Staying Healthy at the Iowa State Fair
August means a lot of things: back-to-school, savoring what’s left of farmers market season, and enduring the end-of-summer heat—but nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair. This year, let's make our fair adventures as healthy as they are fun!
The Annual Iowa State Fair is a beloved tradition by many people, famous for it’s food—70% of the fair-goers attend simply for the food! Listed below are some of our favorite healthy (and tasty) bites!
Food
Egg On A Stick
The Iowa Egg Council’s egg on a stick is one of the State Fairs longest standing traditions. Each year volunteers hand out over 170,000 hard boiled eggs. Stop by the Agricultural Building for a free protein packed snack!
The Salad Bowl
Also in the Agricultural Building—The Salad Bowl offers a variety of fresh food-on-a stick options
Caprese Salad
Salad
Fruit
The Iowa Egg Council’s Egg On A Stick
The Wild Alaskan Salmon Sandwich
Salmon is easier for your body to digest due to being a high quality protein, rich in vitamins and minerals, including Omega 3 which supports brain and heart health. For those reasons salmon is often said to be a lighter protein and an over all super food. Stop by the Smokey Grill in the Southwest corner of the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion to give this protein packed, grilled sandwich a try!
Bao Buns
For a lighter quick bite and a break from the fried foods, a steamed bun packed with fresh veggies and different types of protein! Lynn Gott, a Vietnam native and 30-year resident of Des Moines, produced the idea so she could see her culture represented in the Iowa State Fair, stop by Saigonais Cuisine, NorthWest of Livestock Pavilion!
Pork Chop on a Stick
A State Fair classic! A lean cut of meat, packed with protein, on a stick! Simple, tasty, and healthy! Stop by the Iowa Pork Producers Association tents at the east end of Grand Avenue, east of the main stand, or on Rock Island Avenue west of the Livestock Pavilion!
Sweet Treats
The State Fair heat is no joke, and who doesn’t love a sweet treat? For a healthier refreshing treat try monkey tails or a smoothie on a stick!
Pork Chop On A Stick
New This Year!
Each year there’s always new food released at the fair. This year, add these healthy picks to your list to try!
Protein bowl
Hand held charcuterie
Corn in a cup
Events
While food might be the main attraction at the fair, there’s still plenty of other fun (and healthy) activities!
Opening Day Walk
When: Opening August 8th, starting at 8:15am. This event is free!
The Opening Day Walk is a 1K walk starting near the Administration Building that takes a tour through state fair history! Governor Kim Reynolds attends to kick off the State Fair and raise awareness for the Healthiest State Annual Walk on October 2nd.
Goat Yoga
When: Friday August 16th, 1-2pm
Where: Livestock Pavilion
This isn’t the most intensive workout, but it is guaranteed to be an experience loaded with giggles, cuddles and just the right amount of cuteness to put you in a good mood. Tickets required for each class. All participants will receive an Iowa State Fair Barnyard Yoga Tote along with a swag bag from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative and much more! Classes fill up quickly, so register today!
Mini Hereford (cow) Yoga
When: Saturday August 17th, 4-5pm
Where: Outdoor Area
Similar to our goat yoga, it’s be a fun filled, lighthearted yoga session! Tickets required for each class. All participants will receive an Iowa State Fair Barnyard Yoga Tote along with a swag bag from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative and much more! Register today!