Rudolphi's Burning- August 2012 State Fair Edition

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August 15, 2012 8:02 AM


Iowa State Fair- The Tradition Continues

The Iowa State Fair is finally here!  After waiting an agonizing 355 days, we once again will be treated to the greatest annual tradition that is the showcase of our state.  Over the past few years I have made it a personal mission to scour the fairgrounds from one end to the other, seeking out the best food, coldest beer, and most interesting and entertaining exhibits.  In no particular order here is what I have come up with:

Stockman’s Inn

There are several “good” watering holes strung throughout the fairgrounds.  Each of these establishments puts forth a fairly similar offering of beer selection, with two main themes: cold and expensive.  Drinking beer at the Iowa State Fair is going to be a little pricy; it’s just a fact of life one has to accept prior to letting the good times roll!  And for me, they usually roll the best at The Stockman’s Inn.  Located at the junction where the cattle, swine, horse, and sheep barns meet, for anyone in agriculture, this is the hub.  The crowd, consisting of various Ag people is inherently fun.  Due to the nature of who you will run into here (neighbors, old college friends, etc) many people have “come for one” and end up eating breakfast across the street at the Dinner Bell.

 Iowa Grown and Grilled Proteins

I’ve eaten A LOT of corndogs in my day, polished off chicken on a stick, and put several deep fried Twinkies down the ol’ hatch.  Even with all of the junk food available at the fair, the best food, at the best prices, and also with the least amount of calories is located at the venues of the Iowa producer groups.  Visit the Iowa Pork Tent, the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, the Iowa Turkey grill, or the Iowa Dairy Barn, and you are guaranteed to leave happy.  The passion and creativity of these groups to bring fairgoers great tasting, fun to eat items is amazing.  Stop by and pay a visit to the hardworking livestock producers and while you are there, let them cook you dinner!  When you think you have eaten enough, just remember…nothing washes down a milkshake like a hot beef sundae, and there is nothing like a pork chop on a stick to dip into your milkshake!

Free Stage Entertainment

Suck it Grandstand!  Until you can get acts that are better than the county fairs of this great state, I’ll be sticking to the free stages, thanks!  While it is arguable that the ISF is lacking in the grandstand entertainment department, there is some really good entertainment to be had on the free stages this year-available to all fairgoers.  No tickets needed!  On the free stages you will have an opportunity to see up and coming talent, acts that have run their course in the big time, and local folks with big time talent.  The best thing about the free stages, other than the good music and cold beer, is that if you aren’t enjoying the act…you can leave!

The Slap of the Steer

The greatest tradition within the livestock arena.  The crowd waits in anticipation as the judge circles the arena of Pioneer Pavilion and erupts in wild cheers when his hand finds the back of his selection.  Described by some as the best fat steer show in the country, this contest is a testament to the great stockmen and the livestock of Iowa.  The cattle on display will amaze even the most novice cattlemen with their power, beauty, and masterful presentation.  Get to the pavilion early as seats fill up quickly but it is not too bad waiting as the pavilion is recently air conditioned and quite comfortable.

Little Hands on the Farm, Knapp Center

For the more family oriented fairgoers, these additions to the fair are pretty cool.  In the Knapp center, youngsters can get acquainted with several types of livestock and witness several types of birthing displays.  Little Hands on the Farm walks families with kids through the entire agricultural process—from planting the seeds to selling the livestock.  Different stations allow kids to “milk” cows, “drive” tractors, and turn in their bountiful crops for their “paychecks” allowing them to get a Popsicle, milk, cookie, etc.  This has proven to be so popular, walk by the starting point and you will think it is a parking lot for strollers.

Challenge

We have got a slap in the face to deal with.  The Iowa State Fair…the great celebration of agriculture and the gluttony of our products are under a sneak attack.  In an attempt to be “equal opportunity” PETA has been granted booth space underneath the grandstand.  Their campaign this week is against turkey production, and they are showcasing a video of a farm worker shouting profanity while euthanizing a turkey.

The trend in the industry right now is to play nice with these extremist groups ….”Engage them in dialogue”….I’m tired of playing nice.  They are extremists, sometimes terrorists, and should be treated accordingly. 

Anyone who would like to join me is more than welcome.  We are going to meet at Stockmen’s on Wednesday afternoon the 15^th following the Grand Champion steer selection.  We will discuss our message to them over a beer; we will then grab one for the road.  We will proceed from there to the Turkey Grill…and each grab a massive drumstick or two.  From there we will march down to the PETA booth, give them a piece of our mind, and leave them the bones!  Who is with me?


Somebody get me some water…cuz we got a fire!

Editor's Note:
Rob Rudolphi resides in Eastern Iowa with his lovely wife Tara, where he is involved in varying facets of several agricultural businesses. They currently have no kids, no dogs, and certainly no cats, and are generally up for anything involving a good time!

The mission of the column is to advocate agriculture, entertain (provided that you are entertainable), serve as a catalyst for critical thinking, and challenge the status quo amongst the agricultural community.

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