Events and Activities : July 1 Marks Deadline for State Fair Competitions, Parade Entries

Friday is the deadline to enter the Iowa State Fair parade and many of the Fair's competitive events - late applications will be accepted with an additional late fee. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 11-21.

Premium books and entry forms can be accessed atwww.iowastatefair.org/competition/categories. Entrants in competitive events may enter online or may submit their entry by mail. While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department. Many departments will accept late entries until July 8. For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions, or the online entry system, contact the Competitive Events Department at 515/262-3111 ext. 207.

The Iowa State Fair also invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and enter the State Fair parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair.

Applications are available at www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515/262-3111 ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.

The parade, set for Wednesday, August 10, will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol Complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM FOX 17 beginning at 10 p.m. To be considered for television coverage, the description information on the application must be completed and returned. Due to the length of the parade, it is not possible for all entries to be televised.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org