On opening day, August 13, the Iowa State Fair is trading gate admission to help Iowans in need. From 5-7 a.m. get one free admission with a minimum donation of two canned food items or $2 to the Food Bank of Iowa. One admission per person per donation (parking not included).

Today, more Iowans than ever are turning to the Food Bank of Iowa and its partner agencies to help feed their families. The Fair is aiming to collect 65,000 pounds of food, which would provide 41,578 meals to Iowans in need.

The opening day celebrations kick-off in the Grandstand at 5 a.m. with a special appearance by Olympic gold medalist and Fair Parade Marshall Shawn Johnson at 7:30 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. From 5-8 a.m. Fairgoers can collect raffle tickets for a chance to snag thousands in cash and prizes in the cash cube.

Those attending the Fair later in the day can also enjoy $2 off regular adult admission from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a donation of two canned food items or $1 donation to the Food Bank of Iowa (cannot be combined with other offers). Gate admission is half-price after 5 p.m. Monday through Thursdays.

More Opening Day Entertainment:

Evening performances by The Nadas, Drew Seeley, Firefall and Trailer Choir (all free with gate admission).
Christian music stars Steven Curtis Chapman and Jeremy Camp light up the Grandstand stage at 8 p.m., $27. 

More info at iowastatefair.org.