Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Iowa 

The Iowa State Fair is one of the biggest parties in the Midwest, belying Iowa’s traditional image of tranquil cornfields and laid-back citizenry.

“Describing it just doesn’t do it justice,” said Iowan Wendell Hall, 72. “I’ve been to the Illinois State Fair and the Florida State Fair, and they’re comparable to our county fairs. Ours is just a whale of a good time.”

Approaching the fairground can be overwhelming. From miles away, cars are parked in any spot available. Homeowners close to the fairground often sit outside their houses and offer their driveways to fairgoers for a price.