GreeneCountyNewsOnline has some money-saving State Fair tips
“Nothing Compares” to the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 7-17 at the State Fairgrounds on the east side of Des Moines! This year’s theme is “Amazingly Amusing,” and what’s more amusing than saving some green?
For many families, going to the State Fair is an August tradition, one that wilts just a little when the expense gets put side-by-side with outfitting kids for a new school year. But, with a bit of planning, families can trim the expense without trimming the fun.
The Jefferson Fareway store has sold all of its discount advance admission tickets, but discount tickets are still available online at iowastatefair.org. Advance tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-11; full ticket price is $11 and $5.
Or, for those not up to an entire day at the fair, the price of tickets at the gate is $6 for adults and $3 for kids from 5 to 10 pm Monday through Thursday.
Veterans will get a break on admission Monday, Aug. 11. Active and retired members of the military and their spouses will be admitted for $8 from 7 am to 5 pm. Be prepared to show a military ID.
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, admission will be $3 off (from 7 am to 5 pm) with a donation of at least two canned food items. There will be a limit of one discount per donation. Wednesday, Aug. 13, is Older Iowans Day. Fairgoers age 60 and older will get in for $8 until 5 pm.
And, if it gets to Aug. 17 and you still haven’t been to the fair, admission is $5 off for adults and $2 off for children until 9 pm.
Note: None of the above offers are valid with any other discounts.
Parking in the “official” lots at the fairgrounds is a hefty $10 a car, but there are ways to save on parking. Free parking is available at Seventh and Center St in downtown Des Moines, at the state capitol (near the bell), and at Southeast Polk Schools. To get to the fairgrounds, ride a DART shuttle or a SEP school bus for only $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and kids. Folks who have advance gate tickets ride the shuttle for half price. Hours for the parking and shuttles are 8:30 am to midnight every day of the fair.
Saving money getting through the gate is great, but who goes to the Iowa State Fair and doesn’t eat anything?
This year’s State Fair food includes a collection of value-priced items. New bargain-priced treats include food contest finalists Funnel Cake Sticks, Smoked Brisket and Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Caprese Salad On-a-Stick, Brownie Blitz, and the Three Buck Bowl, all for only $3 each. The newest Fair Square flavor, Fair-berry, is a blend of crisped rice cereal and marshmallows with a burst of strawberry flavor…. and it’s only $2.
