Get set for the 2012 Iowa State Fair, it runs August 9-19 at the state fairgrounds in Des Moines. This year's theme is "It's Fairlicious!" There are a number of new attractions at the fair this year. For complete information, go online to www.iowastatefair.org. Here are some highlights:
* Opening Day Free Admission: On August 9 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. fairgoers can take advantage of free admission with a coupon from the Iowa State Fair special section of the August 5 Des Moines Register. One coupon per person, parking included. Beginning at 6 a.m. you can join everyone else on the Grand Concourse to take part in a morning of wellness and "Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative" activities coordinated by Hy-Vee. Opening ceremonies will be at 8 a.m., followed by Iowa's largest Zumba class. Zumba is a Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness program.
The 2012 Iowa State Fair will have several new agricultural attractions, including the AgVenture Discovery Trail and a new 4-H and FFA livestock judging contest.
* New "Fairlicious" Foods: Browse the list of tasty menu items debuting at the 2012 Iowa State Fair, including the new Fair Square flavor. The Nothing Spared Fair Square, made with marshmallows, crisped rice cereal, pretzels, potato chips, Oreos, toffee and M&Ms was named by Fair fan Margo Fox in a Facebook contest earlier this month. Or check out the other foods lists, including healthy choices, on a stick, $2 or less, or the complete food directory.
* Daily Schedule, Walking Tours & Mobile Website: The complete daily schedule is available online. Or check out the walking tours, highlighting "must see" places and events on the fairgrounds, and preview the fair's 2012 TV commercials. Beginning August 6, use any smartphone to visit the fair's mobile-friendly website www.m.iowastatefair.org. The site, developed in partnership with the Iowa Governor's Office and Iowa Interactive, makes it easy to plan your day on the go.