Behind the Scenes of Iowa State Fair | Cedar Rapids News

Behind the roaring crowds and dazzling rides of the Iowa State Fair lies a year-round machine of 80 full-time staff, 140 seasonal workers, and 1,600 temp crew—all working to make magic happen from August 13–23 in Des Moines. With 2027’s entertainment already booked and local talent spotlighted during daytime shows, the fair hand-picks every ride and game, balancing innovation with tradition. Over 500 vendors—including 200 food stalls—compete for prime spots, while 40,000+ entries flood competitions from quilts to livestock to dollhouse decorating. For the CEO, the ultimate reward? Watching families laugh, kids scream, and strangers connect under the big top—proof that relentless effort turns chaos into celebration. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/14e4e6c54e72b4f3