Good morning, Ankeny.

Today at the Iowa State Fair, visitors can enjoy live music with performances by Rascal Flatts (with special guest Neal McCoy) at 8 p.m., free stage acts, and a Beard Growing Contest at 10:30 a.m. The fair offers many value-priced food items under $5 and welcomes over 1 million guests to the east Des Moines fairgrounds with sunny weather and a high near 85 degrees.

The Iowa State Fair has introduced new mobile barricades at its main entrances—designed to block larger vehicles while letting pedestrians and golf carts pass, following a fatal incident in New Orleans; CEO Jeremy Parsons said the barriers help keep visitors safe during the 11 days of the event.

Bravo Greater Des Moines, the regional arts council that gives millions to local arts, music and heritage groups, faces a funding cut of $300,000 to $800,000 after eight member cities including Ankeny revised their hotel-motel tax formula to 25% — House File 718, which limits revenue from property taxes and took effect in 2023, led to the change — and President Sally Dix said the decision will have a significant financial impact on its support of local nonprofits.

JR’s SouthPork Ranch at the Iowa State Fair is debuting a high roller lobster roll that costs $600 and features Maine lobster, caviar, gold flakes, and a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne.

Owner Brooks Reynolds said he introduced the dish to offer a new fair food experience while also providing affordable options like a $9 Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket (seven high roller packages have already sold).