The Iowa State Fair Family Center enjoyed a more spacious and new home during the 2007 Fair thanks to a $1 million gift by Denny and Candy Elwell of West Des Moines to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Their contribution transformed the existing Iowa Tourism Building into the new Elwell Family Food Center and has created a more spacious environment for all competitive food judging and displays. The project is to be complete by the 2009 Iowa State Fair.

“Denny and Candy Elwell’s generous gift will leave a wonderful legacy for their entire family and an institution that they all have loved. It sets an example for others to follow and it will provide much enjoyment for generations upon generations of Fairgoers,” said Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director John Putney.

Denny Elwell is CEO and Chairman of the Denny Elwell Company of Ankeny, a commercial real-estate development firm that has been in business since 1985. He and his wife, Candy, are avid Fairgoers and have been loyal supporters of the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Iowa State Fair. “Our family is in the fifth generation of fair lovers,” said Mr. Elwell. “As a young child, year after year I have always looked forward to the fair. I’ve enjoyed walking the fairgrounds, seeing it all and especially eating at all my favorite food stands.”

The Iowa State Fair’s food competition is the country’s largest state fair food department. It offers 894 classes and 216 divisions. The Elwell Family Food Center will provide additional space for judging, viewing exhibits and showcasing the culinary talents of Iowa in a more comfortable atmosphere.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 12, 2009.	Photo of the south side in early May.

Siding is apparent in early April.	Progress as of January 2009. The building will continue transformation over the next several months, with a completion date set for the 2009 Fair.

The construction of the outside perimeter and roofing in December.

The food exhibits moved to the Iowa Tourism Building in 2007. The tourism building will be transformed into the new Elwell Family Food Center.

Check back for updates on our current Iowa State Fair renovation and preservation efforts, or call 1-800-450-3732 to find out how you can get involved.