Our Iowa State Fair Dreams Came True at the Blue Ribbon Foundation's 2022 Corndog Kickoff

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DES MOINES, IA (07/12/2022) (readMedia)-- The Blue Ribbon Foundation believes the Iowa State Fair is truly "Our Own Fairy Tale". The 2022 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party on Saturday, July 9 made our Iowa State Fair dreams come true ensuring all future Fairgoers live happily ever after. Last Saturday's event raised a new fundraising record of $797,000 for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

More than 2,100 Iowa State Fair fans gathered for a night of fun, food and fundraising in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. The Blue Ribbon Foundation auctioned off 35 live and 291 silent auction packages for totals of $260,550 and $139,217, respectively. Patron contributions totaled $335,000. The remaining funds consisted of ticket and merchandise sales.

"The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is extremely grateful for the generous support which will enhance millions of Fairgoers' experiences for years to come," said Peter Cownie, Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director. "Simply put, these gifts allow 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. Thank you."

The Blue Ribbon Foundation encourages the public to attend this year's Iowa State Fair, August 11-21. As you stroll through the Fairgrounds, please notice the many improvements made possible through the support of Fair-lovers. Further enhancements have been made to the Elwell Family Park. The grandstand increased by 1,000 seats, while a roof and a press box were added to the structure. The Elwell Family Park will host a truck & tractor pull, demolition derby and short course motorsport racing at the 2022 Iowa State Fair.

The Alliant Energy Landing will make its Fair debut, located east of the Livestock Pavilion. This new structure doubled the size of the previous shelter house. The Alliant Energy Landing will be rented to families, organizations and businesses to use during the Iowa State Fair and throughout the fall, spring and summer.

When you visit Pioneer Hall during the Fair, please take note of the building's refreshed exterior. Missing building components were restored while the entire west exterior was primed and painted. Over the summer, another section of the Agriculture Building roof was replaced and routine maintenance completed throughout several buildings.

The Corndog Kickoff has been a pre-Fair tradition since it began in 1997. First held in Pioneer Hall, 460 people attended. Since then, the event has grown to raise $8 million for the restoration and preservation 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 $170 million for renovations and improvements to the 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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