Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of August.
Good morning, Des Moines.
🏘️ Community
The Iowa State Fair announced that Sterling Elza will perform at the free MidAmerican Energy Stage tomorrow, Aug.
19 after singer Colt Ford canceled his show due to a recent shoulder surgery following a car crash.
At the Iowa State Fair on Monday, Aug.
17, Wells Fargo volunteers built accessible ramps for Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity’s rural project — the bank also announced a $1.5M donation with $500,000 designated for local home construction in Des Moines, Indianola, and Perry.
🎭 Culture
Country music star Lainey Wilson headlined at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Aug.
16, setting a record with 17,360 fans in attendance * her dynamic show featured hit songs and a special moment crowning a young fan as cowgirl of the night.
Visitors to the Iowa State Fair can snap photos at spots such as a $10 Sky Glider ride for a view, a one time America 250 flag display, the butter cow sculpture and Zoomer, this year's Big Boar winner.
These photo ops are available on the fairgrounds today.
Today, the Iowa State Fair offers Dairy Cow Yoga at 8 a.m., auctioneers calling at 9 a.m., and a Grandstand concert with TLC, Salt and Pepa and En Vogue at 8 p.m. Sunny skies are expected with a high near 84 degrees until showers return after 1 a.m.
The 2026 Iowa State Fair harmonica contest crowned its winners — a cherished tradition showcasing local talent during the fair.
Chefs Andrea Love, Grant Gillon and Aaron Holt served upscale twists on Iowa staples at the Farm to Fair picnic on Aug.
16 in Des Moines plus Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig addressed fairgoers as the event featured three-course meals.
The Iowa State Fair hosted the Veterans Day Parade on Monday, Aug.
17, 2026, where veterans, active-duty members and veteran groups were honored. Participants re-enacted historic moments — including the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima — amid patriotic displays.
🎓 Education
Bondurant-Farrar agriculture teacher Caitlin Remington explained that her students created The Garden exhibit at the Iowa State Fair to highlight local farming innovation.
Visitors can learn about the project while exploring fair exhibits.
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