Iowa Farm Bureau to bring 'Roots of Freedom' experience to America's Harvest Festival

Iowa Farm Bureau, a lead sponsor of America's Harvest Festival celebrating America250, will bring its "Roots of Freedom" Discovery Zone to the Iowa State Capitol on Oct. 24. This interactive experience celebrates Iowa agriculture, recognizes the farmers and agricultural leaders who have helped shape our state and nation and invites visitors to discover the many ways Iowans rely on agriculture every day.

Using special decoder glasses, guests will uncover hidden messages and learn how family farms make many essential everyday products possible. Visitors can also test their conservation knowledge with a hands-on matching game that explores the practices Iowa farmers use to protect the land and water quality. The first 1,000 participants to complete the experience will receive a free "Roots of Freedom" drawstring bag, while supplies last.

"Agriculture is one of the enduring strengths of our nation, sustained by the soil we tend, the food we grow and the people who build for future generations," said Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president and fifth-generation farmer. "With only two percent of Americans making their living farming, America's Harvest Festival celebrates more than our history. It's a chance to recognize the people whose work continues to shape our communities and celebrates the spirit of innovation and resilience that has sustained Iowa family farms for generations."

America's Harvest Festival will be held from 1 p.m. until dusk and will feature free live music, family-friendly activities, numerous food vendors and more than 70 interactive exhibits and displays. For more information about this free event, visit www.AmericasHarvestFest.com.