State Fair Opening Day Offers Free Admission, Corndog

DES MOINES (AP) - Be part of history with record-setting opening ceremonies at the 2008 Iowa State Fair. On August 7 get free admission at the gate from 5-8:30 a.m. and then head to the Grand Concourse and help set a world record for the most people simultaneously eating a corndog.

Fairgoers can enjoy strolling entertainment acts and will be given an official number and a free Campbell's corndog. The record-making chomp will take place at 8:45 a.m., signaling the official start of the 2008 Fair.

For the price of Fair parking ($6), Fairgoers can enjoy $13.50 worth of admission ($10) and food ($3.50). After the world record event, they are welcome to spend the rest of the day at the Fair.

The opening day celebrations continue with contests, games, food and entertainment including three shows from the popular Farmall Promenade Square Dancing Tractors at 1, 3 and 6 p.m. on the Grand Concourse. The Fair performances are part of the Promenade's farewell tour that concludes a 10-year dancing career.

The evening's free entertainment includes CMA award-winner Lady Antebellum, The Nadas, The Blenders and Ron Dante of the Archies. Christian music icon Michael W. Smith will take the Grandstand stage at 8 p.m. with special guests Natalie Grant and Matthew West. Tickets for the Grandstand show are $25 (plus convenience charges) and are available through Ticketmaster and the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office.

The 2008 Iowa State Fair is set August 7-17 - "U Gotta Love It." For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or check out www.iowastatefair.org.