Corndog Checkoff

February 20, 2019
drewnorton's picture
By Drew Sniezek

Thank you for helping the Blue Ribbon Foundation continue to renovate and preserve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Through the Corndog Checkoff, Iowa taxpayers can donate to support future projects on their state tax forms. The funding improves the Iowa State Fairgrounds that are used 365 days of the year – with our favorite 11 days in August.

What kind of projects does a donation to the Blue Ribbon Foundation help support?

  • Agricultural education is a highlight at the Iowa State Fair. From baby animals to food production, when visiting the Fair you will find plenty of exciting activities to learn about Iowa’s important agriculture industry. The world famous Butter Cow’s home in the Agriculture Building is just one historic structure that makes the Fairgrounds stand out. Last fall, crews repaired part of the building's roof. Continuing maintenance keeps the building in top notch condition. 

 

  • Last summer, the city of Des Moines replaced the storm water sewer along East 31st street. Since that project is now complete - a new concrete street, sidewalks and landscaping will be added to improve the flow of traffic north of Grand Avenue. This is similar to what was completed south of Grand Avenue, along East 31st street in front of the Elwell Family Food Center last summer. There will be a new pedestrian Admissions Gate that will be similar to the Admission Gate at East 33rd street. Overall, this area will be cleaned up with an organized layout to allow for future opportunities.   

 

  • Pioneer Hall was built in 1886 for the first Iowa State Fair at its permanent location. Of the 67 buildings constructed for that Fair, only Pioneer Hall remains. It was originally a poultry building, then an employees’ dormitory and a storage facility. Today it is a museum of Iowa agriculture that illustrates an important period in Iowa history. It’s also the site for the Fair’s Rural Americana Olde Tyme contests including cow chip throwing. This spring the north corner of Pioneer Hall will receive window and paint updates. Routine maintenance is done on the historic structure to keep it functional.

 

Please remember when completing your taxes, to check off $1 (or more!) on your Iowa tax return and support the Corndog Checkoff.