State Fair (novel)

State Fair is a novel by American author Phil Stong, published in 1932. A popular and enduring work, the story centers on the Frake family and their experiences at the Iowa State Fair. The novel follows the parents, Abel and Melissa, as well as their children, Margy and Wayne, as they each seek to achieve their respective goals and find romance at the fair. Abel hopes to win prizes for his hog and his mincemeat, Melissa enters her pickles and jams, Wayne looks to win the ham-eating contest and find a girlfriend, and Margy grapples with feelings of disillusionment and attraction to a sophisticated reporter.

The narrative explores themes of rural life, family dynamics, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams. It contrasts the simple, traditional values of the Frakes with the temptations and distractions of the modern world represented by the fair. The novel captures the atmosphere of the Iowa State Fair, depicting its attractions, competitions, and social interactions.

State Fair was adapted into several successful film versions, including a 1933 film starring Will Rogers and Janet Gaynor, and a 1945 musical starring Jeanne Crain and Dana Andrews, featuring songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein. These adaptations further solidified the novel's place in American popular culture. The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its portrayal of American values, its lighthearted humor, and its nostalgic depiction of rural life.