The Chance of a Lifetime

From Johnny Cash to Carrie Underwood, the Iowa State Fair has seen it all! Dating back to the 1950’s, the Fair has hosted a wide variety of grandstand concerts that have become more and more popular each year. In 1980, Bill Fisher, the Fair’s assistant manager at the time, pulled together the famous lineup consisting of Jimmie Rodgers, The Association, Bobby Vee, Del Shannon, Freddie (Boom-Boom) Cannon, Lesley Gore, and the Marvelettes. Over two thousand people attended that concert and the numbers doubled for the following year. Ever since then, Iowa State Fair Concerts are something we all look forward to attending when August comes around.

Who holds the record for attracting the largest Grandstand crowd?

In 1970, Johnny Cash attracted 25,300 in two shows.

In 1972, Sonny and Cher drew 26,200 in two shows.

In 1974, Chicago played to 24,700 in one show.

In 1975, the Beach Boys drew 25,400 in one show.

In 1982, the Oak Ridge Boys attracted 23,500 in two shows.

What entertainer has performed at the Fair a whopping 10 or more times? Lou Christie tops the list with 13 Grandstand appearances. “Lou! Lou! Lou! Lou!” they chanted as he stepped onto the stage in his tight-leather pants and yellow jacket. Can you picture it?

Nights full of dancing, singing, stomping, clapping, and more are only a few months away. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the Fair’s iconic lineup this year consisting of Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Nelly, Demi Lovato, Brooks & Dunn, Skillet, Alanis Morissette, ZZ Top’s Raw Wiskey Tour, Comedian John Christ, Kane Brown, and Disturbed.

Can’t decide which concert to go to? Why not all of them? Have your own Concert Club area in the Grandstand at the 2022 Iowa State Fair with eight seats to each of the eleven concerts. Donated by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, the 2022 Corndog Kickoff will feature this exclusive live auction item, “A Concert Series”, for attendees to bid on!

The Foundation has also donated packages including seats in the Spectator Suite located on the west side of stage seating. It offers an air-conditioned area, lower level patio seating and deck seating up top. It’s the perfect spot to catch the show and hang out with your friends. These packages will include 12 concert tickets to Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Brook & Dunn, depending on which items you bid on.

The 2022 Corndog Kickoff on Saturday, July 9 at 6:30 pm. Tickets cost $100 ($125 after July 1) for a night full of food and fun while the silent and live auctions take place. You can also reserve a table for your business, family, or friends to join! Get ready to do some bidding - we are only a month away!

- Kenna Smith, Donor Relations Intern