An Iowa Democratic tradition is returning to the Balloon Fields in Indianola this weekend, as Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, holds his 27th Annual Steak Fry.

The event, which is a fund-raiser for Harkin’s re-election group, Citizens for Harkin, has been an attraction for political candidates and Democratic activists for years now, Harkin said.

“It’s sort of become an Iowa political tradition,” he said.

Last year’s event saw stops by major candidates vying for the Democratic presidential nod in this year’s election, and a speech from President Bill Clinton, who was making his third visit.

“We’ve had just a lot of different people over the years,” Harkin said.

This year’s event will feature a performance by Sheryl Crow, as well as a visit by Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards.

Iowan Tom Arnold will be the emcee of the event.

Harkin said he was told neither John Kerry nor Edwards will be making a stop at the event.

The event, he said, began in 1977 on a farm as a fund-raiser for his re-election.

At the first steak fry, Harkin said, just over 20 people showed up, compared to more than 10,000 at the event last year.

“There were 10-to 15,000 people; it was almost like a rock concert,” he said.

John McCormally, communications director for the Iowa Democratic Party, said the Iowa Democrats aren’t affiliated with the event, but have been giving it support.

Harkin said some Democratic candidates for office would be there. Paul Johnson, U.S. House candidate for congressional district 4, will have a booth.

“We’re encouraging people to support Paul Johnson,” McCormally said.