This past week has been everything about IOWA- IOWA- IOWA. I have to start off with my fav, Josh Groban, the singer was in town performing at the Wells Fargo Arena, Wednesday August 10th and spoke about the Iowa State Fair’s opening day on Thursday, a much talked about state fair throughout the country I might add. While Josh talked to a fan in the audience he asked her what she does at the fair. He got an unexpected answer. Her reply was she raises bunnies. The audience laughed in good humor, as Josh gave her a hard time about “raising bunnies’ all in good fun. Josh Groban’s concert was terrific and sold out. Iowans love Josh’s music and artistry and welcome him back. Des Moines books fabulous entertainment each year, another plus about living in Des Moines.
Thousands flock the fair over 10 days.
Also on Wednesday August 10th all the major and local new stations camped out waiting for the entire Republican Presidential candidates to arrive for the Iowa State Fair’s opening day August 11th. They were all scheduled to speak and ask Iowan’s to “pick me-pick me”. Sarah Palin also showed up with her bus tour to liven up the day even more. The buses that the candidates tour in are incredible. All pretty and dolled up, not your everyday city bus, but their home away from home for weeks at a time. I can’t imagine the fuel expenses, let alone the overall cost to tour for the candidates.
Then on Saturday in Ames, Iowa was the Straw Poll not to be missed. Each candidate talked to the crowds about the issues at hand, vote for me because I will-I can-I promise. Each candidate had their own massive tent filled with goodies, food, and give-a-ways. Thousands came, and lines were very long at each tent, however it was a beautiful summer day in the high 70’s and they did not mind waiting. Iowans are patient people.
So, who came out on top in the Straw Poll? Michelle Bachman did. Now we Iowans take our straw poll serious, and so do the candidates and the media networks. Millions of dollars came into Iowa in the last week. Absolutely a good kick for the local economy, plus they will all be back to travel Iowa during the Iowa caucus in January of 2012. I have lived in Iowa since 1979 and I consider my self a true Iowan for sure.
At the Iowa State Fair we have what is known as the corn kernel jar count. Fair goers’ place a kernel in the jar of their favorite candidate, and the candidate with the most kernels is announced a day or two after the fair.
Comments always welcomed on this subject.
