Oh, that's fantastic.

Although I have been known to eat myself sick at the fair.

But not because of food safety issues, but food is very safe because there's so much of it.

>> That's different.

>> That is a behavioral problem, not a food problem.

>> We wear that like a badge of honor.

>> All right.

This is Logan magnolia high school band out here, led by their flags.

Love those gold flags.

They have great colors.

>> They do.

Wonderful.

♪ ♪ love the drum line.

>> They're always out there working three times harder than any kid in the band.

That's a lot to carry.

No disrespect to the other kids, but I carried a flute in my Marching band, Bill, and it was a lot easier than that.

>> There's so much royally in this parade.

We have the American national queens.

>> Wow.

That's the way to ride in a parade.

>> That is.

Loos like a sweet deal.

Contingent from banker's trust there.

With the junior Sabres club.

>> Oh, yes.

Can't start teaching them that early enough.

>> And what are we doing here?

Shooting out some colored smoke for the cancer warriors.

>> Cancer warrior truck.

♪ ♪ >> I'm pretty excited to see the butter cow and the butter sculpture this year, Bill.

I'm super curious.

Because I know it's an homage to the music man, because we're celebrating the 60th anniversary of the film "the music man," and there's this big revival on broadway starring Hugh Jackman, and there's one Iowan in the show, drew.

And he used to perform on your show.

>> I will always remember drew.

He was in the sprouts.

I had never seen him dance before.

He came out.

He was probably, I don't know, 7.

And he just lit the stage on fire.

He was amazing.

Sprout champion, and then he came back, and danced in the senior division, and I believe took second place.

I think he was only 10.

>> And now he's on broadway dancing with Hugh Jackman and Sarah, our butter sculptor, went out to see the show a couple of weeks ago in New York city and got together with drew.

And I don't know what the butter sculpture is, but he said she took his measure meants.

>> I got to see drew when he was Billy Elliott, which is an honor to be selected.

>> Because he was in the national tour.

>> I went to Kansas city.

>> And he grew up in Clyde.

>> Yes.

Tremendous family.

>> We're having some fun with some classic BW bugs.

Look at those camper vans.

They are the coolest.

When are they going to make those again, Bill?

>> I know you're wondering what you could get me for Christmas.

[ Laughter ] So the tan that went by with the drop top, that would be perfect.

>> Okay.

>> Or the bus.

>> But I want it to be a surprise, Bill.

>> I'll act surprised.

I love VWs.

Engineering wise, they're just the funniest thing that anybody ever came up with.

>> And those camper vans are so ingenious.

Now we have dune buggies.

>> Yeah, they always have to take something.

And change it.

>> They look like a whole lot of fun, too.

Not a lot of dunes in Iowa.

>> There's a whole classification of racing cars based on Volkswagens.

And they go really fast.

>> This is the new exploration.

We've got more royally coming down the street.

The 2022 state center rose royalty there.

Lovely.

>> Beauty.

Caitlin Morrison, and Dakota silence.

And now we've got girl scouts.

Girl scout troop 30078.

>> At least they didn't bring the cookies.

I would run out there and buy them.

>> Yes.

Well, they're out there having adventures, making friends, learning a lot.

And then the sweet sound of bagpipes.

Wow.

>> Daughters of the American revolution.

Beautiful sound.

>> It really is.

>> Nonprofit, nonpolitical charitable organization, founded in 1890 and incorporated by an act of congress in 1896.

>> I think we've got more daughters of the American revolution there.

That's quite a costume there follow thing trailer.

>> One thing that's coming up -- >> Children of the American revolution now.

>> -- at the fair this year, Charity, it's the 40th anniversary of the governor's show.

It's just shocking.

It just -- it encapsulates so much of the livestock in the AG community in the state of Iowa.

They raised $4.5 million for the Ronald McDonald house.

>> That's incredible.

>> Since 1983.

So if you can catch that, it is well worth the effort to watch that auction.

>> Got the Iowa sick association started as a monthly meeting in community hall for prayers.

The tiny sapling grows into a plant and then a tree by the grace of God.

The vibrant community in Des Moines.

♪ ♪ >> We heard earlier when Mindy was on talking about the world record attempt.

They're going to have the largest corn hole tournament.

That is going to be exciting.

So that's on the grand concourse.

People out there throwing bags across the street.

>> You can get your sweet BIPy there are going to be some serious -- >> I don't think I qualify for this competition.

>> I would hit somebody.

Again, I might get removed from the fair grounds.

>> West side dance academy, dancing past us now.

More royalty, the miss Iowa youth program.

>> Yes.

Our little Ms. Iowa and junior miss.

And Kenzie spells Riley correctly.

>> All right.

>> Just saying.

>> I don't think that dog is riding safely.

You're not supposed to let your dog hang out.

>> No, you're not.

That's hard on everything.

>> It is hard on everyone, that's true.

>> Especially if you're in the back seat and the window is down.

>> One of the other big things we're celebrating at the Iowa state fair this year is the 100th anniversary of YE old mill.

It's 100 years old.

The fair's oldest permanent amusement ride.

One of only three originals still remaining in the United States.

And the -- a lot of people may have snuck a first kiss there.

Apparently, there have been marriage proposals.

>> Count me out on all of that.

I couldn't talk any -- I couldn't even get my best friends -- >> You didn't have a serious YE old mill game going on?

>> The girls were always too smart for me.

>> Better luck this year, Bill.

[ Laughter ] >> Let them hear us in Washington!

Our arms are now be covered in sleeves.

>> We also heard Mindy talking earlier about the sensory friendly morning, which is a brand new thing.

>> Such a beautiful idea.

>> What a wonderful idea.

That is Wednesday morning from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

And they want to make sure people know that it's from 8:00 a.m. until noon, because the truck and tractor pull event starts at noon.

Be aware of what's coming later.

>> Fabulous idea.

>> Wednesday morning.

All right.

More dance.

♪ ♪ express yourself performing edge.

♪ ♪ >> Love those colors.

>> And that's quite a pig costume there.

♪ ♪ >> The whole state fair in a wagon right there.

That's a good price on lemonade.

>> Yeah.

>> And the corn dog for $5.

>> Thank you.

Charity, how old are the fair grounds?

>> How old?

Feels like I should know this by now.

>> The fair moved to the present address at east 30th and east university in 1886.

>> Wow!

1886.

So just about 130 years old.

>> Rachel Warren.

Congratulations to her.

>> Iowa PBS is bringing you more ways to get involved in our Iowa state fair coverage.

Like us on facebook for live coverage of the action.

Follow us on twitter for up to the minute updates.

And we're on Instagram and snapchat, giving you a look at extra fair fun.

Join the conversation with #IowaPBSfair.

We want to see your pictures.

Exercise that hash tag.

>> Absolutely.

I've got family all across the country, they're in North Carolina, Florida, Chicago, Arizona, Colorado.

They're in California.

They're everywhere.

So they're all hip to the fact that they can tune in and stream.

>> And they're looking for that hash tag.

>> They're more digital than I am.

>> More digital than you, Bill?

No.

>> And I've even got friends in England, in London.

>> Nice.

>> So Mr. Phillip brown and his lovely wife, Christina.

They've been known to tune in across the pond.

>> Great.

You know, if you're out of Iowa and feeling home sick, what could make you feel better than state fair coverage?

>> Call your friends and family and tell them what's available.

They can't make the fair, we've got it covered here at Iowa PBS.

>> Check out these costumes.

>> Beautiful costume.

>> We went all out.

Love it.

>> Here comes Iowa corn.

>> Have you had sweet corn yet?

>> I am ashamed to say I haven't.

It was late this year, and we went on vacation, and I haven't had sweet corn.

>> I made up for it.

I have you covered.

I love sweet corn.

rhythm.

We're enjoying tomatoes, though.

>> Yes.

They're wonderful.

I get a kick out of when they have sweet corn from other states.

>> How many acres does the state fair make up?

>> Bigger than I would guess.

>> It's over 400 acres.

>> A few years ago, I ran the state fair 5-K. And that went all over the fair grounds and up through the camp grounds.

Honestly, there's a couple of hills.

That was not the easiest 5-K I've ever run.

But it was fun to see the camp grounds, because I've never camped there.

And there's so much more to the fair grounds than I thought.

So yeah, 445 acres total?

>> Yep.

And dad always taught me, son, say over 400 of park-like acres.

>> Oh, park-like acres.

I think that is a great description.

And the camp grounds are beautiful.

>> They are.

>> Although during the fair, they are crowded.

>> They're loaded in there now.

They're all camped in there.

Nancy got the nod this year for mother of the year.

Congratulations to Nancy.

>> I think you were in the running?

>> You think so?

Thanks.

>> Just didn't make the cut.

>> Nope.

I wonder if my kids were voting.

>> Come by my house.

Just give them my address.

>> So the camp grounds are open from April to October.

>> Didn't know that.

>> During the fair, you have to -- you have to have been on a list.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> For decades to get a spot at the state fair camp grounds.

>> Fallowed grounds.

>> For sure, for sure.

>> One of those things you pass down from generation to generation.

>> We know you love watching the fair on Iowa PBS and some of you spend so much time at the fair grounds, that you might miss our nightly coverage.

You can watch all of the fair fun.

Check out IowaPBS.ORG/fair.

The 2022 Iowa State Fair, only on Iowa PBS.

And that is the truth.

>> Yes.

I'll tell you a secret, Bill.

I don't spend the whole time at the fair.

I go for a little bit of the fair, and then I watch the rest of the coverage at home.

>> In air conditioned comfort.

[ Laughter ] >> Yes.

A couple of hours away, doing my day job.

Look at those flips.

That was incredible.

Amazing.

Wow!

We've got future fair dates coming up, Charity.

The fair starts tomorrow, August 11-21.

Next year, it's August 10-20.

And then 2024 will be August 8-18.

So mark those calendars.

>> All right.

You've got to mark them early.

We were just talking about that hash tag a little while ago.

You can be part of Iowa PBS' online state fair coverage by sharing your favorite fair photos on facebook, twitter or Instagram with the hash tag Iowa PBS fair.

If you post those, your photos could be featured for all fair fans to enjoy.

Send us your best photos.

Where is your favorite photo spot at the fair?

>> UMM, probably up by pioneer hall.

>> Sure.

>> I love up on top of the hill that overlooks the whole thing.

>> Yeah.

>> It's peaceful up there.

A heck of a hike to get there, but once there, it's quiet.

>> It's worth it and easier to walk that hill than run it.

I love pictures in front of the sand sculpture.

Look at what they have done now, I always see it right at the beginning of the fair.

>> It's fun to watch >> It is fun.

That's very cool.

>> Thank our friends from Des Moines downtown neighborhood association.

>> You have to take pictures sitting in the tractor.

There are some great murals on the south side of the fair grounds near where the kids midway is.

So those are really cool and just a fantastic place to take pictures for sure.

>> Great spot for a Christmas card.

>> Yes.

You know, Christmas in July card.

>> Yes.

We're almost six months from Christmas.

Bring them a little state fair cheer.

>> Absolutely.

Absolutely.

That's another one of -- there are so many little gems and hidden things all over the fair grounds.

You know, you go every year, and then you discover something new any way.

>> Always something new at the fair.

>> Absolutely.

And the old traditions, as well.

So it's -- you know, I think there is that element of the familiar that people are looking for when they go to the fair, and then you have those little surprises.

It's kind of a perfect experience.

>> I always tell people, we've got some friends from Illinois coming in to visit.

They've never been to the fair.

>> You have friends who have never been to the fair?

That's wild.

>> I know.

I just said, get there early, get there, you know, before -- >> As early as possible.

>> So get into the livestock barns and it's something to behold to see everything waking up and you can grab breakfast there.

A lot of people don't realize that.

Let things slow down, take your time.

>> And I love the livestock barn.

One of my favorite places.

That's really cool.

Go in and see giant horses.

Always fun.

Of course, you know, the sheet, the GOETDs, the llamas.

They're changing throughout the whole fair.

So you can keep going back and seeing different critters.

>> And you get to experience the different programs in action.

I'm always shocked when you see a young person, maybe in junior high school, with a steer that's not behaving, and they knock them into shape.

[ Laughter ] >> If you can't make it to the fair, we have you covered.

For over 50 years, Iowa PBS has been showcasing the best of the fair.

Tune in in each night next week, Monday through Saturday.

At 9:00 or 10:00 to see the fair like you won't see it anywhere else right here on Iowa PBS.

Of course, Bill Riley, Jr. Is going to be with you every single episode.

TMI dance force coming down the street.

>> Such an honor to carry on that tradition of hosting the highlights.

My father and the late great mark Pierson.

>> You have carried that man so well, Bill.

>> I appreciate that.

I do not take it lightly.

Mark Pierson was a tremendous friend of mine.

He had that innate ability to just make friends.

He never knew a stranger.

He was just an amazing man.

>> That was beautiful.

Celebrating 16 years of dancing at the Iowa State Fair.

We've got a Deejay mixing music live for us up there.

That's fantastic.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> A lot of energy there.

Love it.

All right, Bill, you've been giving me trivia questions.

>> Yes.

>> How many railway locomotive collisions have taken place at the Iowa State Fair?

>> Oh, no.

I'm going to say one.

>> No, they did not learn their lesson after one.

[ Laughter ] >> Why would you do it again?

>> Why don't they do it now?

That's my question.

It's three.

Three train collisions.

1896, 1922, and 1932.

It sure seems like we are due for another locomotive collision, doesn't it?

>> I'll work on it.

>> Thank you, thank you.

But you can see footage at the Kenyan gallery in the museum complex and video presentation of that 1932 crash.

And it's just crazy.

What a crazy idea.

I'm sorry.

No judgment.

But it was quite the spectacle.

>> Somebody was sitting around and went, HMM.

>> We could crash a train.

>> Let's smash two freight trains together.

Great idea.

Botherhood of men committed to family and personal growth, dedicated to providing care for children and families in need.

What a wonderful tradition the shriners are.

>> One of my favorite state fair traditions are the cookbooks.

They print a new one every other year.

And it's just a wonderful collection of these award winning recipes that these innovative home cooks are creating all over the state of Iowa, and bringing to competition the first cookbook was printed in 1983.

So there are 20 editions that have been printed.

I probably have five of them.

I bet there are people who have all 20.

>> Are there always new lessties?

>> Yeah.

>> I would imagine.

Except it covers such a wide array of things.

If you're looking for something, you can go to any one of those cook books and find something really fun to make.

You can just spend some time paging through.

That's fun, too.

>> A little light reading.

>> Yeah, exactly.

If you're not ready to commit to a novel.

>> If you're a foodie.

>> And it's a culture experience, too.

Yeah, there are some things in there that I would never make but super fun to see what they are.

Kind of like church cookbooks.

>> We were talking about Christmas.

A great way to get some Christmas shopping out of the way.

>> There you go.

>> A nice gift for someone, a cookbook.

>> Absolutely.

>> Speaking of cooking and all the fair food competitions.

How many food classes are judged annually at the fair?

>> Oh, my gosh.

>> You should know this.

>> Hundreds.

It's so many, Bill.

>> It's 900 classes and hundreds of individual entrees.

>> And there's always a new competition or two.

>> Yep.

>> Then you have to have the old standards, too.

900 classes to enter.

You know, I don't know if you have spent time, Bill, watching some of this judging that goes on.

But there are a lot of people who are into canning who enter every single category.

So they're spending months, or maybe they start canning after the fair, because if we have to capture all produce and fruit and that kind of thing.

And then they enter every single category that they can.

I admire those judges, too.

>> It would be hard.

>> I'm sure they have a lot of really wonderful stuff and they have to be real sticklers about the rules and the temperature you process things at.

All kinds of things.

>> What an honor, if you're the recipient of a blue ribbon.

>> Absolutely.

And there are a few folks that really dominate those categories.

Lots of shriners this year.

>> I am so lucky they didn't have those when I was young.

[ Laughter ] >> I'm glad you're still here.

>> Yeah.

>> Have you milked a cow at the fair before?

>> I've never milked a cow, period.

I was a city kid.

>> I've also never milked a kid, but I'm not a city kid.

>> We've got to do the fair together sometime.

>> Yeah, we'll have to take on the milking barn, for sure.

So 18 cows on average are milked daily during the fair in the milking parlor.

I've eaten the ice cream at the dairy barn.

>> I'm a big fan of the results of the process.

I've just never been on the front end of it.

But thousand that I'm retiring, I've got more time.

>> Got more royalty waving at us.

Lovely.

Absolutely lovely.

So here's another state fair trivia for you.

What do you think the weight is of the heaviest pigeon ever weighed at the Iowa State Fair?

>> Pigeon?

>> Ever picked up a pigeon?

>> Why do you keep asking me these -- no, I have not gotten that close to a pigeon.

I'm going to say two pounds.

>> You are really close.

So 2 pounds, 7 ounces back in 2014.

>> That is a big pigeon.

I bet it had an attitude, too.

>> I bet it did.

>> You don't randomly walk up on that pigeon.

>> It's an award winning pigeon.

Naturally, there will be attitude there.

But they've been keeping records of all of the weights recorded in these categories since 1991.

Of course, we talk about the big boar, et cetera.

But what do you think the largest rabbit weighed?

>> Oh.

That's got to be close to 20 pounds.

>> 22 pounds, 5.5 ounces.

You know your rabbits.

Got a story you want to share about that?

>> No.

>> Okay.

There is a story, but it's a sad one.

>> Don't bring us down, Bill.

>> I'll start crying again.

>> The animal learning center is one of my favorite places.

>> It's an amazing addition to the fair.

>> Absolutely wonderful.

The best place, I'm just going to say it, the best place on the fair grounds to take your kids.

>> Yes, without a doubt.

Remember, we're going to crown the queen of the Iowa State Fair so the county fair queen each year, young women from across the state come together to vie for the one crown.

Don't miss the crowning of the Iowa State Fair queen.

And you can live stream the coronation with us Saturday night at 7:00 on YouTube, facebook, or on IowaPBS.ORG/fair.

Or join us Sunday night at 6:30 for a highlight special on statewide Iowa PBS.

So wonderful that they showcase the queens.

>> Absolutely.

>> It's one of the finest traditions of the Iowa State Fair.

>> Who is scootering on us now.

Central Iowa orthodontics.

Big sometimes there.

You have to smile big if you're with an orthodontist.

>> I hope the people on scooters have mouthguards in.

Just saying.

>> Let's talk more about the nap animal learning center.

>> Charity, if you work for the orthodontics parade thing and you're on the scooter -- >> You can run out there and check, later, maybe.

The animal learning center houses so many different species.

So beef, dairy, swine, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, ostriches.

Back in 2017, five lambs, 13 Cavs, 33 goats, 101 pig lets and 172 chicks were born during the Iowa State Fair.

And you talk about being a city kid, getting to watch a chick come out of an egg or an animal give birth is such a very special experience.

And it is not something that a lot of kids have the opportunity to see here and experience.

[ Engine revving ] >> The Camaros are making themselves known.

>> They are here.

If you haven't noticed.

We have headsets on.

>> And we still can't hear ourselves think.

So that's great.

Clearly having a lot of fun.

Doesn't matter what year it is, it just has to be a Camaro, right?

>> And loud.

The pony car is what this class, this started back in the early 60s with the Ford mustang, and then Chevy brought out the Camaro.

There's the cudas.

They fell away in the -- a little bit.

But boy, they're back and these beautiful Camaros, a lot of these are newer cars.

>> Yeah.

>> With the popularity and increasing sales of electric cars, you and I can look forward to a little -- >> Quieter parade.

>> Quieter parade.

>> I think it's so cool that, with a lot of classic cars, people who are getting those vehicles back on the road are putting electric engines in them.

Because they can't -- partially because they can't get the parts to re-create them as they are.

But I think that's just really cool.

What a great way to use this new technology and blend it with classic auto styling.

>> And the technology is being a gearhead, it's amazing.

>> Yep.

Now you can be an electric gear head.

>> That souns like a rock band.

>> That is my rock band.

You can't take that, Bill.

Or we can start one together.

I'm going to be the drummer.

You can sing, Bill.

>> We're sunk if I'm singing.

>> The fabrics and threads department.

This is an interesting trivia question.

I love to go see the fabric and threads department because of the incredible quilting and just all of the incredible skills that go into this.

You can actually go in and sew, as well.

>> Is this upstairs?

>> How many locations has this poor department called home since 1930?

>> Goodness.

I have no idea.

>> Six.

>> Since 1930?

>> That's a lot.

I think they get moved around a lot.

Maybe I'm wrong.

Maybe that's typical.

>> I think you're partial.

I was going to say like 30.

>> Oh, well, no.

>> So currently, isn't it in the second floor of -- >> The upper level.

>> It's beautiful up there.

>> It is, and so much fun to go up there.

>> Another fun thing to look forward to at the fair is the 4H fabric and style show.

That is so cool.

>> That sounds cool.

I've never been.

>> Iowa state has a massive program.

>> Yeah, fashion design.

I mean, it's nationally recognized.

>> Yes.

I've interviewed a few people two are fashion designers.

In Manhattan, you came out of that program.

>> Exactly.

>> I think the fabric and threads department is one of those hidden places.

You have to know when to go looking for it.

A lot of people don't know there is a second story.

>> We're doing a segment on it.

I'm going to be fascinated to see that.

It's just fun to watch.

All the little nooks and crannies we get into with our cameras, our directors and producers.

>> Yeah.

Another reason to watch, right?

>> Right.

>> Making a lot of noise.

>> They are not part of the 4H fabric and style show.

[ Inaudible ] >> But they're welcome to come.

>> Everyone is welcome.

>> Absolutely.

You know this one.

I bet you know this one.

What is the largest fair attendance on record?

Or at least give me the year, what year was the largest fair attendance?

>> I'm going to say 2016, and it was 1.25.

>> Well, you're wrong.

But you're close.

It was 2019.

>> Okay.

>> 1.17 million fairgoers.

And of course, 2020 could have beaten it, except we didn't have a fair in 2020.

I'm sure attendance will take a few more years to bounce back to those levels.

2018 was the second highest.

It kept on climbing.

And I'm sure we'll get back there eventually.

>> The fair was well attended last year, 2021 turned out to be a successful return, which was wonderful to see.

>> Absolutely.

So much fun to be together again.

>> So it's a warm August day.

So Charity, hottest day on record for the Iowa State Fair ever?

>> You want a temperature?

>> Yeah.

>> I'm going to go with like 112 degrees.

>> Well, you're not far off.

Parts of the fair could have been that hot.

But the official number is 108 degrees.

>> Oh, my gosh!

>> Yeah.

>> Wow.

>> It was, I believe, in the '80s.

>> Super hot.

So early '80s during the drought years.

>> Probably.

Yeah.

Probably was.

>> 108 degrees.

I hope we don't hit that this year.

A lot of the people were at the music festival last weekend when it hit 106.

Please, stay hydrated.

Drink your water.

And your lemonade.

And your limeADE and the honey lemonade.

>> Are you doing a lemonade -- >> I am.

I'm going behind the scenes with some lemonade.

I'm excited about that.

That's a good assignment.

>> I want all the inside information.

>> I'm also doing some country line dancing, which I expect to be really embarrassing for me.

Not because I don't admire country line dancing, but I've never participated in it before.

>> They're going to film that?

>> I think so.

There's a fund raiser somewhere in that.

We could sell that.

>> I don't get nervous about a lot of things, Bill.

But I am really nervous about country line dancing on camera.

>> You and me both.

>> Would you come?

We could do it together.

That would be twice the fun.

>> Misery loves company.

>> Yes, it does.

We won't be miserable.

I'm sure it's wonderful.

>> The people watching us.

>> That makes a lot of sense to me.

>> So we're enjoying the Iowa jeep club as they're passing by.

>> There's a jeep in every color.

Purple jeeps, pink, red jeeps.

>> And they're quiet.

>> They are.

At least comparatively quiet.

Enjoying the quiet.

Let's talk about some of these grandstand shows.

>> Full lineup.

Brooks and Dunn are coming.

And that is -- you talk about top of the top country past.

But I get it sold out.

>> Maybe it will set a record.

Who set the record that still stands, though.

Do you know?

It was in 1972.

SFA gives you a ballpark.

>> I know andy Williams was there.

Johnny cash played there.

>> Johnny cash in 1970, attracted 25,300 fans in two shows.

But that's not the record breaker.

>> Beach boys.

>> Not the record breaker.

1975, though, the beach boys drew 25,400 in one show.

That's the record for one show.

>> Oh, I was close.

I have no idea for -- >> It was sonny and Cher, 1972, 26,200 fans.

Again, that was in two shows.

So I think the beach boys are really the record holders for over 25,000 fans in just one show.

That's a lot of people.

>> My dad, in 1970, I'm not going to say he forced me, but he negotiated hard to have me go see -- to go with him to see Johnny cash.

I still remember the show.

It was one of the best shows I've ever seen.

>> I'm so glad you went.

You would be kicking yourself for the rest of your life if you hadn't.

>> A gigantic American flag behind him when he came out.

It was just tremendous.

Never forget that.

>> Awesome.

>> And I made him go see Stevie Ray Vaughn with me.

>> Did he feel the same?

>> Not quite, not quite.

[ Laughter ] >> Oh, goodness.

We've talked about the butter sculpture.

Excited about the music man sculpture.

Can't wait for the unveiling of that.

Of course, it's always fun to see the cow, too.

The butter Cowher self-.

>> It's so fun, I mean, it's just such a wonderful tradition.

Like, if you're going to see it on a weekend, you better get in there early.

>> Sometimes I'll just stand on my tiptoes and look over the line.

That is a long line.

If you get your egg, your free egg, your free hard boiled egg, that gives you enough fortitude to get through the line to see the butter sculpture.

>> Representing the vertically challenged of us.

>> I'm sorry, Bill, that was insensitive of me, wasn't it?

>> I'll take the egg.

But if I see you tiptoeing behind me, I'm going to call you out.

>> All right, okay.

That's fair.

I love the fact that that butter that makes the cow is not wasted, because it is recycled.

It is frozen and stored during the year and can be reused for up to ten years, which I think is a great thing, because you hate to waste that much butter.

I think it sounds gross, but I endorse it.

600 pounds of butter.

>> But the first was sculpted in 1911.

>> Amazing.

>> They didn't keep it that long.

>> No, no, as your father would have pointed out, that was before we had great refrigeration on the fair grounds.

But it's amazing to think what was that conversation like that led to the first butter cow sculpture?

What can we do at the fair?

>> Yeah, and it is so fun.

>> It is.

>> When family rolls in from out of up to, that's one of the first things they want to see.

>> And so 1911 was when it started.

And there have only been five sculptors in the history of the fair.

>> Isn't that amazing?

>> Yeah.

>> Of course, Duffy was -- >> Duffy lion, who -- >> Magnificent.

>> Began skullen Ted in 1960.

Of course, Sarah Pratt worked with Duffy for 15 years before taking over.

And it's just very cool.

You know, of course I remember all of those years with Duffy lion.

I remember the ones that I was alive for.

They're incredible sculptures.

But Sarah Pratt has been doing an incredible job.

They've been so interesting over the years, and it's been fun to watch her sculpting during the fair.

>> I love they honor people alongside the classic butter cow.

>> Is there a higher honor in Iowa than being sculpted out of butter?

>> When Bill senior, we called it butter Bill, when he got crafted in 5'4" of butter -- >> That's so awesome.

You've never been sculpted in butter?

>> No.

>> Ouch.

>> I'm a long ways away from that.

>> I think you're almost there.

Does it hurt?

>> It's worse than that.

When I walk in there with me English muffins and my toaster, again, I might get kicked out.

I don't know.

>> We'll make sure you have a camera with you.

Some of that butter could be 10 years old.

>> I'll take one for the team.

>> Do you have a favorite, other than your dad, you can't pick your dad, that was in 2006.

Do you have a favorite butter sculpture that you have seen?

>> I loved when they honored Shawn Johnson.

I thought that was very nice.

Of course, Neil Armstrong's walk on the room.

They were all so special.

>> I wonder if Sarah comes up with the ideas or somebody tossing to them.

>> You remember the last supper.

What year was the last super?

I don't remember what year that was.

I'm looking here.

>> I don't recall either.

Do you think they fake it with margarine at some point, or sit all butter?

It has to be all butter.

>> 100% butter, for sure.

>> Or somebody would be in trouble.

>> I do remember the 100th anniversary of John Deere was a pretty cool one.

With a replica of the Waterloo Bo tractor in 2018.

I thought I know that that's a frame for the butter cow.

But that tractor looked so delicate.

I mean, obviously there must have been a structure that held it together and it did not collapse.

But it was an engineering marvel in addition to being an artistic marvel.

>> You wonder how long it takes to disassemble or unbutter.

Is that proper?

Debutter?

>> I don't know.

I don't know.

Do you remember when there was -- there were some cheese sculptures one year?

>> I don't remember that.

>> A bust of the governor in cheese.

I saw that one fairly late in the fair.

And it was starting to dry out a little bit.

You know how cheese that's been in the fridge too long starts to crack.

So I think that may be why we haven't seen cheese come back.

But I admire the innovation.

It's great to give that a try.

>> We have a butter sculpting stage.

There were little chunks of butter all over the stage.

That sunk into the concrete.

I've got these beautiful lyrical dancers coming out on stage and their costuming is gorgeous.

I'm like, oh, my goodness.

So a little dawn dish washing liquid and some elbow grease and brushes and we knocked it out.

>> There are challenges to the fair that you just never dream of.

>> Great crowd here tonight.

Grand avenue.

Starts up at the capital and rolls all the way down grand.

Some estimates have the crowd at over 10,000 people each year.

>> That's so great.

>> People love to turn out.

>> There are approximately 500 exhibiters and concessions operating daily through the fair.

I think when you come and visit, you know it's crowded and you know that there is more to do than you possibly have time to do.

>> Right.

>> But thinking about all of those people, again, behind the scenes that make it all possible, that's really -- I love it.

I don't get to go before the fair opens very often.

But if you do get a chance to go for some reason, before the gates open, that's so fun.

>> Yes.

>> Because there's still a bustling community, and that is when you learn the secrets of the fair.

You talked about getting breakfast at the fair.

That's when you learn where is the best place to go for breakfast.

>> Make some notes.

When it officially opens, you will know where you're going.

>> One year I got to go visit the grilling competition.

Now I'm blanking on it.

So people go there at 1:00 in the morning to sell up their smokers and stuff.

So we went very early in the morning, although everybody had been at it for hours.

That was one of the funnest things I have gotten to be part of.

>> You talk about guarded secrets.

>> Yes, and just commitment to craft.

Oh, my goodness.

Some of those rigs that people put together.

>> Some are homemade, some are professional.

It's fascinating.

>> A number of them cost more than the automobile that I drive.

>> That's true.

>> And they make money with them at competitions and stuff.

>> This is another secret of mine.

I prefer to work at the fair than just go as a civilian.

Because I am a naturally nosey individual.

And I love that working with Iowa PBS at the fair gives me license to ask anybody anything.

>> So you have an official sticker that says, I can stick my nose in just about anyone's business.

>> Absolutely.

>> With a smile.

>> Absolutely.

And that's, of course, why I learned about this scavenger hunt at the fair, which is so cool.

That's something it gets incredibly competitive.

Families and teens have been building their skills and doing their research for, you know, years, honing their craft.

>> So fun.

A while back, Des Moines -- [ Inaudible ] [ Horns honking ] -- and take the bus -- [ Inaudible ] >> Of course, we have midterm elections this year.

That means we'll have plenty of politics at the fair.

It's not a presidential election year.

Where the politics almost overtake the fair.

But there have been so many presidents who have visiting the fair.

As a candidate or actually as president.

Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower came in 1954.

>> Jimmy Carter.

>> As a candidate.

In '76.

George W. Bush in 2002.

Barack Obama in 2007.

>> Donald trump, candidate, 2015.

>> I remember Donald trump flying over the fair in his helicopter.

Did he set down?

I don't remember.

>> It was off site.

>> That's right, that's right.

Sort of visited the fair.

Joe Biden, I saw Joe Biden on the soap box in 2019, on the fair grounds, not in a helicopter.

>> And Ronald Reagan broad casted from the fair as a sports director in the '30s.

Such great traditions.

>> Absolutely, absolutely.

And it is really fun to get to hear so many different ideas and see people in action at the fair, whether it's somebody you want to vote for or not, it's great to have an opportunity to listen and learn and then you also, you know, you think about, all right, if I would run for office, what is a photo-op I wouldn't want to have.

Because you learn from some amazing miss steps on camera.

>> Great point.

And the information you're getting is not filtered through a news outlet or whatever channel you particularly listen to.

You listen to them right on the stump.

>> Yep.

>> Polk county sheriff office representative.

Sheriff's office, I should say.

That is not an unmarked car that just went by.

That is a marked car.

>> These are very marked vehicles, marked to the extreme.

So we were talking about the grandstand earlier.

There are some people who just keep coming back again, and again, and again.

So I've got a list here of entertainers who performed at the fair ten or more times.

Do you have a guess for anybody?

>> I'm going to default to someone with the rock 'n' roll reunion, because that had such legs.

That was just such a popular program for so many years.

As the performers aged out, they couldn't -- Johnny rivers, I'm going to take a stab.

>> He's not on my list.

But Lou Christy, 13 grandstand appearances.

>> I saw him a number of times.

He would come out in canary yellow sport coat.

By the time he was done, he would have taken that off and the girls were going nuts.

[ Laughter ] I almost lost my sister, peg, one night.

She was on her way down to the stage.

>> You've been known to wear a bright sport coat every now and again yourself, Bill.

Was that an inspiration for you?

>> I have a wacky -- yes.

But I typically leave them on.

Were I to take them off, people go crazy, but for the wrong reasons.

>> Alabama has performed at the fair 12 times.

>> That's when the sheriff's car would turn around.

>> All right.

This is my favorite part of the fair.

These horses.

These horses are so well trained.

The riders are so well trained.

It's just a wonderful pageantry.

There is someone else just as excited about these horses as I am.

These are dancing horses, Bill.

>> Wow.

>> Yeah.

Moving with the rhythm of the music.

We have a Mariachi band on the back of a struck.

Look at this.

Really incredible.

A couple of dip troops around here.

There's the boys and the men and the girls and the women.

Just so cool.

Look at those rope skills.

>> It is beautiful.

That's a young guy, too.

>> Yes, he's got command of his lasso there.

And then we have another one here.

That's fantastic.

I love the dresses.

>> So festive and beautiful.

>> Absolutely.

>> And I am a huge fan of salt and pepper.

And I love salsa and chips.

But I mean the music.

So cute.

>> Iowa has such a rich Latino culture.

>> Diverse.

A beautiful place to call home.

>> Absolutely.

>> This is one of the reasons you're watching right here.

♪ ♪ >> Oh, my goodness.

Look at this.

That's incredible.

>> Wow!

>> Gorgeous animal.

>> Just think of the hours and hours of skills.

That go into doing something like that with your animals.

That's really cool.

>> I have a very dear friend of mine that has an equestrian business out in my neck of the winds.

Lindsey calmy explained to me one time that her horses eat money.

[ Laughter ] Is >> I'm sure that's 100% true.

But they are beautiful, beautiful, just loving, intelligence creatures, Bill.

I guess you don't mind feeding them money.

>> Nope, nope.

>> Oh, look at the sun on the buildings.

It's such a gorgeous, golden evening.

Really perfect weather.

>> You know, we've been mentioning the grandstand.

It's been remodeled.

The reason for that was to allow a bigger stage area, because the performers are demanding more room.

>> Sure.

Going to put on a better show, right?

Here's the tidbit.

The rock band rush had an opportunity to book rush at the film.

Of course, the drummer has passed away.

But we didn't have a large enough stage area, so that's one of the reasons they remodeled.

>> Making sure you get to see the acts you want to see.

>> And more restrooms and facilities.

But there's just so much history in the grand stands.

I remember my late brother-in-law, Dick O'Connor, got to see Garth brooks, who was nobody at the time.

And he was a last-minute replacement for Ricky van Shelton.

Ricky van Shelton was the headliner.

>> I don't even know who that is.

But Garth brooks was that unknown, last-minute replacement.

That's funny.

>> And Garth brooks stole the show and he was invited back.

Now he's one of the biggest performers ever.

But in 1991, we all got to see GASHT brooks at the grandstand.

The history there is tremendous, so fun.

>> So great.

We have another troupe of horses coming our way now.

This is why you stay at the parade until the end so you get to see the horses.

And the performers.

>> They are just tremendously beautiful.

>> Of course, horses are one of the best things about the state fair, too.

You get to see the Clydesdales.

It's the forces that people bring from all over Iowa and probably the country, to come and show at the fair.

>> The thing I like to observe from time to time are the horsemen and women that are directing traffic in the middle of the fair on horseback.

They're not mounted police.

But they turned my pickup truck around quick.

She just looked at me and said you're not coming.

They've got their hands full out there.

But think of the training a horse would have to have to be in the middle of the state fair with all of those people, the sounds, the smells.

And she's got it under control.

>> You know, some of the animals that come to the fair are there for the duration of the fair.

That must be an extraordinary experience for the animal, the handler, and everybody involved.

>> It's truly something to -- >> Oh, look at these beautiful, beautiful young ladies.

>> Gorgeous young ladies.

All the work -- we were talking about the 4-H fashion.

There you go.

>> Incredible costumes.

Look at the harnesses that the horses have on and the weaving and designs.

>> Look at the Julie that young lady's got.

>> So much pride.

The celebration of heritage and culture.

And some terrific music, as well.

>> Uh-huh.

I was going to mention that.

>> Very cool.

>> Listen to that music.

A great horn.

>> Just before we close, you're going to do line dancing this year?

>> That's what I've been told, Bill.

>> I think we need to get you to do a little salsa dancing next year.

>> All right, all right.

We'll put it on the list.

I feel a little more comfortable with the salsa dancing than the line dancing.

>> All right.

We've got it on record.

>> Wow!

>> Just gorgeous!

Look at that shot.

>> Yeah.

Beautiful.

>> In the biz, that's good TV.

Just saying.

>> You know entertainment, Bill.

So I trust your judgment when you look at an incredible group of performers.

>> Charity, been a thrill.

>> So much fun.

>> I love working with you.

I love your work on radio.

I listen to you all the time.

You're a gem.

You're a gift to the state of Iowa.

Thank you so much for coming all the way over here to the big city.

>> It is my pleasure.

And I can't wait to watch all the highlights.

And you get to get out there and do cool stuff this year, Bill.

Let's do this again next year.

>> Promise.

>> This has been coverage of the 2022 state fair parade.

Of course, the fair opens tomorrow.

Hope to see you there.

>> Have fun at the fair.

♪ ♪ >> Funding for fair 2022 is brought to you by, friends, the Iowa PBS foundation, and by -- >> For more than 110 years, EMC insurance has served the local communities, providing insurance products for business and life.

Count on EMC.

>> Caring for pigs is not just an individual job.

It truly does take a village to put a safe, healthy big on your table and keep farming sustainable.