"All roads lead to the Iowa State Fair" for the 22nd Annual Corndog Kickoff

DES MOINES, IA (07/12/2018) (readMedia)-- Des Moines, IA- Iowa State Fair fans celebrated "All Roads Lead to the Iowa State Fair" at the 22nd annual Corndog Kickoff on Saturday, July 7th. Last Saturday's event raised a total of $542,000 for the renovation and preservation of the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

More than 2,100 Iowa State Fair fans gathered for a night of fun, food and fundraising. The Blue Ribbon Foundation auctioned off 34 live and 250 silent auction packages for totals of $162,050 and $64,572, respectively. Patron contributions totaled $260,800. The remaining funds consisted of ticket and merchandise sales.

"The Corndog Kickoff was a great success raising funds for renovations on the Fairgrounds," said Peter Cownie, Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director. "The Blue Ribbon Foundation is grateful for those who came out to support our institution. Thank you on behalf of the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Iowa State Fair for a remarkable evening."

The Blue Ribbon Foundation encourages the public to attend this year's Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. As you stroll through the Fairgrounds this August, please notice the many improvements made possible through the support of Fair-lovers. Make a point to attend a concert in the Grandstand and see the 4,000 additional seats, new restrooms, and a bigger stage. The new Kum & Go Stage will provide an exceptional entertainment experience.

Check out the upgraded Milking Parlor glass that will enhance a Fairgoer's view of the milking process. The interior of the restroom facility west of the Administration Building has also been updated. The new concrete along East 31st street, sidewalks and landscaping will improve the flow of traffic in front of the Elwell Family Food Center.

The Corndog Kickoff has been a pre-Fair tradition since it began in 1997. First held in Pioneer Hall, 460 people were in attendance. Since then, the event has grown to raise more than $6.2 million for the restoration and preservation of the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, please contact the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371, Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or visit www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org.