Iowa State Fair officials say the estimated attendance for the 2018 Iowa State Fair fair broke last year's record, but just barely. The 1,130,260 people who went through the gates this year is just 189 more than set last year's record. Officials say the numbers had been down during this year's fair, but but nice weather in the final weekend aided a strong finish. They also say the Granstand acts saw a record number of fans, at 89,558. Especially big crowds turned out for Thomas Rhett and Reba McIntyre concerts.