The Iowa State Fair is Iowa's largest 11-day consumer event, running from Aug. 7 to Aug. 17, 2014. Throughout the fair, consumers can learn about the corn industry by visiting these corn sponsored activities:

* Thank-a-Farmer Program is in the Animal Learning Center and educates fairgoers on the products connected to agriculture. The show runs daily during the entire fair at 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Stop to see Iowa Corn farmers introduce the program on Friday, Aug. 15.

CORN AND MORE: The Iowa Corn Growers Association and other ag groups are sponsoring a number of displays and exhibits at this year's Iowa State Fair. This slide show includes signs and photos ICGA is using at several of these educational and fun exhibits, for kids and adults.

* Little Hands on the Farm is a fun and popular event for families. Children can walk through the grain bin and learn facts about corn. After their journey through the grain bin they can pick up a package of corn and feed it to the cattle in the cattle bunk. The exhibit is open daily from 9 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. 

* Farmville is an interactive exhibit area in the John Deere Agriculture Building. It is sponsored by Alliant Energy with five other commodity groups in partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). This exhibit features the different conservation practices that farmers use to keep our waters clean and safe. The display is open daily from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

* Farm With Us display in the John Deere Agriculture Building sponsored by Alliant Energy features a 'green screen' where fairgoers can get their photo taken in front of a vibrant cornfield. Fairgoers will receive a printed 4x6 inch copy of the photo; it will be emailed to them and they can choose to share it on their Facebook page by using the hashtag #ISFFarmWithUs. The display is open daily from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

* Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair is Friday, Aug. 15. Iowa Corn will be on the Grand Concourse with fun activities for all ages. Walk through the corn maze and learn facts about corn, enter to win tickets to the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series football game, receive Kum & Go ethanol coupons and watch the Farmland film at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. The film, from award-winning director James Moll, steps inside the world of farming for a glimpse into the lives of young farmers and ranchers. To learn more about the film visit www.farmlandfilm.com.

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IPTV To Hold Iowa Press Debate For Governor Race
In other State Fair news this week, Iowa Public Television will hold a gubernatorial debate on Thursday, August 14 at the Iowa State Fair. The hour-long debate will begin at 4 p.m. in front of a live audience in the Penningroth Media Center. The program will air live on IPTV WORLD and be streamed online. The debate will broadcast on IPTV's primary high-definition channel on Thursday at 7 p.m. 

The following candidates for Governor of Iowa will participate in the August 14 debate: Terry Branstad (R-Panora) and Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines). Dean Borg, longtime host of Iowa Public Television's public affairs program "Iowa Press", will moderate the debate. Reporters joining Borg include Kay Henderson, news director for Radio Iowa; Kathie Obradovich, political columnist for The Des Moines Register, and James Lynch, political writer for The Gazette. Candidates will answer questions from reporters and discuss their platforms, concerns and future plans for the state of Iowa. 

LIVE statewide broadcast Thursday, August 14, from 4 to 5 p.m.
The "Iowa Press Governor Debate" kicks off Iowa Public Television's 2014 "Iowa Press Debate" series including multiple events across the state. Details regarding future debates will be released in the coming weeks. The "Iowa Press Governor Debate" will be open to the public with doors opening at 3 p.m. Spectators should plan to arrive no later than 3:45 p.m. to be seated prior to the live televised debate. Members of Friends of Iowa Public Television may reserve seating by calling 800.728.2828. 

For more information on the "Iowa Press Governor Debate", please contact Kristen Gray at 515.725.9703 or [email protected]. 

"Capitol-To-Corndogs Clean 5K Run" is August 14
In other news, several local organizations are partnering to keep Iowa and the Iowa State Fair beautiful. On Thursday, August 14 at 5:30 pm, the Green Runners of Des Moines will lead a run from the State Capitol to the Iowa State Fair, collecting trash along the way. The event is free and the first 30 runners to sign up will receive free admission to the State Fair and a free beverage from the Budweiser Tent. The Green Runners will be joined by news anchor Megan Reuther from WHO Channel 13.

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The event brings together Keep Iowa Beautiful, the Iowa State Fair, Doll Distributing, and the Green Runners of Des Moines with the shared goal of raising awareness about litter prevention and keeping both Iowa and the Iowa State Fair clean. The run combines the opportunity to improve your health and the health of the neighborhoods by cleaning up litter along the route. Runners will have a chance at more prizes for the most trash collected and most unique item found. "The Green Runners are elated to be participating in this fun event with such prominent local organizations," says Rachel Kautzky-Scheib, founder of the group. "We hope the run will raise awareness for litter prevention and trash cleanup to keep our communities safe and green."

Iowa State Fair is one of the cleanest in the nation
Gerry Schnepf, the executive director of Keep Iowa Beautiful says, "The Iowa State Fair is one of the cleanest in the nation. Efforts over the past 10 years with the Fair, KIB and the waste agencies that service the Fair (currently Waste Management Inc.) and the Metro Waste Authority have made significant changes in the appearance of the State Fair. There is still a need to bring attention to the litter that occurs as people leave the Fairgrounds and travel through the adjoining neighborhoods. This partnership supports existing efforts by the Iowa State Fair to be a good neighbor and brings attention to the public the importance of keeping the Fair and the state clean and beautiful." 

The Iowa State Fair runs from August 7 through August 17 and will feature all the exciting annual events such as contests, entertainment, Grandstand concerts and the Butter Cow. For a complete list of events and attractions, visit www.iowastatefair.org. 

Green Runners T-shirts will be for sale at the start of the run for $20. Runners should plan to arrive at the State Capitol around 5:00 p.m. in running attire. Bags and personal items will be transported to the State Fair from the Capitol. Bus rides are available at no cost from the State Fair to the Capitol. To sign up for the Capitol to Corndogs Clean 5K run, email Rachel at [email protected].

For more information about these local organizations, visit their websites:

Keep Iowa Beautiful

Green Runners

Iowa State Fair

Doll Distributing