Inflation? That's not on the minds of Iowa State Fairgoers

State of play: The only true cost is the ticket to get into the fair, Parsons says.

• But in his dozen-plus years of working the Clay County Fair and now the Iowa State Fair, he's seen one trend shoot up: "People come to eat," Parsons says.

Zoom in: That point is accentuated by this year's biggest new food talker — the $99 chicken nuggets and caviar by JR's Southpork Ranch.

Flashback: Last year, the fair started allowing attendees to bring their own coolers full of food and drinks, yet there wasn't a noticeable drop in spending, Parsons says.

• Meanwhile, lobster rolls at $31 a pop sold out.
• "It's the Instagram effect," Parsons says. "I think it's a little more sophisticated foodie culture."

Pro tips: The three main expenses are admission, parking and food, he says. And there are ways to lighten the load on all three:

• Advance tickets are cheaper: Adults are $11 and kids $7. Door prices are $16 and $10, respectively.
• Parking can also be cheap. The fair has a free shuttle service from Southridge Mall. DART offers round trips for $3.
• Parsons says they've created more picnic spots for people who want to eat their own food, and there's a 22-page list of foods under $8.
• $20 value packs, available until Aug. 12, include such attractions as the giant slide and skyglider.