Day at the Iowa State Fair

The single largest event in Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural expos in the country, we were just a few of the over one million people who attended.

Here is our fair experience by the numbers:

321



The number of farms recognized as century farms. Mom's farm, The Coon Family Farm, was one of them.

4,271



The combined weight of the winners of the "Big Boar" and "Super Bull" contest.
3,012 lbs. (Tiny the bull) + 1,259 lbs. (Freight Train the pig)

45,000



Number of ribbons given out at the fair.

We were lucky to have one of the winners and fair frequent visitor give us a personal tour. Thanks Karen for a great time and congrats on the ribbons for the quilt, pillow and baked single-layer bar.

30



The fair serves up 30 types of food on a stick: pork chops, dill pickles, corn dogs, cheese, Cajun chicken, caramel apples, chili dog, beef, cotton candy, veggie corn dogs, turkey drumsticks, nutty bars, chocolate cheesecake, hot bologna, chocolate covered bananas, taffy, fried pickles, honey, wonder bars, deep fried Twinkies, meatballs, Ho-Hos and fudge puppies (waffles drenched in chocolate sauce).

550



The number of pounds of butter used to create the "butter cow" sculpture.

.45



The inches of morning rain at the fair. It cleared up by the afternoon, but the kids had some fun with their slickers and umbrellas.

$6.00



Have a goat and want to take him to the fair? It only takes $6.00 per goat plus $7.00 for the pen.

Over 5,000 animals were on display by the 4H kids and there were many, many baby animals that Kyle and Chloe loved petting.

.





One



The one most unusual rule we could find. Thanks Kevin for pointing it out.

The Road to Des Moines

What would a road trip through Iowa be without traveling on a few back roads and taking some side trips. Brian mapped out a few surprises for the family so we could see some sights that are out of the ordinary.

The Danish Windmill in Elk Horn


Elk Horn's Danish windmill was built in 1848 in Norre Snede, Denmark and used to grind grain into flour for farmers in neighboring communities. Since Elk Horn has one of the largest concentrations of Danes in the United States the mill was shipped and rebuilt to celebrate the country's bicentennial.

They also have a vineyard near buy. We bought the "table wine" but haven't tried it yet . Since the table wine is their only offering it doesn't seem Napa has anything to worry about.


The Tree in the Middle of the Road


Oops...watch where you put this stick. A surveyor was marking the line between Audubon and Cass counties used a cottonwood branch as he walked. When he was done, he pushed it in the ground where the lines crossed and where the roads cross today. The switch took root and it has grown into today’s tall and widespread 100 foot tree.


The Smiley Face Water Tower

Adair was created in the summer of 1872 and is th site of the first train robbery of a moving train. On July 21, 1873, Jesse James and his band of outlaws stole $3,000 in gold before they fled to Missouri. Now it's point of pride is the Smiley Face Water Tower. Who needs a company logo when you have this beaming face cheering you on as you pass it on the highway?

Des Moines State Capital


Pretty impressive for a state capital building. It's dome is 24 karat. Not bad for Iowa.

These Boys Can Slide

Thanks Aunt Nancy for a great time in Tucson! The highlight of the weekend was watching Brian and Kyle come down the water slide. Not bad for two boys who don't love water ;)

You Only Turn Two Once

In Chloe's book, maybe it is a few more times than once

Dinner at home with the family
Chinese food and happicake



Trip to Grandmaman's house
Celebrated Gaetane's and Chloe's birthday




Two days at the Tucson pool with Aunt Nancy
Lots of fun in the sun




Party at the zoo
Wild times with little friends from school and family