DES MOINES, Iowa — Thursday marked Day 1 of the Iowa State Fair, with visitors coming from near and far to enjoy all that Iowa has to offer.
"We've come for the last 13 years," said one attendee. "Since I've been with my husband."
"We've camped up here for 40 years," another fairgoer told Local 5.
Gates open at 8 a.m. each day at the fairgrounds.
Local 5 and CW Iowa 23 are bringing exciting 2023 Iowa State Fair experiences to you, from live newscasts to an interactive Local 5 Weather Lab experience. Come see us in front of the Administration Building (Grand Concourse) each day between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- TONIGHT ON THE GRANDSTAND: For King + Country
- TONIGHT'S FREE CONCERTS: Priscilla Block (Susan Knapp Ampitheater), Rockland Road (Anne and Bill Riley Stage), Jason Brown (MidAmerican Energy Stage)
Heroes' Day
Thursday's fair theme was Heroes' Day, a time for agencies like the Iowa State Patrol and various fire departments to set up along the Grand Concourse and share the ways they keep communities safe.
"All the different um first responders and representatives come out and show off some of our equipment we have we have multiple cars on display," said Trooper Ryan DeVault with the Iowa State Patrol.
More from the fair
WATCH: Complete coverage of the 2023 Iowa State Fair