Events and Activities : Annual Parade to Kick-Off 2011 Iowa State Fair

The 2011 Iowa State Fair Parade is set Wednesday, August 10. The Parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines and is the annual kick-off to the Fair, which runs August 11-21.

In celebration of 100 years of the Butter Cow, butter sculptor Sarah Pratt will lead as Parade Marshal. This year marks Pratt's sixth year of sculpting solo, but she spent many years crafting butter bovines under former sculptor Norma "Duffy" Lyon. Lyon, affectionately known as the "Butter Cow Lady," passed away in June but had planned on joining Pratt as Parade Marshal. In honor of Lyon, a car with a display of yellow roses will join the parade. Lyon was Parade Marshal in 1997.

The Iowa State Fair Parade is the state's largest, showcasing nearly 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.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.