Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation's 2026 Corndog Kickoff Raises Funds and Celebrates Tradition

DES MOINES, IA (07/13/2026) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation achieved significant fundraising success at the

2026 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party. Saturday's "American

Classic" event raised a total of $851,250 toward the renovation and preservation of the historic

Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Iowa State Fair supporters gathered for a night of fun in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries

Building to raise money for ongoing improvement projects around the Fairgrounds. The Blue

Ribbon Foundation auctioned off 31 live and 308 silent auction packages. 2200 attendees

enjoyed 30 different Iowa State Fair foods, Sky Glider rides, raffle games and a fireworks show!

"The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is incredibly thankful for the generosity of

everyone who helped make this year's Corndog Kickoff a success," said Peter Cownie, Blue

Ribbon Foundation Executive Director. "Every contribution helps us preserve the traditions of

the Iowa State Fair while investing in improvements that will benefit the next generation of

Fairgoers."

The Blue Ribbon Foundation encourages the public to attend this year's Iowa State Fair, August

13-23. As you explore, please enjoy the most recent developments to the Fairgrounds including

enhancements to the Livestock Barns, updated campgrounds' restrooms, roof replacements and

more.

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 $210 million for restoration of the

time-honored Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon

Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.