Passion for Youth in Agriculture
February 19, 2024
The Iowa State Fair has a legacy of hosting high-quality livestock shows. As you walk through the barns, one can’t help but notice a prominent fashion accessory: western-style belt buckles. These buckles surpass functionality to show something special about the wearer, highlighting what is meaningful to them from an accomplishment in the ring, their family history or imagery of the animals they work with. These buckles are worn with pride, showcasing who the wearer is and what they want to be.
In recognition of the pride shown by our livestock exhibitors, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation has created the “Back the Barns” campaign along with a commemorative belt buckle. The livestock barns as a whole will undergo a major $25 million renovation. The Sheep Barn is currently in its second phase of renovation while the Cattle, Horse and Swine Barns will each have dedicated restorations in areas that are vitally needed.
“Back the Barns” is a way for anyone with a passion for youth in agriculture to support the renovation of the barns on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Providing youth with exceptional facilities in which to compete and showcase their hard work and skills every August is central to the Fair’s mission. Renovation of the historic, early 20th century animal barns will give generations of Fairgoers the opportunity to continue the time-honored tradition of showing their livestock at the Iowa State Fair.
Members of the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s “Back the Barns” campaign are those generous donors who have pledged $1,000 per year for three years in support of the Iowa State Fair’s historic livestock barn restoration project. And yep, you really do get a special belt buckle to celebrate your investment in our mission of preserving the Fairgrounds. It’s a mutual support program – we’ll help hold up your pants; you help hold up our roof.
In addition to your one-of-a-kind belt buckle, your name will be listed on a plaque recognizing donors when the project is complete. Your support of the barn restoration project will guarantee the tradition of showing livestock at the Iowa State Fair continues to grow year after year.
Thank you!
