Latest news with #IowaStateFairBoard
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The countdown is on: 100 days until the 2025 Iowa State Fair; see what's new
DES MOINES, Iowa — The final countdown is on as the Iowa State fair is officially 100 days away. While the fair won't start for a few months, work is already underway to prep the fairgrounds. 'Whether it's our interns ordering all of the ribbons people use at the fair, or the thousands of flowers getting planted, lots of little details,' said Jeremy Parsons, CEO of the Iowa State Fair. Iowans share stories to help others on National Fentanyl Awareness Day While the Fair holds years of tradition for Iowa, there will also be some new additions for fairgoers to enjoy. The former Steer 'N' Stein is currently being transformed into the Blue Ribbon Bar and Eatery after the Iowa State Fair Board didn't extend a contract with the previous owner. Additionally, Iowans will be able to enjoy the new Variety Star Playground, which will replace the Fun Forest. The playground will be accessible for all children to use year-round. Fair-goers will also notice construction being done at the Horse Barn, as the first leg of a $13 million dollar renovation for the barn is underway. On Tuesday, the Fair announced its free entertainment lineup for this year's fair, including the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. Iowans will get to enjoy a range of rock and country stars, tribute acts, family fun, and some favorites who are returning to the fair. Over $500,000 worth of entertainment all free with admission. 'Eleven great nights of country music. These artists, someday you might see on the Grandstand. There's a whole list of artists who have made that change so it's a chance to see some people up-and-coming, whether it's country on that stage or any of our other free stages,' said Parsons. Iowa News: Iowa lawmakers change 'bullying' definition for schools Iowa bill requiring districts share immunization exemption information with families sent to governor Forecast: Rain chances round out the week; beautiful weekend The countdown is on: 100 days until the 2025 Iowa State Fair; see what's new Iowans share stories to help others on National Fentanyl Awareness Day Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
It's baby season! Blank Park Zoo welcomes twin cotton-top tamarins
DES MOINES, Iowa — Baby season at zoos typically begins in the spring, but at the Blank Park Zoo the delightful season came early. On Wednesday zoo officials announced the birth of twin cotton-top tamarins. The twins were born on Tuesday to mother, Kida, and father, Eddie. They join Kida's other twins, Caitlin and Clark, who were born nearly one year ago on February 22, 2024. Boys State Wrestling Tourney starts; changes for fans at venue According to Blank Park Zoo, cotton-top tamarins are one of the most endangered primates in the world. Due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade it's estimated that the wild population of cotton-top tamarins is less than 6,000. The birth of the twins marks an important step in ensuring the survival of the species, the zoo said. 'The birth of these twins is a wonderful moment for not only Blank Park Zoo, but for the conservation of this critically endangered species,' Anne Shimerdla, president and CEO of Blank Park Zoo, said. 'Through our partnership with the AZA's Species Survival Plan and Proyecto Tití, we are making a meaningful impact on the future of cotton-top tamarins.' The zoo said the public will have the chance to name the newborns later this spring, just like they did with naming Caitlin and Clark. Visitors can see the twins in the Discovery Center. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Iowa News: Bird flu detected in Sac County turkey flock It's baby season! Blank Park Zoo welcomes twin cotton-top tamarins Iowa State Fair Board selects replacement for former Steer 'N' Stein location WHO 13 Farm Report: Wednesday, February 19th Boys State Wrestling Tourney starts; changes for fans at venue Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa State Fair Board selects replacement for former Steer ‘N' Stein location
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair Board has selected a new operator for the former Steer 'N' Stein location. Federal lawsuit Iowa joined targets disabled students, says education attorney The decision comes after employees of Steer 'N' Stein claimed they hadn't been paid for the 2024 Iowa State Fair. Officials also said that the owner of Steer 'N' Stein hadn't paid their outstanding bills. During an afternoon meeting on Tuesday the board heard seven different prospective operators about their vision for the prime location; and on Wednesday the board selected the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery as Steer 'N' Stein's replacement. Joni Bell, who has run the Rib Shack at the fair, led the proposal for the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery. Iowa News: It's baby season! Blank Park Zoo welcomes twin cotton-top tamarins Iowa State Fair Board selects replacement for former Steer 'N' Stein location WHO 13 Farm Report: Wednesday, February 19th Boys State Wrestling Tourney starts; changes for fans at venue Another day of brutal cold for Iowa Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa State Fair Board to pick new operator for old Steer ‘N' Stein location
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair Board listened to seven presentations on Tuesday afternoon. The food and beverage operators came in armed with ideas, enthusiasm, and delicious food samples for board members to consider. The spot had been under the name of Steer 'N' Stein, but some employees' wages were delayed last year. After pondering the situation, the Fair Board elected to find a new operator for the property. 'When you look at that Steer 'N' Stein location, kind of a prime real estate on the fairgrounds and obviously Iowans are creative people,' said Jeremy Parsons, State Fair CEO. 'Iowans love their food and beverage and so kind of all those things combining as we kind of, as we listen to these presentations today.' Here are the proposals the Board heard Tuesday: Lucky's on Grand Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery Lucky's Hideout Kenny's Place Lucky Leprechaun D Gee's Sham Rocks Perry internet provider repaying firefighters who battled headquarters fire Scott Carlson has run the State Fair Craft Beer operation for a few years. He proposed opening the property as Lucky's on Grand. It includes an extensive remodel. Carlson also focused on his work serving on RAGBRAI. 'We are the number one stop on RAGBRAI. We do two stops a day. We host about 20,000 riders throughout the state of Iowa,' said Carlson. Kylee Hulet, of CMBA Architects, gave a presentation on a redesign of the space for the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery. 'So, we want to make all four corners of this building approachable and accessible as you're traversing around the building, that you just are drawn in from every side of it,' said Hulet. Joni Bell is leading the proposal for the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery. She also has run the Rib Shack at the State Fair. The Board will vote on which proposal will be offered the chance to run a business on the prime spot of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Iowa News: Iowa State Fair Board to pick new operator for old Steer 'N' Stein location Gov. Reynolds, Auditor Sand trade blows about ESA account financial details Drag shows and minors, Iowa House Republicans advance policy that charges parents with a felony Perry internet provider repaying firefighters who battled headquarters fire Near record-breaking cold hits Iowa Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Who will operate Steer ‘N' Stein space at Iowa State Fairgrounds?
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa State Fair Board is getting closer to finding a new operator for the open Steer 'N' Stein location. On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Board is hosting a special meeting to listen to the following proposals: 1:00 pm — Lucky's on Grand 1:30 pm — Blue Ribbon Bar and Eatery 2:00 pm — Lucky's Hideout 2:30 pm — Kenny's Place 3:00 pm — Lucky Leprechaun 3:30 pm — D Gee's 4:00 pm — Sham Rocks The State Fair received 27 proposals to operate the Steer 'N' Stein space after opting not to welcome back the former ownership group. Michael Krantz is accused of not paying several Steer 'N' Stein employees after the 2024 fair. Iowa State Fair spokeswoman Mindy Williamson says the decision on the replacement will be made on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the regular Iowa State Fair Board meeting. That begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Administration Building at the fairgrounds. Scholastic Spotlight: Creating a legacy to honor late Saydel librarian Former Drake neighborhood Jethro's building destroyed in overnight fire Cyclone Country Kennel Club of Ames Conformation Show finished New library wing in Story City continues Bartlett legacy Des Moines Home and Garden Show kicks off final day Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
