The Iowa State Fair is celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026, and a lineup of special competitive event classes will feature the country’s patriotic red, white and blue.
Winning entries that showcase patriotic themes will be eligible for a commemorative America 250 rosette and a premium of $25, in addition to regular premiums.
What are the Iowa State Fair events commemorating America’s birthday?
Creative Arts
Fabric & Threads
America 250 Division: Entries should celebrate America 250 with patriotic red, white and blue creativity in fiber.
Photography
The 2026 theme class will be America 250. Photographers are invited to “capture the stories, symbols, emotions, and energy that define this milestone.”
Food
Floriculture
4-H
Contestants must be an eligible Iowa 4-H member and enter through Iowa 4-H
Full details and entry instructions will be posted at iowastatefair.org on April 1.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State Fair celebrates America’s 250th birthday with special contests
Reporting by Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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