DES MOINES — The Iowa State Fair is preparing to welcome enormous crowds, showcase the state’s agricultural heritage and serve up one of its most recognizable foods when the gates open next week.
This year, 1,776 lucky fairgoers will receive a free Pork Chop on a Stick as part of a patriotic celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association will hold its “1776 Pork Chop Salute — A Taste of America 250” beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, August 16, inside the Iowa Pork Tent.
The giveaway will be limited to one pork chop per person and continue only while supplies last.
Fairgoers hoping to claim one should enter the Pork Tent from its north side near the Animal Learning Center.
The number 1,776 was selected to recognize the year the United States declared its independence while celebrating Iowa farm families who have helped feed the nation for generations.
“The Pork Chop on a Stick has become one of the most iconic traditions at the Iowa State Fair, so it’s only fitting that we use it to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” said Dave Moody, a Story County pig farmer and longtime Pork Tent Committee member.
“This is our way of thanking fairgoers while celebrating the farmers who raise high-quality pork every day.”
The giveaway will add another attraction to a State Fair already known for its livestock competitions, concerts, midway rides, unusual foods and displays celebrating Iowa agriculture.
Food remains one of the fair’s biggest attractions. NIT reported last year that Dairy Zone’s Butter Cow Tornado won the Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food contest, which showcased menu items made with Iowa-grown, raised and produced ingredients.
Pork Chop on a Stick was among the foods entered in that statewide competition, alongside pork tenderloins, Iowa bratwurst, smoked pulled pork and other fairground favorites.
Pork Chop on a Stick has become a fixture for generations of visitors, with the Iowa Pork Producers Association selling tens of thousands during each fair.
The popular chops will receive an added flavor upgrade this year. Every Pork Chop on a Stick will be smoked over applewood, giving the meat the aroma and flavor associated with traditional hardwood barbecue.
“There’s nothing better than sharing a great Iowa pork chop, and I think the 1,776 people who receive one will remember this as a fun part of their State Fair experience,” Moody said.
Fairgoers who miss the giveaway will still be able to purchase pork chops at two Iowa Pork Producers Chop Shop locations.
One will remain next to the Pork Tent on the east end of the Grand Concourse.
The former lower Chop Shop, previously located near the Swine Barn, is moving to a more prominent location next to Barksdale’s State Fair Cookies and southwest of the Grandstand.
“We are sad to be further away from our exhibitors in the livestock barns, but we are excited to be able to offer our delicious pork products to more fairgoers with this new location,” said Hope Brecht, consumer outreach director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Another collectible will become available when the fair opens Thursday, August 13.
The first 6,500 drink purchases at the Pork Tent will include a free, limited-edition America 250 pork-themed souvenir cup.
The 2026 Iowa State Fair runs August 13 through August 23 in Des Moines, bringing 11 days of food, entertainment, competition and Iowa traditions to the fairgrounds.