15 Donors Needed

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking for 100 donors to make an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds by tackling a smaller renovation project. We’ve had 85 donors join the team, and need 15 more!

Money raised from the 2024 T.A.G. Team will be used to update to the official Iowa State Fair “Tunnel of Love”, Ye Old Mill.  

Ye Old Mill has been a beloved attraction since 1921. Situated next to the Midway on Grand Avenue, riders climb aboard a row boat and disappear into a 1,500-foot tunnel. Except for an occasional collage of historical photos, most of the 3-minute float trip is in pitch-black darkness — allowing bold riders to steal a kiss or two.

While it's considered the Fair's oldest permanent amusement ride, the structure that stands today isn't the original. It was rebuilt in 1996 as an exact duplicate of the original after the first, which had dry rot and termite damage, was blown over in a strong windstorm. The bright red paddle wheel remains the only artifact from the original structure.

The upcoming improvements include new sheathing, fascia and architectural shingles on the roof of the main building. The side walls of the tunnel will be stripped and repaired where needed and new lap siding is planned for both sides. The whole structure will be repainted and the “inner” portion of the tunnel that you can only see from the Sky Glider will get a new rock landscape.

For a $250 donation 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 2024 T.A.G. Team.

We welcome your participation in our T.A.G. Team so Together we can Accomplish our Goals. Join today.

Thank you to all of the Fair lovers that have supported our mission and made these previous T.A.G. Team projects possible: Livestock Pavilion east restrooms, Agriculture Building first level lighting, Pioneer Hall west exterior, Agriculture Building north and east exterior doors