Former President Donald J. Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, both leading candidates for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, will be attending the Iowa State Fair on Saturday. The fair is a crucial event for presidential hopefuls and provides an opportunity for candidates to interact with Iowa voters.

While the fair is known for its entertainment and food, it also holds political significance, as Iowa plays a key role in the presidential primary process. Trump, who previously brought a helicopter to the fair during his first primary campaign in 2015, plans to attend for a single day and has invited prominent Florida Republicans who have endorsed him over DeSantis.

DeSantis, on the other hand, has spent two full days campaigning in Iowa ahead of the fair and has pledged to visit all of Iowa's 99 counties. He aims to turn around his political fortunes in the state and has set an ambitious timeline to complete his county visits by October.

Other lower-polling candidates, including former Vice President Mike Pence and Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, are also seeking attention from potential Iowa caucusgoers at the fair.

Trump's refusal to participate in the fair's signature campaign event, the "Fair-Side Chats," has drawn criticism from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. She extended invitations to all major 2024 candidates for one-on-one interviews, emphasizing the importance of engaging with Iowans in an unscripted setting. Trump's absence and mistreatment of Governor Reynolds have raised questions about his view of Iowa and his commitment to its voters.

As the Iowa State Fair becomes a battleground for Republican contenders, the event underscores the significance of Iowans in shaping the outcome of the 2024 presidential race.