The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page SF4

4 Being a native Iowan, it is not easy to explain why the Iowa State Fair is such a ornerstone to the quintessential Midwestern summer. Yes, it has topped lists and makes it into the travel guides by way of USA Weekend, idwest Living and The New York Times, to ame a few. Really, though, when you strip away the a wards and attendance numbers, the Iowa State Fair is something you can count on being there. No matter what changed in our life this year, the fair will be there for you to eat, ride and learn your way through. It is a friendly dose of contrasts: ooted in history, displaying exhibits of the modern, classics like cotton candy next to newfangled fried stuff on a stick, a place here grandfather has memories and the wide-eyed child is entranced.

The 161st Iowa State Fair is a chance to reet old favorites and explore the contemporary. When plotting your days at the fair this year, include these 15 new attractions on the list. Butter me Monopoly Either you love or hate Monopoly the etail trades, to jail for the third time and landing on the utilities but it is undeniably a board game staple and an 8 0-year-old one at that. Sarah Pratt, the State fifth butter sculptor, will carve the family spokes-character, Rich ncle Pennybags out of the dairy product. Joining the monocle man in the John Deere Agriculture Building will be the pieces you always fought over with your siblings.

Walk on Ruan Plaza Connecting Grand avenue and the Richard Jacobson Exhibition Center is the new pedestrian-friendly Ruan Plaza. The first phase is ready for attendees this year with the next two phases resuming after this fair. Ultimately the Plaza will include aboulevard with improved utilities and convenient access for exhibitors. Walkways 20-feet wide will allow foot traffic to more asily commute across ends of the airgrounds. Climbing up the Vine While beer from the Iowa Craft Beer Tent may be your established drink of choice, aise a different kind of glass at Top of the ine.

Located next to Barn, he wine tent makes toasting easy and breezy with a rotating arsenal of I owa-produced wines by the glass, bottle or flight. Beer and Iowa-made soda will also be available as nightly entertainment eckons you to stay for just one song more. Feet tired after seeing all the sights? Jump on the tram for transport up to the top of he hill. All About That Bass The Grandstand is the pinnacle for big names in pop, rock and country music each year, and lineup is definitely worth grabbing tickets. Meghan Trainor, the Grammy Award-nominated are artist, will take the headliner spot on Saturday, Aug.

22 at 8 p.m. The Fray, Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Andy Grammer, and YES will also grace the stage throughout the week. Remember that tickets to shows at The Grandstand are separate from fair admission. Check seating ptions, show dates and times online at i owastatefair.org/on-stage/grandstand/. Run for the Fair While fried food-on-a-stick is a fair must have, it is advised not to let your summer elf fall completely out of shape.

Get your workout in before hitting the food stands ith 3.1miles. In past years, the annual Fairgrounds 5k has been held in chillier November. This year the race---in its ninth be held during the fair on aturday, Aug. 22 beginning at 7:30 a.m. Runners are sure not to get bored with lots sights to see in the early morning as they trek past Rock Island and the campgrounds: vendors setting up, livestock doing their thing, campers readying for the day.

The $40 registration fee includes admission to the fair, $5 worth of food coupons and t-shirt. (Note: runners may register on the ay of the race but will not receive free admission to the fair.) Held by the Blue Ribbon Foundation, proceeds support ngoing improvements and preservation of the historic fairgrounds. The 5k is open to all ages; register online at lueribbonfoundation.org. Aug. 22 at 7:30 a.m.

Sheepish Century Beneath the terra cotta trimming and the majestic entrance murals of the Sheep Barn, 4 80 sheep pens play their role in contributing to the lively cast of animals that come to the State Fair. 2015 marks the 1 00th anniversary of the building so be sure to stop inside and pay tribute to the unique shelter. Stick around to catch a livestock how. Iowan Power Iowa makes an impact far beyond its no-coast borders. Takes an is a ew interactive exhibit in the John Deere Agricultural Building featuring how Iowa is aleader in feeding the rest of the U.S and he world.

Innovative technology and education about global agricultural will be on display. Expect your Iowa pride to only increase after experiencing how Iowa also impacts communication, legislation and ransportation. Maxed out Mural Iowa artist Ben Schuh will bring a mural to life featuring beloved points of interest and iconic elements from across the state, like wind turbines and the High Trestle Trail 15 new attractionsthis year RODNEY REGISTER Butter sculptor Sarah Pratt will carve spokes-character, Rich Uncle Pennybags, out of the dairy product for this Iowa State Fair. RODNEY REGISTER Connecting Grand Ave. and the Richard O.

acobson Exhibition Center is the new edestrian-friendly Ruan Plaza. The Plaza will i nclude a boulevard with improved utilities and convenient access for exhibitors. Mackensie Smith Special to the Register 22001155 SSttaattee FFaaiirr GGuuiiddee.