Iowa State Fair Schedule Thursday: Largest Zumba, Twins, Triplets & More

The 2012 Iowa State Fair kicks off today and it's safe to say Nothing Compares. 

Here's a quick rundown of today's events, both free and paid. For a full list of events visit the Iowa State Fair website.

Ticket Deals
6 to 9 a.m. Free gate admission with coupon from the Des Moines Register
5 p.m. Half-price gate admission after 5 p.m.

8 a.m. Opening ceremonies and Iowa largest Zumba in the Grand Concourse

4H and FFA Events
8 a.m. 4H Poultry Show in the Pigeon/Rabbit/Poulty Building
8 a.m. FFA & 4H Youth Dairy Cattle Show in the Pioneer Livestock Pavillon
8 a.m. 4H Horse Show in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center
8 a.m. FFA Sheep Show: Market in the Sheep Barn
8 a.m. Swine Show: Breeding in the Swine Barn

Fun Events at the Fair
9 a.m. Twins, Triplets & More Contest at the Anne & Bill Riley Stage. Registration bgins at 8:15 a.m.
10 a.m. Turkey Hunting and Calling at the DNR Building Courtyard
Noon Bill Riley Talent Search at the Anne & Bill Riley Stage
1 p.m. Youth Rooster Crowing Contest in the Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall
1 p.m. Big Boar Contest in the Swine Barn
5 p.m. Iowa State Fair Queen Introductions at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater

Free Music Entertainment
7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Nadas at the Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage
8 p.m. JJ Grey & Mofro on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage
9:30 p.m. Bob Wootton at the Budweiser Stage

Grandstand Events
8 p.m. TobyMac with special guests Tenth Avenue North & Jamie Grace, followed by fireworks at the Grandstand. Tickets are $32

Where to Park

• North, Sims and Northeast Lot Parking: $10
• Motorcycle Parking: $10
• Bicycle Parking (inside Gate 10): $2
• Buses and Drivers: FREE

Paid parking will also be available in a new lot just east of East 36th Street on East University Avenue.

Park & Ride
Show your advance admission ticket at one of DART’s three State Fair Park & Rides and ride for $1 for adults and 50-cents for children ages 6 to 10, seniors and people with disabilities. Children ages 5 and younger ride for free.

Regular roundtrip prices are $2 for adults, and $1 for children, seniors and people with disabilities.

Locations for park & ride:

• Center Street Park & Ride (Seventh and Center streets, enter on Seventh Street)
• Southeast Polk School (Northeast 80th Street and Highway 163)
• State Capitol (East 12th and Grand Avenue)

Service to and from park & ride locations run from 8:30 a.m. to midnight during the fair. Service will be extended for late-ending Grandstand shows.