Marching to the Top at the Iowa State Fair Parade
August 11, 2017
The Iowa State Fair Parade, held Wednesday evening prior to the start of the Fair, is the largest in Iowa and also serves as the kick-off to the Fair, August 10-20.
Floats, vehicles and performing arts groups from around Iowa paraded from Finkbine and Walnut, down Walnut on to E 7th Street and took a left on Locust Street. The parade then traveled down 2nd Avenue before turning left and traveling West down Grand Avenue to 13th Street.
Leroy and Pat Perkins, 20 year Iowa State Fair volunteer veterans, served as parade marshals and led over 130 floats, vehicles, bands and performing groups in the annual Iowa State Fair kick-off.
Results below:
Floats/Vehicle/Novelty
Best use of Fair theme First Place - The Dance Avenue
Best use of Fair theme Second Place - Greater Des Moines Community Band
Most creative/original First Place - Star Wars 501st Legion
Walking/Performing Group
Best Specialty group First Place - Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corp.
Best Specialty group Second Place - Express Yourself Performing Edge
Best use of Fair theme First Place - DMI Dance Force
Best Specialty group- Horses - Rancho El Carrentero
Bands
Governor’s Cup - Cedar Falls High School
Best performance First Place - Dowling Catholic Vanguard
Best performance Second Place – Waverly Shell Rock
Best performance Third Place – East High School (Des Moines)
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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa’s greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. “Nothing Compares” to State Fair Thrills, August 10-20, 2017. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.