America's Harvest Festival: Iowa's Celebration of Heritage and Agriculture
Warm October day draws Iowans to America's Harvest Festival, a vibrant celebration of Iowa’s heritage, community, and culture, marking 172 years since the first Iowa State Fair.
Festival Highlights
- Date and Location: Kicking off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, the festival took over the State Capitol grounds.
- Weather: Unseasonably warm sun shone down on families milling about, enjoying dozens of booths and exhibits.
- Food and Vendors: Food trucks lined Finkbine Drive, and booths represented agricultural organizations, the Air Force, and a children's makers' market.
- Performances: Local artist Blake Jack started the musical performances, followed by Tank Anthony, LANCO, and The Band Perry. A drone show closed the festivities.
- Opening Ceremonies: The national anthem was sung by the Heartland Youth Choir, followed by welcoming remarks from Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer.
Key Speeches
Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer:
"Today is a historic day... What is happening on these grounds today is something that will not happen again in our lifetimes."
She praised Iowans' resilience over 250 years, highlighting their contributions to the nation through war and peace, drought and abundance.
Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn (retiring adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard):
"For 250 years, America has been built by people willing to work hard, to sacrifice, to innovate and to serve something greater than themselves... I can think of no better place than the great state of Iowa to celebrate America's 250th."
Other elected officials in attendance included Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks.
Attractions
Among the many attractions was Ray Sorensen's Freedom Rocks, a giant man-made stone in the shape of Iowa, with a mural commemorating the state's past and present taking shape. Sorensen worked against the clock to complete the mural ahead of the festival.