DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa State Fair ended just last month, but officials are already gearing up to celebrate the 2026 fair season.

On Monday, fair officials released the 2026 theme, "Fair Spirit." Officials said the theme reflects the 1976 fair "The Spirit of Iowa '76" that marked the country's bicentennial.

"The 2026 celebration will highlight our heritage, honor earlier generations and dream about the innovations that will shape our future," officials said in a post on Facebook announcing the 2026 theme.

The Iowa State Fair will also be a part of America250, the Great American State Fair initiative celebrating the country's 250th, or semi quincentennial, birthday.

The 2026 fair runs from August 13-23.

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