Young Harmonica Stars Shine at Iowa State Fair | Des Moines News

Des Moines News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 18, 2026 · 1m

Kids as young as eight blew audiences away at the Iowa State Fair’s youth harmonica contest, proving raw talent and stage confidence can emerge from simple instruments. Twelve-year-old Gus Major took first place, while eleven-year-old Ellie Menz snagged second — her win fueled by a last-minute gift from her aunt. With synchronized “Happy Birthday” moments and crowd-pleasing solos, the event celebrated music education and the joy of live performance, reminding us that even in a tech-driven world, the magic of youthful artistry still thrives. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow…