Parade

The 2013 Iowa State Fair Parade will be held in downtown Des Moines on Wednesday, August 7, at 6:15 p.m.

Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol Complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets. Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM FOX 17 beginning at 10 p.m.

For information on becoming a parade volunteer, see our volunteering page. Volunteers are needed to help facilitate many areas, including staging, barricades and dispersion.

Parade Applications

Enter your group in the state's largest parade. Separate applications are available for each entry type. 

Entries are due July 1. (Late entries will be accepted through July 15 with an additional late fee.)

Floats, Vehicles and Novelty Unit Application [PDF]
Floats, Vehicles and Novelty Unit Application [Word]

Horse Application [PDF]
Horse Application [Word]

Marching Bands Application [PDF]
Marching Bands Application [Word]

Walking & Performing Groups Application [PDF]
Walking & Performing Groups Application [Word]

Submit completed entry forms and fees to:

Tonya Cook

Special Events Director 
PO Box 57130 | Des Moines, Iowa 50317
Fax: 515-262-6906 
tcook@iowastatefair.org