Built in 1886, Pioneer Hall holds the title of the oldest building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. It was built for the first fair held at the current location. Prior to 1886, the fair was held at various sites across Des Moines. The building encapsulates the history of the fair by housing many of the exhibits that were originally displayed during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Beyond serving as an important historical site, Pioneer Hall also hosts several old-fashioned contests throughout the fair, including cow chip throwing, fiddling, yodeling, and the longest beard contest.
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