Sean Dengler. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

While the Winding Stairs Festival is an important festival all must attend, there is a slightly bigger event in Iowa which also brings people together. It is the Iowa State Fair. Whether it is attending concerts at the grandstand, looking at or showing the animals, or trying the newest and wackiest fair food, it is a place unlike any other.

It brings out every Iowan, those from the cities and those from the rural communities. The Iowa State Fair is the only Iowa event to have this effect. The Iowa-Iowa State football game is close to having this effect, but it leaves out non-sports enthusiasts. My friends who do not give a hoot whether it is a Hawkeye or Cyclone state will post about being at the Fair. It creates this beautiful effect.

The Iowa State Fair has its hokey elements, but it also puts on a show to entertain the masses. It is a rare place to watch a horse agility competition following a horse and carriage show while sitting in air conditioning. Throw in the butter cow, endless food stands, all the animals, and the different entertainment options throughout, and it creates a unique experience unlike any other.

Across political stripes, economic levels, and about everything else, all distinct types of Iowans attend the Fair. The United States may be more polarized than ever with social media siloing people off into separate groups, but when coming to the Iowa State Fair, those silos break down in a hurry in a good way. Friends and families want to come to the fair to have an exciting time. It could be seeing the animals, art, or drinking alcohol. It does not matter. People love the fair.

What I enjoyed most about the Fair this year was the new venue, at least new to me, the Bubbly Bar & Bistro. Nestled at the east end on top of the hill by the Grandfather’s Barn, this venue provided a beautiful view of the fairgrounds and downtown Des Moines. My wife and I enjoyed the Hive2O PB&J Hard Honey. While it tasted slightly like the communion wine of my youth at Zion Lutheran Church, the PB&J taste was delicious. This perfect drink was refreshing on a warm day.

Not everyone can make it to the Fair every year, but it is worth attending occasionally. Despite Iowans’ differences, it provides a place for us to gather around food, animals, and Iowa traditions. The Fair encapsulates what being an Iowan is all about for the most part while also delivering some over the top food along the way. Providing a wonderful escape from life, it makes for a wonderful time because nothing compares.

Sean Dengler is a writer, comedian, farmer, and host of the Pandaring Talk podcast who grew up on a farm between Traer and Dysart. You can reach him at sean.h.dengler@gmail.com.