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Conclusion

From simple beginnings, the Iowa State Fair has become larger, longer and wider in scope. It has become a pacesetter in the industry. The Fair's evolution from a simple stock show to today's agricultural, industrial and entertainment extravaganza is a direct reflection of Iowa's evolution from an untilled prairie to the very center of the nation's food production. The Iowa State Fair has been the historical trademark of this progress. For more than 14 decades - more than a century in the same location - the Fair has instructed, influenced and guided an agricultural people in making agricultural history.

Over the years the Fair has never veered from its primary purpose: the celebration of excellence, the recognition of individual achievement and the enhancement of agriculture. Whether it's Grandma's pickles, Dad's farm gadget, the neighbor's Cookout Contest entry or sister's photography, the emphasis continues to be recognition of the particular talent or skill that makes each person unique. The Fair is the true, ever-changing reflection of what's best about Iowa and her people.

Iowa State Fair Secretary/Managers

Iowa State Agricultural Society

• J.M. Shaffer, Fairfield, 1854-1856
• J.H. Wallace, Muscatine, 1856-1863
• J.M. Shaffer, Fairfield, 1863-1874
• John R. Shaffer, Fairfield, 1874-1894
• P.L. Fowler, Des Moines, 1894-1899
• G.H. Van Houten, Lenox, 1899-1900

Iowa Board of Agriculture

• G.H. Van Houten, Lenox, 1901
• J.C. Simpson, Des Moines, 1901-1911
• Arthur R. Corey, Des Moines, 1911-1923

Iowa State Fair Board

• Arthur R. Corey, Des Moines, 1923-1941
• Lloyd B. Cunningham, Des Moines, 1941-1962
• Kenneth Fulk, Des Moines, 1962-1977
• James D. Taylor, Des Moines, 1977-1985
• Marion Lucas, Des Moines, 1986-2001; CEO 2001-2002
• Gary D. Slater, Des Moines, 2001-present