Courtney Crowder

Des Moines Register The women knew Gov. Kim Reynolds would be at Chuckies. Normally, this group of friends meets up for a picture with Gov.

Playing "Mario Kart" on his esports team has taken Thomas McHugh, a high school senior, to parts of Iowa he would never otherwise travel.

Des Moines Register Andrea Oleson had two pieces of pie on her plate: a small slice of cookie butter pie next to a wedge of banana cream.

How an Iowa baker turned backyard raspberries into State Fair glory, with recipe.

At the Iowa State Fair bubble gum blowing contest, some people's confidence bubbled more impressively than their gum.

Butter cows . Perfect poutine potatoes . Green tomato pie . And a garden growing generosity as much as unusual vegetables in a quiet corner of the fairgrounds.

The women knew Gov. Kim Reynolds would be at Chuckies. Normally, this group of friends meets up for a picture with Gov. Reynolds and their annual, “How ya doin’?”

From Pie Lady to the Gizmo guy to kids growing generosity as well as vegetables, Courtney Crowder met fascinating people at the Iowa State Fair.

How an Iowa baker turned backyard raspberries into State Fair glory, with recipe.

Gov. Kim Reynolds shares memories, favorite traditions and why the Iowa State Fair will always restore her faith in people.