Brick Give-a-way Week 2: Anne & Bill Riley Stage

June 9, 2010
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Congratulations to Carol Britson, the winner of the brick at the Ag Building!

The stage was dedicated to Bill Riley in 1996 as a way to remember the many hours Bill devoted to the Iowa State Fair.  Bill began the State Fair Talent Search and served as its host for 50 years.  It was also Bill Riley that enabled the renovation of what was then the Plaza Stage.

A $100,000 contribution in 1996 funded the two phases of renovation of the stage.  During the first phase of renovation, an additional 500 square feet of stage and 3,400 square feet of roofing were constructed as the existing structure was restored.  A second phase of renovation established a sound and light control booth and created landscaped seating for 3,000 visitors. 

It was only in recent years that the stage name changed from the Bill Riley Stage to Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

What’s your favorite act to see on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage?
Add a comment here or on Facebook by 10:00 a.m. June 16 to enter to win a brick at the Anne & Bill Riley Stage.