Courtney Crowder: Catch up on my stories from the 2023 Iowa State Fair
11 days. 12 stories. Countless ounces of root beer.
From contests featuring the Big Boar to fried grilled cheeses to husband calling, I met some fascinating people while covering nearly every inch of the Iowa State Fair.
Catch up on any of my stories you missed below. 👇
This nurse has entered the Iowa State Fair cinnamon roll contest for years. This could be her last bake.
DeeDee Kennedy has been perfecting her cinnamon rolls since she was 12. But she couldn't get Iowa State Fair judges to notice — until this year.
READ HERE: This Iowan has entered the State Fair cinnamon roll contest for years. This could be her last bake.
The inside story of how the Iowa Pork Tent at the State Fair became a political kingmaker
Mitt Romney believes in the five-second rule. Spanky, a longtime grill master, does not — at least not when he's grilling loins at the Iowa Pork Tent.
READ HERE: The inside story of how the Iowa Pork Tent at the State Fair became a political kingmaker
‘I'm fearless': How a 95-year-old caterwauled her way to a Husband Calling blue ribbon
From screaming to skits to an opera aria to a tap routine, the Iowa State Fair's Husband Calling Contest ensured 'They can't tune us out!'
READ HERE: ‘I'm fearless': How a 95-year-old caterwauled her way to a Husband Calling blue ribbon
How a spaghetti sandwich led to the State Fair-winning deep-fried bacon brisket grilled cheese
Chef Joni Bell sold nearly 50,0000 of her winning deep-fried bacon brisket grilled cheeses. Here's the inside story of how the dish came together.
Can the Big Boar contest survive artificial insemination? This 10-year-old boy could help.
Big Joe was supposed to go to harvest, but he missed the truck. Now, he’s an Iowa State Fair reserve champion, and his 10-year-old owner has big plans.
‘A family heirloom’: Iowa State Fair butter sculptor's twin daughters hope to continue legacy
Grace and Hannah Pratt grew up in the Iowa State Fair butter cooler, learning sculpting from their mom, Sarah. “Butter was our playdough," Grace says.
The 'Super Bowl' of eggs: How Iowa farmers give away 170,000 eggs on a stick at State Fair
What does it take to give away at least 170,000 eggs at the Iowa State Fair? One key attribute: Having a good answer to "Which came first?"
Inside a heartwarming State Fair tradition ― a children's citizenship ceremony
Midway tunes and fresh corndogs played the perfect Americana backdrop when 50 kids received naturalization certificates at the Iowa State Fair.
2023 Iowa State Fair Queen Kalayna Durr ‘definitely did not think it was going to be me’
Kalayna Durr was inspired to be State Fair queen by her 4-H Clover Kids mentor: "I wanted to be someone who girls from my community could look up to, too."
READ HERE: 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen Kalayna Durr ‘definitely did not think it was going to be me’
What makes a Hairball show so great? It's 'rock 'n' roll church.'
Hairball band members transform into their childhood rock 'n' roll superheroes at every show. 'Our intention is to make you do a double take,' says one performer.
READ HERE: What makes a Hairball show so great? It's 'rock 'n' roll church.'
This showstopping performance won the 2023 Bill Riley Talent Search at the Iowa State Fair
When Elle Clark stuck the high note in 'Don’t Rain on my Parade,' she forgot about the Bill Riley State Fair judges and the prize money. She just sang.
Iowa State Fair CEO reflects on 2023 celebration: 'Childhood dreams do come true’
One million attendees. 668 blue-ribbon volunteers. 64 new foods. 1 former president. Inside how the Iowa State Fair ensured a 'smooth' celebration.
READ HERE: Iowa State Fair CEO reflects on 2023 celebration: 'Childhood dreams do come true’
BONUS from May: This Iowan has been obsessed with the Iowa State Fair since childhood. Now, he’s the CEO.
Jeremy Parsons sent the Iowa State Fair CEO a fan letter as a 10-year-old. More than 30 years later, he's landed that same job and realized a lifelong dream.
READ HERE: This Iowan has been obsessed with the Iowa State Fair since childhood. Now, he’s the CEO.
Another BONUS! Here are some photo galleries captured by my friends on the Register’s stellar photo staff.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Catch up with columnist Courtney Crowder's Iowa State Fair stories
