Each July, Fair-lovers whet their Iowa State Fair appetite by attending the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party. It is a fun-filled night complete with live entertainment, all of your Fair food favorites, and a variety of unique auction packages to satisfy any State Fair enthusiast.
The Corndog Kickoff began in 1997 and was first held in Pioneer Hall. The 460 attendees bid on 20 live and 43 silent packages, raising over $67,000 for the Iowa State Fair. Like the Fair itself, the Kickoff fundraiser has evolved over the last 20 years, and has grown to encompass over half of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building.
Nearly 2,200 people come together each year to bid on over 30 live auction packages and 200 silent auction packages. To date, the event has raised a total of $8 million toward Fairgrounds renovations.
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."
Save the date for the 2025 Corndog Kickoff slated for July 12, 2025! Doors open at 6:30 PM.