Ah, the Iowa State Fair. Our state's biggest event of the year.

• So influential, we plan our school start dates around it. So notorious, squirting butter grease once graced The New York Times.

Whether you're a fair veteran or new to the event, it's an experience that takes a little planning and preparation to make it a more enjoyable time.

Here are some tips from other Axios Des Moines readers on how to make the most out of your visit:

• "If your enthusiasm for the fair is greater than your stamina, rent a scooter. Great way to see the fair." — Pat Edington
• "Bring a cooling towel, hat and sunscreen! Also, bring more money than you think you'll need, so you don't rack up ATM fees!" — Christine Urish 
• "Use the free parking and shuttle to the fairgrounds." — Jacqueline Thompson (It's $2 to ride.)
• "I enjoy going early in the morning to the Iowa State Fair, parking is easier to find and the weather is cooler." — Judith Jennings (Gates open at 8am.)
• "The best exhibit is humanity. Take time to people-watch!" — Kathy Byrnes

🎯 Linh's tip: The secret to skee-ball at the Midway is banking your shots on the side.

• Every other game is rigged, but you can learn the tricks here.

😋 Jason's tip: Share your food.

• Most items are enough for a full meal. You’ll get to try more if you give more.

The Iowa Department on Aging will become a division within the state's Department of Health and Human Services, HHS director Kelly Garcia announced in an email to employees yesterday.

• The expected transition will occur July 1, 2023, she wrote.

Why it matters: The IDA provides support services for the state's growing 60+ population. Garcia said in her email this is an opportunity for IDA to gain efficiency and better coordinate services for older Iowans.

Catch up fast: IDA will be the third state department to merge under HHS' heading in a year.

• HHS launched in July, combining the state's public health and human services departments.

What's next: Planning and preparations for the move will begin this fall.

Of note: HHS and IDA did not respond to Axios' requests for comment.

Prairie Meadows CEO Gary Palmer, 75, wants to retract his longtime plan to retire by the end of 2023, he told Axios yesterday.

• The nonprofit casino's board called a special meeting for today to consider extending his contract.

What's happening: A few board members have inquired whether he would be interested in staying, Palmer told Axios.

• And he said he's got no other plans but to fish after 2023 anyway.

Catch up fast: Prairie Meadows pumps tens of millions of dollars annually into the budgets of Iowa charities and local governments.

• Palmer has worked for the casino for decades and plans for his secession have been ongoing for years.
• Also on today’s agenda is a plan to terminate a search for an executive vice president that could work for a year before replacing Palmer.

Of note: Palmer's annual salary is $641,000.

• He was given an $800,000 bonus earlier this year.

What's next: Today's meeting starts at 10:30am at the James Rasmussen Board Room, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive in Altoona.

Fans of Coaches Kolaches only have to wait a few more weeks until the popular eatery reopens its doors in Urbandale on Sept. 1.

• Customers will find a bigger kitchen and expanded menu at its new location at 2777 100th Street.

Catch up fast: After closing the Clive-based store in March, owner Brent Curvey said he spent months searching for the right spot.

• The Urbandale storefront formerly housed Cookies by Design — making the bakery layout a natural fit for his operation, Curvey said.

What to expect: Homemade kolaches made fresh every day, as well as expanded coffee options, like lattes and espresso.

• The store is known for its Texas twist on the traditionally sweet Czech pastry. The former menu, including egg and cheese, brisket and jalapeno and sausage kolaches, is also set to return.
• If you're looking for something sweeter, they'll also serve fruit-filled ones.

Open: 7am to noon, Wed.-Fri.; and 8am to 1pm, Sat.-Sun.

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. CFO at Primary Health Care.
2. IT business analyst at RL Canning.
3. IT employee experience at Sonoco.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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Friday

🌽 Chomp down on free sweet corn at the Adel Sweet Corn Festival. Runs through Saturday.

Saturday

💫 Stargaze: Watch the Perseid meteor shower at Ewing Park. Crafts and activities start at 6pm.

🌳 Check out bonsai artistry during an all-day demonstration at the Botanical Center. Starts at 10am.

Sunday

🍺 Have a cold beer and listen to live music on Exile's patio. Starts at 6:30pm.

"The Finisher" is a russet potato covered in chopped brisket, pulled pork, mac and cheese, barbecue sauce, sour cream and garlic butter, all for $10

Jason's thought bubble: Delicious but also a carb carnival.

• I felt like I needed a nap after I woofed it down.

Try it: The Rib Shack, south of Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

🗳 Your patriotic duty: It's one of the top three new foods at this year's fair.

• Vote