IOWA STATE FAIR * AUGUST 7-17, 2025 * IOWA FAMILY LIVING GENERAL RULES

2025 IOWA STATE FAIR

IOWA FAMILY LIVING
General Rules & Regulations
August 7-17, 2025
Under Management of IOWA STATE FAIR BOARD
Chapter 173 - Code of Iowa
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Iowa State Fair
Iowa Family Living Entry Department
PO Box 57130
Des Moines, IA 50317-0003
515-262-3111, Extension 243 or 267
entryintern1@iowastatefair.org or entryintern2@iowastatefair.org
www.iowastatefair.org

Entries accepted online at https://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/competition/enter-iowa-family-living

Advance Gate Admission

Adults: $11; Children (ages 6-11): $7
Children (ages 5 and under): FREE every Fair day

Regular Gate Admission

Adults: $16; Children (ages 6-11): $10
Children (ages 5 and under): FREE every Fair day

Vehicle Permits
Vehicle permits can be purchased at the time of entry for $10 per day. Vehicle permits are required to park in
Fairgrounds lots on a space available basis. Vehicle permits are required to unload/load entries on the Fairgrounds,
August 7-17. During the Fair, Lot A parking is available at the University and East 33rd gate for $10 on a space available
basis. Vehicles parked in Lot A will not be allowed onto the inner grounds.

SUPERINTENDENTS, COORDINATORS & SUPERVISORS

Competitive Events Director...........................................Jennifer Cannon Fine Arts............................................................. Kara Berhow, Des Moines
Competitive Events Entry Coordinator........................... Tracy Wiseman Floriculture................................................................. Barry Laws, Indianola
Agricultural Education Coordinator...................................... Emily Wynn Food............................................................................Pat Berry, Urbandale
4-H Exhibits Building......................................................Gail Castillo, Ames Heritage..................................................................... Regina Pirtle, Carlisle
4-H Livestock............................................ Celine Beggs-Shoemaker, Ames Horse............................................................................. Noah Levy, Ankeny
Agricultural & Horticultural Crops....................Ronda Magnusson, Hartford Horse Pulling................................................................ Daniel Gray, Villisca
Agriculture Building.................................................. Mary Boysen, Wapello Horseshoe Pitching.....................................................Ralph Davis, Ankeny
Apiary................................................................. Andy Joseph, Des Moines Livestock Control...............................................................Doug Hlas, Traer
Art Attack..................................................... Kristie Ortiz, West Des Moines Livestock Pavilion................................................... Gene Parham, Corydon
Avenue of Breeds..................................................North Polk FFA, Alleman Llama...................................................................... Irene Gerwig, Winterset
Beef Cattle................................................ Tim Heindel, Columbus Junction Oenology....................................................................... Jeff Postal, Ankeny
Boer Goat............................................................ Gavin Tindle, Montezuma Photography....... Pam Deichmann, Winterset & Christina Young, Indianola
Commercial Wine...................................... Iowa Wine Growers Association Poultry......................................................................... Diana Dahir, Minden
Creative Arts & Crafts......................................................Kris Jones, Eldora Rabbit......................................................... Becky Stock, West Des Moines
Cultural Center................................................Charlotte Banks, St. Charles Sheep, Sheep Shearing, Stock Dog Trials.............. Don Hummel, Elk Horn
Dairy Cattle....................................................................Mike Eilers, Urbana Spin & Knit.................................................................. Jean Gross, Waukee
Dairy Goat............................................................... Butch Sowers, Nevada Swine........................................................................Ernie Barnes, Earlham
Dog..................................................................... Helena Lloyd, Des Moines Wood Projects......................................... Brenda Rekenthaler, Des Moines
Doll Houses & Miniature Rooms.............................Lori Bauer, Washington Youth Inn....................................................................Kathy Comer, Benton
Fabric & Threads.......................................................Anna Pilcher, Norwalk Youth Livestock Judging.......................ISU Livestock Judging Team, Ames
FFA.......................................................................... Dennis Meggers, Truro

Fair hours are 8:00 a.m. to midnight, August 7-16, with no on-site ticket sales and no entry/re-entry allowed after 10:00 p.m.
On August 17, the Fair is open 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with no on-site ticket sales and no entry/re-entry allowed after 7:00 p.m.

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 IOWA STATE FAIR * AUGUST 7-17, 2025 * IOWA FAMILY LIVING GENERAL RULES
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
INTERPRETATION OF RULES
1. The Iowa State Fair Management reserves to its Board the final and absolute right to interpret these Rules and Regulations as well as Iowa State
Fair Administrative Rules (available at the Manager’s Office), and settle and determine all matters, questions, and differences in regard thereto,
or otherwise arising out of, connected with, or incident to the Fair. Exhibitors failing to comply with any of these rules are subject to all premium
cancellations.
ENTRIES
2. SUBMITTING ENTRIES. Entries may be submitted online or by mail. Online entry and a printable Iowa Family Living entry form are available at:
https://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/competition/enter-iowa-family-living. If entering online, payment will be collected at time of entry. If entering
by mail, complete entry form and return it with full payment of all fees to: Iowa State Fair, Iowa Family Living Entry Department, PO Box 57130, Des
Moines, IA 50317-0003.
3. Entries must be filed with the Entry Department no later than the deadline date in each department listed under special rules.
4. Each exhibitor, as a requirement for entry, will pay an entry fee. Entry fees are listed in each department under special rules. Entry fees must
accompany entry. Payment of fees must be in the form of cash, cashiers check, personal check, MasterCard, Visa or money order. Absolutely no
two party checks of any kind will be accepted.
5. There will be a $20 charge for each returned check and issuer could be liable for up to three times the amount of the check. Cash, cashiers check
or money order will be required if a check is returned for insufficient funds. All insufficient fund checks must be cleared before October
15. If such checks are not cleared by October 15, these exhibitors may enter the next year’s Fair only on a cash basis and must include
payment of funds past due.
6. No refunds of entry fees will be made unless cancellation is received IN WRITING (letter or e-mail) before July 21. No refunds will be given on
tickets, wristbands or vehicle permits. No refunds of $10 or less will be issued. Refunds will be made by mail after the close of the Fair (separate
from premium checks). Requests for refunds of any kind will not be considered if received after October 15.
7. In the event of conflict of general and special rules, the latter will govern.
8. Articles which are the result of mechanical or artistic skill must be entered by the artist, inventor, manufacturer or authorized agent.
9. Exhibitor age is determined by age on the entry deadline unless otherwise specified. Please refer to each department for youth classes and age
breaks.
10. Should any individual enter an article in a name other than that of a bona fide owner or attempt to perpetrate a fraud by misrepresenting any fact, the
entry shall not be allowed to compete for or receive any premium.
11. Exhibits which have been erroneously entered may, at the discretion of the superintendent of the department, be transferred to their proper classes
prior to judging. If such classes have been judged they shall not be rejudged. The Management reserves the right to return any entries received
beyond the capacity of the facilities offered.
12. The Iowa State Fair reserves the right to refuse entry of any exhibitor who has been barred from any fair or livestock show holding membership in the
International Association of Fairs and Expositions on the basis of unethical practices, violation of drug residue avoidance programs, or violation of any
Show rules.
13. As an Iowa State Fair exhibitor, I hereby acknowledge that my photograph may be taken by the official Iowa State Fair photographer for use by the
Iowa State Fair and agree to release and hold harmless the State of Iowa, Iowa State Fair Authority, their officers, employees and agents and any
and all parties to whom this or any photograph may be released. This photograph was taken for artistic reasons or newsworthiness and I agree that
it may be released to any medium and may be used in any manner for any purpose whatsoever without compensation.
PLACEMENTS OF EXHIBITS
14. See special rules in each department for date and time when exhibits are due.
15. Articles entered may be shipped or mailed direct to the department in which they are to be exhibited, but in no case will such package be received
or placed on exhibition unless all charges are prepaid. For standard mail, send to: Iowa State Fair, __________ Department, PO Box 57130, Des
Moines, IA 50317. For UPS or FedEx, send to: Iowa State Fair, __________ Department, 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317.
Sender’s name and address should be included in top left corner. Instructions and return postage (please provide pre-paid shipping label) for
returning same package should be placed inside the package. See special rules in each department for shipping deadlines.
16. The Management will in no case assume or pay the transportation charges on articles sent for exhibition, or assume or pay any expense in their
delivery to the Fairgrounds.
17. The Management will use diligence in caring for the safety of entries after their arrival and placement, but in no case will they be responsible for any
loss or damage that may occur.
RELEASE OF EXHIBITS
18. See special rules in each department for date and time when exhibits are released.
19. Under no circumstances will exhibitors be permitted access to display cases or spaces where exhibits are shown.
PREMIUMS
20. Premium checks in all departments will be paid as soon after the close of Fair as possible. Since the books for the Iowa State Fair will be closed in
October, any discrepancies in the amounts of premium checks must be called to our attention before October 15. No claims for error after that date
can be honored.
21. The Iowa State Fair Board is pleased to list special premiums and awards in the Premium Book, but will not be responsible for their payment or
delivery unless they have been received by the Competitive Events Director by opening day of the Fair.
22. Special prizes will not be accepted for classes that do not conform to the regular classifications of the department in which they are offered unless for
reasons satisfactory to the Executive Committee and the superintendent of the department in which they are offered.
23. When there is only one exhibitor in a class, the first prize, if merited, will be awarded. When articles are not worthy of first prize, judges may, at their
discretion, award a prize or prizes of such grade as the articles merit. When there is competition, all prizes may be awarded so far as there are worthy
entries. If two entries are equal, both place monies are to be totaled and divided equally.
24. The Iowa State Fair is required to report payments of $600 or more to the Internal Revenue Service. Any exhibitor receiving $600 or more will be
required to provide the Iowa State Fair with a completed IRS Form W-9 providing a taxpayer identification number. These exhibitors will be sent a
form from the Iowa State Fair Competitive Events Department. The exhibitor’s premium check will be mailed after a completed W-9 has been returned
to the Competitive Events Department.
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 IOWA STATE FAIR * AUGUST 7-17, 2025 * IOWA FAMILY LIVING GENERAL RULES
PROTESTS
25. Protests - Disciplinary Action. Any and all participants in any and all events described in this Premium Book hereby acknowledge that they are
voluntarily agreeing to participate in said event. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book hereby expressly
acknowledge in a knowing and informed manner that the participant has no constitutional or statutory right to participate or compete in any and all
events covered by this Premium Book and that the participant shall abide by and is subject to all rules and procedures applicable to the event entered
as stated in this Premium Book. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book hereby expressly acknowledge the
following as an express condition of their voluntary decision to participate in any and all events covered by this Premium Book:
A. The protest procedures and remedies set out in this section of the Premium Book are the exclusive procedures and remedies concerning
any protest, discipline or complaint regarding any action of the Fair arising in any way from participation in any and all events covered by this
Premium Book.
B. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book hereby expressly acknowledge in a knowing and informed manner
that no right to pursue an action as a contested case pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 17A exists concerning any decision or action on any protest,
discipline or complaint taken by the Fair arising in any way from participation in any and all events covered by this Premium Book. Any and all
participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book hereby acknowledge and expressly agree that the procedures and remedies
set out in this Premium Book shall be the exclusive procedures and remedies available to any and all participants concerning any decision or
action taken by the Fair on any protest, discipline or complaint in any and all events covered by this Premium Book.
C. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book expressly acknowledge and expressly agree that they will have the
burden of going forward and the burden of proof concerning the establishment of the grounds for any protest, discipline or complaint brought
under the provisions of this Premium Book.
1. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book shall have 24 hours from the conclusion of the show involving
the class in question to file any protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints brought under the provisions of this Premium Book
which involve any issue other than the results of drug testing.
2. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book shall have 10 days following the receipt of testing results to
file any protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints brought under the provisions of this Premium Book involving the results of
drug testing.
3. The Iowa State Fair will not consider any protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints based upon the statement that a judge or
judges are incompetent.
4. Any and all protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints filed pursuant to this paragraph shall be in writing using the Iowa State
Fair Official Protest Form and shall be filed with Fair Board Secretary within the above-referenced time period(s).
5. Any and all protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints filed pursuant to this paragraph shall be accompanied by a deposit of
$250 which will be forfeited if the protest is not sustained. Deposit must be filed with Fair Board Secretary contemporaneously with any and
all protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints.
6. The Competition Committee of the State Fair Board shall consider any protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints filed
pursuant to this paragraph as speedily as possible and their decision may be appealed exclusively using the appeal procedure set out in
rule 26 of this Premium Book.
D. The Iowa State Fair Board shall only consider protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints filed by a Participant entered in the same
Department as the Participant that is the subject of the protest, challenge of disciplinary action or complaint.
APPEALS OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION
26. Appeals of Disciplinary Action - Any and all participants in any and all events described in this Premium Book hereby acknowledge that they are
voluntarily agreeing to participate in said event. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book hereby expressly
acknowledge in a knowing and informed manner that the participant has no constitutional or statutory right to participate or compete in any and all
events covered by this Premium Book and that the participant shall abide by and is subject to all rules and procedures applicable to the event entered
as stated in this Premium Book. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book hereby expressly acknowledge the
following as express conditions of their voluntary decision to participate in any and all events covered by this Premium Book:
A. The appeal procedures and remedies set out in this section of the Premium Book are the exclusive procedures and remedies concerning any
appeal of any action of the Fair arising in any way from participation in any and all events covered by this Premium Book.
B. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book hereby acknowledge and expressly agree that the procedures and
remedies outlined in this Premium Book shall be the exclusive appellate procedures and remedies available to any and all participants in any
and all events covered by this Premium Book.
C. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book expressly acknowledge and expressly agree that they will have the
burden of going forward and the burden of proof concerning the establishment of the grounds for any appeal brought under the provisions of this
Premium Book.
D. Specific procedures for appeals concerning positive drug tests or questions of animal identification are set out in board policy which are available
upon request. These procedures are incorporated by reference herein.
The appeal procedures are as follows:
1. Any and all participants in any and all events covered by this Premium Book shall have 10 days from the entrance of a decision of the
Competition Committee concerning any protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints brought under the provisions of this
Premium Book to file an appeal of said decision.
2. The Iowa State Fair will not consider any appeal based upon the statement that a judge or judges are incompetent.
3. Any and all appeals of any decision of the Competition Committee concerning any protests, challenges of disciplinary action or
complaints brought under the provisions of this Premium Book shall be in writing and shall be filed with Fair Board Secretary within the
above-referenced time period(s).
4. Any and all appeals of any decision of the Competition Committee concerning any protests, challenges of disciplinary action or complaints
brought under the provisions of this Premium Book shall be accompanied by a deposit of $250 which will be forfeited if the appeal is not
sustained. Deposit must be filed with Fair Board Secretary contemporaneously with any and all appeals.
5. The State Fair Board shall consider any and all appeals of any decision of the Competition Committee concerning any protests, challenges
of disciplinary action or complaints brought under the provisions of this Premium Book filed pursuant to this paragraph as speedily as
possible and their decision in the matter shall be final. In considering appeals from the Competition Committee the Board may follow the
procedures set forth in 371 Iowa Administrative Code 1.3(3).