Good morning, Des Moines.

Potato farmers Beth and Steve Rachut are growing a new type of potato for poutine at the Iowa State Fair, showcasing local innovation in agriculture.

Their work may bring fresh flavors and ideas to the fair.

Farm families were honored at the Century Farms Awards ceremony on Aug.

20 at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines where Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds & Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig celebrated the legacy of century farms.

At the Iowa State Fair on Aug.

20, Pioneer Hall hosted youth and adult whistling contests where contestants performed tunes ranging from classic songs to video game themes. Winners were announced for both age groups.

At the Iowa State Fair, a husband calling contest crowned its winners after contestants delivered musical performances & powerful calls that wowed fairgoers.

Photos from Day 9 of the Iowa State Fair on Friday, Aug.

21 showed families enjoying hands-on fun at Little Hands on the Farm and Sky Glider rides at the fairgrounds. Captured moments reveal a community celebrating local flavor & vibrant traditions.

Today at the Iowa State Fair, visitors can watch livestock competitions, a demolition derby and BigXthaPlug performing on the Grandstand at 8 p.m. while the National Weather Service forecasts sunny skies with a high near 81 for a pleasant day at the fairgrounds.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, the Iowa State Fair hosted 106,268 attendees, 657 fewer than last year while a Riley Green concert drew 16,057 fans.

The fair runs until Sunday, Aug. 23, after record-high turnout on Sunday and Monday.

At the Iowa State Fair's Pioneer Hall, youth and adult whistling contests engaged the audience on Thursday, Aug.

20. Eight-year-old Madeline Bishop won the youth contest with her rendition of 'I've Been Working on the Railroad' while adult competitors showcased familiar tunes from cartoons to patriotic songs.

On Aug. 21, at the Iowa State Fair, Destination Grille’s Porky Parm Gnocchi won the People’s Choice Best New Food award while The Depot and Minneapple Pie earned honors for their drink and overall best new food.

Local fair visitors cast their votes to decide the winners.

Iowa DNR reported on Aug.

21 that 15 state beaches are not recommended for swimming because high E. coli levels were found, including Blue Heron Lake at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines (a key local spot); weekly tests began before Memorial Day and continue through Labor Day.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!