Courtlin Attends Her Very First Iowa State Fair [PHOTOS]

The only thing I regret is not eating more.

Last Thursday the Iowa State Fair kicked off in Des Moines, and since I didn't make it there last year, I knew this year would have to be my year. Aside from some confusing parking and some mild sunburn, everything went totally great!

Let's start with the food. I was hoping to eat as many fun and different things as possible over the course of the day, but since we didn't arrive until 3 p.m., I got kind of a late start. Plus it was pretty hot and sweaty outside, which makes eating fried food a little more difficult. I did manage to squeeze in some fried mac & cheese, which was delicious, but the real highlight of the day was my elephant ear.

Back in my home state of Michigan, elephant ears are at every fair/festival that there is. Here in Iowa, it seems to be all about the funnel cakes. Don't get me wrong, I love funnel cakes, but elephant ears win for me every time. I was SO EXCITED when I came across the big pink "Elephant Ears" sign, that I ran right over and got one. Had them top it with cinnamon sugar AND powdered sugar, because why not? If you ever have the chance, get one. It's so big it needs 2 plates:

Here is is up close, in case you need a better look:

As far as rides go, I played it pretty safe. I was told that I HAD to ride 'Ye Old Mill' because it's tradition, so I did, but I went through the whole thing expecting to have something pop out at me. It was dark, so I just assumed! I also took a ride on the ski-lift thing, and that was a huge mistake because about a quarter of the way up I about had a heart attack. I will ride ANY roller coaster that I come across, but when it comes to ski-lifts and Ferris wheels? Noooooo thank you.

The only other ride I went on was the giant slide, and that one I really enjoyed. Who says adults can't do kid stuff?

Another highlight of my day was definitely the building with all the baby piggies and cows and ducks! I just about cried because everything was so cute. Wasn't a huge fan of the birthing videos, but that's because I'm a city girl and also a giant baby. Then there was the butter cow. At one point, I walked right up to the information desk and said, "point me in the direction of the butter cow." I couldn't say I was at the fair without seeing it! What I didn't realize was that there was also a butter USS Enterprise. That was a fun surprise.

Overall, I had an amazing time at my first Iowa State Fair. The weather was perfect and I managed to not spend TOO much money. Plus, I got to do a fun meet & greet with Saturday night's performer Brett Eldredge:

What's your favorite part of the fair! Let me know what I need to do next year.