Soft ground delays Iowa State Fair camper and vendor setup

DES MOINES, Iowa — Soft ground conditions from recent heavy rains have Iowa State Fair organizers pressing pause on what vendors and campers will be allowed to do this weekend at the fairgrounds.

Vendor and camper setup is being pushed back to Sunday, July 27th. Organizers are worried that damage to grassy areas could occur because the ground is too soft right now. They don’t want deep ruts that could cause safety issues for vehicles and campers.

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Some setup is being allowed on Saturday for concessionaires and outdoor vendors, but only on hard surfaces.

Vendors setting up in grassy areas won’t be able to do so until Sunday at 8:00 a.m.

Campers can line up at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday to be admitted to the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds.

The 2025 Iowa State Fair runs from August 7-17. Find out more about ticketing, vendors, and the schedule at iowastatefair.org.

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