Information updated 8/5.

Be part of history with record-setting opening ceremonies at the 2008 Iowa State Fair. On August 7, all Fairgoers get free admission at the gate from 5-8:30 a.m. (parking not included). Fairgoers are encouraged to head to the Grandstand around 7 a.m. to catch the start of the festivities and to help set a world record for the most people simultaneously eating a corndog.

At 7:15 a.m. Fair Parade Marshal and NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will speak. In addition to being named the first female commander of the International Space Station in 2007, the Iowa native has received countless awards and recognitions for excellence in her field including the prestigious NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal. Today, she is NASA’s most experienced astronaut having spent just over 376 days in space.

The Opening Ceremonies will begin following Whitson’s remarks, culminating in the record-setting corndog chomp at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers will begin handing out free corndogs at approximately 8 a.m. Van and Bonnie from WHO Radio will be broadcasting live from the Grandstand starting at 5 a.m.

The opening day celebrations continue with contests, games, food and entertainment including three shows from the popular Farmall Promenade Square Dancing Tractors at 1, 3 and 6 p.m. on the Grand Concourse. The Fair performances are part of the Promenade’s farewell tour that concludes a 10-year dancing career. Check out the daily program for a complete list of the day's events.

The evening’s free entertainment includes CMA award-winner Lady Antebellum, The Nadas, The Blenders and Ron Dante of the Archies. Christian music icon Michael W. Smith will take the Grandstand stage at 8 p.m. with special guests Natalie Grant and Matthew West. Tickets for the Grandstand show are $25 (plus convenience charges) and are available through Ticketmaster and the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office.