Hundreds of people gathered outside Pioneer Hall at the Iowa State Fair for the annual cow chip throwing contest.

After it was canceled in 2024 due to weather, the classic State Fair event made its return Wednesday, Aug. 13 — and dozens of participants across the men's, women's and children's divisions eagerly signed up.

The objective? To hurl a dried piece of cattle dung as far as possible down 100-foot hill. Competitors who didn't mind getting their hands on some cow poop had one chance to make their throw, and their score was determined by where the chip landed.

Soft folk music from inside Pioneer Hall served as the soundtrack for the contest that was happening outside, with some people warming up their arms with a couple of practice throws or scouting out the best size for a cow c

See Full Page