"LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN" AT THE 2019 CORNDOG KICKOFF

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DES MOINES, IA (06/12/2019) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair has something for everyone, and there is no denying that the 11 day event is known for its wackiest and wildest contests. Bubble gum blowing, pie eating, arm wrestling, and mullet growing are just a few of the crazy things you can compete in at the Fair. Contests aren't just for the livestock, bakers, or photographers, there truly is a competition for anybody! Don't wait for August, bring your competitive spirit and enjoy some of the Fair's craziest contests at the Blue Ribbon Foundation's 23rd annual Corndog Kickoff.

"Let the Competition Begin" at the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party, Saturday, July 13 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Doors to the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building will open at 6:30 p.m. for a night filled with top-notch auction packages, Sky Glider rides, fireworks and all of your favorite Fair foods. If you possess unique talents and find yourself a competitor at heart, you'll love this event raising funds to renovate and revive the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds!

More than 300 enticing packages fill the live and silent auctions. Throw a party at the beautiful Stonehaven Barn in DeSoto with catering support from The Girls Catering. You can experience the Fair in a new way with the opportunity to join a panel of celebrity judges for the very first bite of 2019's new Fair foods. Tired of glasses? Get rid of them with Lasik eye surgery provided by Wolfe Eye Clinic. Or, score your own concert series by getting eight seats to each of the eleven concerts in the Grandstand.

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 2018 event drew a crowd of 2,000 people and raised more than $542,000!

"The funds raised during the Corndog Kickoff will benefit all Fairgoers," said Peter Cownie, Executive Director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. "We are very grateful for all the donors that support the event. The Kickoff's success is critical to renovate and preserve the treasured Iowa State Fairgrounds, making it the best in the nation."

All-inclusive Corndog Kickoff tickets are $100 each and the price will increase to $125 on July 1. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org, by calling the Foundation at 800-450-3732, or at the door the night of the event starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $150 million for renovations to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Kickoff, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

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