No Fair? No fair!

August is usually when the Iowa State Fair takes place here in Des Moines. The Iowa State Fair is an enormous event, attracting huge crowds amounting to more than a million attendees over its eleven days. The bill of fare is eclectic, from animal exhibitions to art shows to huge concerts. There is not one but three midways at the Fair, from tiny rides for kiddies to formidable giant machines that seem intended to separate the riders from their lunch. During several past Fairs it has been my practice to spend time sketching the people and events. But this year's Fair was cancelled long ago, for obvious reasons. So here are a few remembrances of fairs past.

"Breakfast at the Fair," watercolor, 3x5

A lot of folks begin a day at the State Fair with breakfast in one of the places that dot the area. Some are run by churches, others are privately owned. But most serve what I'd call "country breakfasts" featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, and the trimmings. These are canopied, but otherwise open-air places with folding tables set on sawdust-covered grass. They serve thousands every morning, starting even before the grounds open. I love the breakfast and always try a quick sketch or two of my fellow early birds.

"Tram at the State Fair," watercolor, 4x8

The fairgrounds are enormous (more than 700 acres, counting adjoining campgrounds) so that getting around can be exhausting. But every year volunteers drive big John Deere tractors towing passenger trams. They make a circuit of the grounds in something like forty minutes, but provide real help for many. The stop I sketched above is just outside a big building that houses the exhibits of the arts--painting, sculpture, photography, and more.

"The Discovery Garden," watercolor, 3x5

One of the great old buildings on the fairgrounds is the Agriculture Building, built a century or so ago, where all sorts of shows and competitions are on view. One day there might be a display of bonsai and on another you'll see award-winning produce. The interior is two stories with an open balcony that surrounds the inside. And of course the famous butter cow (sculpted from butter in a refrigerated display case) is there too. But outside is one of my favorite spots, the Discovery Garden, a big plot of flowers and shrubs planted and maintained by the local chapter of Master Gardeners. It's a cool and pleasant spot to sketch, and as a bonus they scatter wooden beach chairs about the grounds. I've sketch from this spot many times (above), where a small sculpture of a gardener is surrounded by hardy hibiscus and others.

"Fairgrounds Clock, the Grand Concourse," watercolor, 5x9

Just outside the Discovery Garden and across the street is the Grand Concourse, featuring the Grandstand, Fair offices, and other exhibition spaces. During the year it is a street opening into the city but during the Fair it becomes a huge pedestrian space lined with food concessions as well. The big blue clock at the eastern end is just across from the Grandstand, where top musical acts appear nightly during fair time. 

"Nothing Runs Like a Deere," watercolor, 8x10

Another favorite of mine is an exhibit of restored farm tractors. These are all vintage farm equipment that has been lovingly restored to mint condition, usually by members of the Future Farmers of America. These machines range from small ones to behemoths, and those that are old enough sport tires that are custom-built because they're no longer made. I painted a 1949 John Deere that was shown during one Fair. These immaculate farm machines always make me smile. 

"Yearling Rams Show Ring," graphite, 3x6

"Percherons," graphite, 3x5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are tons of other things we've missed because of this year's closure, from the butter cow to the biggest pumpkin contest, to team pulling with percherons, to pork chops on a stick. The absence of the Fair is a big void for a lot of us. 

 

As it stands the Iowa State Fair will be back next year, and I for one will be there. I want a corn dog.