Blue Ribbon Foundation's Corndog Kickoff Fundraiser Continues to Fuel Renovation Funds

DES MOINES, IA (07/16/2024) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation's 2024 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party celebrated the fundraising piece of the Iowa State Fair puzzle with the help of many generous donors. Saturday's celebration raised a total of $766,684 towards the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds!

More than 2,000 Iowa State Fair lovers gathered for a night full of fun and food in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building to raise money for various projects around the grounds. The Blue Ribbon Foundation auctioned off 31 live and 283 silent auction packages.

"The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is beyond grateful for each contribution that made this year's Corndog Kickoff a success," said Peter Cownie, Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director. "Your support allows us to continue preserving the history of the Iowa State Fair, while improving the grounds and the facilities for your children, your grandchildren and all Fairgoers."

The Blue Ribbon Foundation encourages the public to attend this year's Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. As you explore all that the Fair has to offer, please enjoy the many improvements made possible through the support from Fair fans.

The $25 million livestock barn renovations are well underway with the sheep barn, including the restoration of the brick, remodeled existing restrooms and addition of new ones, repainted entire interior, new sun-shading for the show arena, and much more.

A new Campground restroom is being added up the hill east of Gate 4. Interior and exterior work is being completed on the Iowa State Fair Police Headquarters building. Some water fountains across the grounds have been converted into water bottle-filling stations.

Hillcrest dorm, where the FFA Grandstand Ushers stay during the Fair, has received a new roof. The Ye Old Mill had the roof renovated, the boats refurbished, and the mechanical operating system for the ride redone.

The Corndog Kickoff has been a pre-Fair tradition since it began in 1997. Since then, the event has grown to raise more than $8 million towards maintenance and improvements of the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $200 million for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 1-800-450-3732 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

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