Iowa State Fair Opening Day: Butter cow, corn judging and more

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair got its start on the 2026 season under dark and stormy skies. In Des Moines, it was rain, thunder and lightning about an hour before the gates opened.

Fair attendees came prepared, with rain slickers, coats, and umbrellas. The cloudy skies did not dampen their day.

“It’s a great day to be at the fair, and the rain makes it even more adventuresome,” said Brad Languth, of Iowa City, who came to the fair with his wife and granddaughter. “We grew up in rural Iowa, so we love seeing the agricultural exhibits, and then we also like to do fun things with family. It’s an extravaganza that highlights all of the wonderful things that Iowa can offer.”

Some people headed into the agriculture building, where the judging of corn was underway.

“We’re at the Iowa State Fair doing the farm crops division. There’s an open show, and there’s an FFA Show,” said Ron Zelle of the FFA Board. “Students from the FFA bring their corn stalks in to have them judged by official judges. There looking for free of disease, production quality, plants that look like high production.”

Some judges were looking at popcorn. “We’re judging popcorn right now. We look for uniformity, and we look for of color filled out your good pollination at the tip,” said Lucas Roberts, a volunteer judge in the open class.

One of the biggest attractions at the Iowa State Fair is the historic Butter Cow Sculpture.

“We’re sculpting five characters that represent the values of Iowa and the diversity of Iowa,” said Pratt. “So this is Monte, He’s a retired gentleman. He represents the value of generosity, and he has a service dog, Scotty, with him, so he’s just one of the characters that’s meeting at the Pepsi Clock, so we’re using the Pepsi Clock as a symbol for coming together.”

Also inside, high school-aged students were riding, walking and trotting horses, teaching them commands to walk, trot or back up.

“I ride her as much as I can, I try to do it everyday, that doesn’t always happen,” said Anna Wilson, of Ogden High School.” I just really focus on keeping her head down.”

Iowa State Fair 2026:

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