60/100

January 26, 2022
drewnorton's picture
By Drew Sniezek

While 60% is a failing grade in some situations, that isn’t the case with the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s T.A.G. Team. It just means we ONLY have 40 open spots in our 2022 membership program. 

Thank you to the 60 donors that have joined our mission to renovate the final side of Pioneer Hall. This group of 60 Fair-loving individuals knows that Together we can Accomplish our Goals. Will you join our T.A.G. Team? Join Now

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking for 100 donors who want to make an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds by tackling a smaller renovation project. Money raised from the 2022 T.A.G. Team will be used to repair the west side of Pioneer Hall’s exterior.

The process of renovating the building’s entire exterior started in 2018. Finishing the west side of the building will complete the restoration project. The deteriorated wood siding will be removed and replaced to resemble the original construction. Missing building components will be restored while the entire west exterior will be primed and painted.

The project includes the removal or if possible, restoration of existing window sashes. Some windows are repairable while others will be rebuilt to match current size, material and profile. Windows will also be reglazed using the current glass, supplementing new ones if panes are broken or missing.

Pioneer Hall was built in 1886 for the first Iowa State Fair held at this location. Of the 67 buildings constructed for that Fair, only Pioneer Hall remains. Originally a poultry building, then an employees’ dormitory and a storage facility, Pioneer Hall was re-opened in 1996 after the replacement of the foundation and footings.

The facility houses antique displays, music and the Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions. All ages participate in the famous cow chip or rubber chicken throwing contests. There is also yodeling, joke telling and husband calling competitions. Fairgoers can watch a furniture maker, blacksmith and printer showcase their trades, or enjoy the sounds created by fiddlers and whistlers.

For a $250 donation, only 100 donors will be accepted into this unique group. Your name will be listed as a key player in the renovation project and you will receive a commemorative pin to denote your membership in the 2022 T.A.G. Team.

Thank you again to the 60 donors that have joined us. Please consider filling one of the 40 open spots. Join Now