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The 1970s – Discovery Fairs

The theme for the 1970 Iowa State Fair, "Discover Iowa," challenged all Iowans to discover what their great state had to offer in the way of business, industry, agriculture and entertainment. Lawrence Welk made a return Grandstand appearance, along with Engelbert Humperdinck, Red Skelton and Johnny Cash. It was a year of records: Record prices were paid for the 4-H market lamb and steer, and total attendance set a record when more than 665,000 people passed through the outside gates.

"Discover Mexico," the theme for 1971, added a new dimension to the Fair, emphasizing the culture and customs of other lands and publicizing the great potential market in Mexico for Iowa's meat, milk, eggs and soybeans. Glen Campbell, The Carpenters, Charley Pride and The Jackson Five attracted huge crowds to the Grandstand.

The 1972 "Discover Canada" Fair, another in a series leading to the 1976 bicentennial celebration, featured Sonny and Cher, who still hold the record attendance for a Grandstand appearance: 26,200.

The 1973 "Discover Hawaii" Fair grossed $1,602,267 and was the most profitable in history, netting $286,605. Elton John pushed the one-show gross to more than $103,000; The Osmond Brothers, Tammy Wynette, and Seals and Croft set a new gross income high for the Grandstand. Some 15 acres of land were purchased for additional parking; University Avenue frontage was expanded 800 feet.

Also completed in 1973 was restoration of the original barn that stood on the Fairgrounds when it was purchased in 1886. Christened "Grandfather's Farm" and stocked with baby animals, it was the perfect setting for antique farm machinery displays during the Fair. Less than a decade later, the barn would be forced to close due to safety concerns; the barn was completely restored and re-opened to the public in 1994.

In 1974 "The Discoverers" Fair honored Christopher Columbus, emphasizing the land of his birth (Italy), and the country for which he sailed (Spain). The Hawaiian Village became International Place and thematic exhibits from Spain and Italy were displayed under the Grandstand. Art, photography, crafts and hobbies all were moved to the former Women's and Children's Building, renamed the "Cultural Center." Gross income totaled $1,461,851 for the 10 days. A new Grandstand record was set when Chicago grossed $129,260 - more than any single show in the history of all fairs in the United States and Canada at that time. Other Grandstand crowd-pleasers included Charlie Rich, Redd Foxx and Academy Award-winner Liza Minnelli.

"The Colonizers" Fair in 1975 featured the British Isles and presented an exciting British Premiere Show, including contemporary English singers and artists, authentic folk dancers and a town crier. In the Grandstand, Mac Davis, The Beach Boys, Helen Reddy and a variety of country stars, along with Olivia Newton-John, The Osmonds and Chicago, thrilled enthusiastic crowds.

The rainbow-colored Sky Glider, offering Fairgoers a breathtaking aerial view of the grounds as well as transportation between the Grand Concourse and Pioneer Hall, became a permanent attraction in 1975.