DES MOINES, Iowa -- The 2022 Iowa State fair gets it's start Wednesday night with the annual parade through Des Moines, which means a number of streets along the route will be closing.
"You'll go to work one direction, then when you try to leave at the end of the day you can't go that direction--so pay attention to that. We'll have officers on hand to make sure those intersections and roadways are secure. They'll also be able to able to give you directions if you need them," says Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parizek.
He says the police department would like to see fewer cars around the Fairgrounds during the 11-day run of the Iowa State Fair.
"You can catch an Uber, or catch a taxi, or you can use DART's shuttle services which are gaining in popularity--and there's a reason why--it's a great way to get to the fair, and you don't have to hassle with parking," Parizek says.
For those who do plan to drive and park at the Iowa State Fairgrounds...
"Don't leave anything of any value in your car. If you have to, lock it in your trunk--you're going to want those valuables out of sight. Also, pay attention to where you park so you're not lost and wandering around a dark neighborhood at night," Parizek says.
The 2022 Iowa State Fair runs August 11th through the 21st.
Iowa State Fair Parade Route road closures, August 10th, 2022:
Noon to 9:30 p.m.
Robert D. Ray Drive from East Grand Avenue to East Locust Street.
5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
East Walnut Street from East 14th Street to East Ninth Street.
5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Westbound Grand Avenue at East 14th Street
East 13th Street from Des Moines Street to East Walnut Street.
East 12th Street from Des Moines Street to East Court Avenue.
East Ninth Street/Finkbine Drive from Des Moines Street to East Walnut Street.
Pennsylvania Avenue from East Locust Street to Des Moines Street.
East Sixth Street from Des Moines Street to East Locust Street.
East Fifth Street from Des Moines Street to East Locust Street.