Cheapout on Parking
I looked back on it and realized that I missed one important cheapout--how to cheapout on parking. We've been doing this since they started, and it also helps reduce the headache and stress involved in finding parking at the fairgrounds. First, you'll have to fight through all the Fair traffic to get there. Then, I believe it costs anywhere from $5 (to park in someone's yard) and $10 to park your car at the Iowa State Fair. Once you find a parking place, you will then have to hike a couple of blocks to get to the entrance.We love the Park and Ride shuttles provided by DART. Parking is free at a few lots throughout the Des Moines area, and then it costs $2 for adults, $1 for children 6-10 years old for the round trip ride right up to the gate.
I see there is also a State Fair Express, loading in many outlying parts of Iowa. We haven't tried this, but it might be something to look into if you've got a long drive. Click the link for more routing information.
More Cheapouts
If you received the Des Moines Register on Sunday, don't throw it out yet! There's a free guide to the fair with maps and each day's activities. Be sure to look at the free entertainment scattered at the different stages throughout the grounds, because there will be old favorites (Lee Greenwood on 8/12, Vanilla Ice and Tone Loc on 8/15, Davy Jones on 8/12, The Grass Roots on 8/22, among others), new up-and-coming artists, and local favorites like The Nadas, Blue Band, and more. Plan these into your day for a chance to rest your feet and enjoy great music.
There is also a coupon on page 18FA for half price fair admission on the first day of the fair--That's Thursday!
In my previous post I mentioned pre-buying the tickets and Fair Play packs. You are still able to order these up through Wednesday at noon, though you will have to pick them up at the Will Call office. More information on pre-orders HERE.
We purchased the Fair Play packs last year and found them to be a great deal. For a reduced price, you will receive:
Ages 5 and Under - $15 (a $22.50 value)
• 1 Giant Slide or Ye Old Mill ride
• 1 Sky Glider ride
• 1 Snakes Alive or Butterfly House or Train Exhibit admission
• 1 Pony or camel ride at Perry’s Petting Zoo
• 1 Midway ride
• 5 $1 food/beverage coupons
• (Children ages 5 and under are admitted free every Fair day.)
• 1 Giant Slide or Ye Old Mill ride
• 1 Sky Glider ride
• 1 Snakes Alive or Butterfly House or Train Exhibit admission
• 1 Pony or camel ride at Perry’s Petting Zoo
• 1 Midway ride
• 5 $1 food/beverage coupons
• (Children ages 5 and under are admitted free every Fair day.)
Ages 6-11 - $18 (a $26.50 value)
• 1 Child gate admission
• 1 Giant Slide or Ye Old Mill ride
• 1 Sky Glider ride
• 1 Snakes Alive or Butterfly House or Train Exhibit admission
• 1 Pony or camel ride at Perry’s Petting Zoo
• 1 Midway ride
• 5 $1 food/beverage coupons
• 1 Child gate admission
• 1 Giant Slide or Ye Old Mill ride
• 1 Sky Glider ride
• 1 Snakes Alive or Butterfly House or Train Exhibit admission
• 1 Pony or camel ride at Perry’s Petting Zoo
• 1 Midway ride
• 5 $1 food/beverage coupons
Ages 12 and Older - $19 (a $28.50 value)
• 1 Adult gate admission
• 1 Giant Slide or Ye Old Mill ride
• 1 Sky Glider ride
• 1 Snakes Alive or Butterfly House or Train Exhibit admission
• 1 Midway ride
• 5 $1 food/beverage coupons
• 1 Adult gate admission
• 1 Giant Slide or Ye Old Mill ride
• 1 Sky Glider ride
• 1 Snakes Alive or Butterfly House or Train Exhibit admission
• 1 Midway ride
• 5 $1 food/beverage coupons
This allows everyone to get into a few of the paid activities and try out a ride on the midway without a lot of additional out of pocket expense. We have gone to the Train Exhibit (great if you have a young Thomas fan) and Snakes Alive (tons of different reptiles and a chance to hold a large snake), but we're going to try out the Butterfly House this year.
If you use your Sky Glider ride judiciously, you can get from the low side of the fair up the big hill. We try to start there and work our way down the hill for the rest of the day.
Don't forget to stop at the Varied Industry building. It's now air conditioned, and it's a freebie lover's heaven with all the pens, tattoos, stickers, hats, bags, and much more.
You can also check out the Cultural Building (it's at the top of the big hill) to see many local artisans creating and selling their wares. My friend Mama Peacock will be there with Jo Myers-Walker, so tell her Roseanne said "Hi."
You can also check out the Cultural Building (it's at the top of the big hill) to see many local artisans creating and selling their wares. My friend Mama Peacock will be there with Jo Myers-Walker, so tell her Roseanne said "Hi."
What's your favorite part of the fair? Do you have a cheapout I forgot to mention? What are you most looking forward to seeing this year? We're all excited about the Sioux City Rockestra, and the kids are still talking about Little Hands on the Farm.
