Fair exhibit highlights Iowa State's impact

The university's 2025 Iowa State Fair exhibit is a celebration of innovation, community and Cyclone pride. Themed "Your Iowa. Your State. Your University," it helps visitors experience Iowa State's impact in Iowa and beyond. The fair runs Aug. 7-17 on Des Moines' east side.

For example, fairgoers will get an inside look at the Cyclone alumna behind the viral Eggo Frosted Maple Pop-Tart, how researchers are using music therapy to improve breathing and brain health, and the innovations that generated $136.6 million in revenue last year.

"This is more than a showcase. It's a celebration of how Iowa State University is helping Iowans thrive, one breakthrough at a time. From strengthening communities to advancing science and education, we're highlighting the powerful ways Cyclones make a difference," said Angie Strotman, branding and marketing manager, university marketing and communications.

The exhibit will be open to fairgoers in the Varied Industries Building every day of the fair, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to learning more about ISU difference-makers, visitors to the exhibit can pick up Cyclone football posters and free waterless temporary Cyclone tattoos. The University Book Store will sell a variety of Cyclone merchandise, gifts and apparel. And visitors can take photos of the Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy won by the football team in December 2024. Cy, Iowa State's beloved mascot, will be at the exhibit Friday, Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) on both fair weekends, Aug. 8-10 and Aug. 15-17.

4-H at the fair

Look for 4-H youth activities and displays each day in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building. Headquartered at Iowa State and available in all 99 counties, 4-H emphasizes hands-on learning in agriculture and natural resources, leadership and civic engagement, communication and the arts, healthy living and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

From livestock shows to a runway fashion show to educational presentations, 4-H will host multiple activities each day of the fair. Check out the full schedule of 4-H youth programming.

ISU students care for every fair animal

For more than a decade, a small and dedicated group of fourth-year veterinary students has played an integral role in animal health at the state fair. With guidance from College of Veterinary Medicine clinicians, the students examine and treat animals in need while working with owners and in view of the public.

Faculty clinicians Rachel Friedrich, Megan Hindman and Mitch Hiscocks will lead the team, which includes fourth-year students Aaron Peterson, Alek Goll, Mallory Wilhelm, Jameson Bell, Hannah Pollard and Jenna Trenhaile. Second- and third-year students also will assist with sheep check-ins.

Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine, will once again show a steer during the Governor's Charity Steer Show on Saturday, Aug. 9 (4:30 p.m., Livestock Pavillion). Grooms will be showing "Trice" owned by Matt Elbert of Rock Rapids. The steer is co-sponsored by the college and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.

Morgan LaViolette, a student recruiter in the college, will give a series of presentations at Vet Camp, an educational, hands-on learning program aimed at encouraging fourth- through seventh-graders to learn about animal health and what it's like to be an animal doctor.

Cyclone engineers bring history to life

Iowa's rural roots will be on display at the Iowa State Agricultural Building where visitors can experience a handcrafted model barn, a towering 25-foot Aermotor windmill with spinning blades and two newly completed silos. 

Iowa State students and faculty from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering collaborated with the project that began in 2023 to create the lightweight, historically accurate structure in celebration of Iowa’s history.