Mr. State Fair - RIP

An Iowa legend passed away this past weekend, Bill Riley, known here in Iowa as Mr. State Fair. He earned that nickname because of his long association with the Iowa State Fair. His association began over 60 years ago when he was a reporter covering the fair for a Des Moines radio station. About 47 years ago he came up with the idea of a talent show. That talent show helped launch the career of opera singer Simon Estes as well as country-gospel singer Carrie McDowell. Several years ago the Fair renamed the stage as well as the talent show for him.

In the 1970s when the Iowa Educational Broadcasting Network (now Iowa Public Television) was starting it began annual coverage of the State Fair. They tapped Bill Riley to host the nightly program. Soon the Fair & Bill Riley became permanently linked together in the minds of most Iowans even if they never made it to the Fair. 10 years ago he turned over his talent show duties to his son, Bill, Jr. This year he was the grand marshall of the Fair parade. He also had his likeness carved in butter alongside the annual butter cow.

Bill Riley was born 7 October 1920 in Iowa Falls, IA. After a stint in the army he began his broadcast career on KRNT radio, Des Moines. Besides the fair & his work in broadcasting he was also involved in a variety of groups including the Iowa Development Commission and the Des Moines Park and Recreation Board. He died on 15 December 2006 in his Winter home of Scottsdale, AZ due to complications from leukemia. Thanks for everything Bill. You made Iowa a much better place.

'Mr. State Fair' Bill Riley: 1920-2006 (Des Moines Register)

William (Bill) J. Riley DM Register Obituary