The Iowa State Fair is presented every summer at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. Each year, the fair draws an estimated one million visitors.http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-iowafair-secur-a-,0,5395906.story

The Iowa State Fair was the inspiration for the musical State Fair by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It is one of the oldest agricultural expos in the United States. It has been hosted at the Iowa State Fairgrounds since 1886 and it showcases more than 600 vendors and exhibits.http://www.iowastatefair.com/about/historical.php

In 2010, the Iowa State Fair was held from August 12 through August 22, 2010. Along with the free entertainment provided at the fair, there were live concerts and events at the Grandstand nightly. Featured events and performers included the following:

• MercyMe and Newsboys
• Keith Urban with Kris Allen
• Shinedown with Chevelle
• Jeff Dunham
• Deery Brothers Summer Racing Series
• Pat Benetar and REO Speedwagon
• Grand Outlaw National Truck and Tractor Pull
• Darius Rucker
• Boys Like Girls
• Demolition Derby
• Sugarland
• Sheryl Crowhttp://www.iowastatefair.com/entertainment/mediaPlayer/grandstand.php

Tickets for each performance had to be purchased in addition to fair admission. Prices ranged from $5 to $47 each.http://www.iowastatefair.com/entertainment/mediaPlayer/grandstand.php

General admission to the fair was $10 for adults and $4 for children aged 6 to 11. Children under the age of 6 were allowed into the fair for free. Single cars paid $10 for parking at the fairground lot. The fair was open from 7:00 am to 1:00 am each day during the stay, except for Sunday, August 22 when the fair closed at 9:00 pm.http://www.iowastatefair.com/services/admission.php