Alliant Energy - $1 Million Donation

Blue Ribbon Foundation receives $1 million donation for new facility
Alliant Energy donation will be used for new meeting facility

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited to announce a generous $1 million contribution from Alliant Energy to build a new shelter on the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. 

The new structure will replace the 23-year-old picnic shelter just east of the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion. The project, which is scheduled for completion in time for the 2022 Iowa State Fair, will nearly double the former space as well as provide accessibility in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The surrounding area will receive modern upgrades to improve the functionality of the space and provide a safe location for family and business events during the Fair and throughout the year.

“Projects like this one set a new standard for Fairground facilities,” said Peter Cownie, Executive Director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. “This project will become the catalyst for numerous future improvements. Alliant Energy’s generosity will benefit all Fairgoers and we are grateful for their support. We cannot thank them enough.” 

The open-air facility will include craftsman style columns, higher ceilings with fans, two paved ADA-compliant accessibility points, LED lighting, asphalt shingles and expanded landscaping. New paving around the structure will eliminate some of the last gravel on the lower Fairgrounds.

“Alliant Energy is proud to be a longtime supporter of the Iowa State Fair,” said Terry Kouba, President of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company. “Our gift today demonstrates our company value to make things better. We hope the facility improvements and enhancements do just that and are enjoyed by generations to come.”

The new facility is the only publicly available rental space during the Iowa State Fair. The project also expands the marketability of the Fairgrounds, another attractive component for large and small groups. Shows like the World Pork Expo, Good Guys Car Show and National Junior High Rodeo as well as political events, weddings, receptions and corporate retreats will make use of the modernized facility. 

Thank you Alliant Energy for supporting the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. 

Shelter before and after demolition:

Celebrating our partnership. Pictured below: Robert Durian (Alliant Energy Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer), Peter Cownie (Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director) and Gary Slater (Iowa State Fair Manager and CEO)

Alliant Energy staff look forward to a brand new facility on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Pictured below: Robert Durian, Aimee Davis, Robin Sempf, Leah Rodenberg and Julie Bauer

About Alliant Energy
Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 975,000 electric and 420,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of the Nasdaq CRD Sustainability Index, Bloomberg’s 2020 Gender-Equality Index, and the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.