Construction is Underway!

I can’t believe it’s already June! Before we know it the best eleven days of the year will be here. My time at the Foundation has been moving along quickly as we dive deeper into preparation for the Corndog Kickoff and the Fair. With the Fair quickly approaching, the Fairgrounds are buzzing with excitement as updates are being made; one in particular is the sheep barn.

The Foundation’s ‘Back the Barns’ campaign has officially begun its renovation, starting with the sheep barn. This past week a lot of excitement has be seen as renovations really became noticeable. The barn restoration includes multiple upgrades; restoring brick and terracotta masonry, remodeling the office area, installing new underground storm sewer piping, reroofing all lower level roofing areas, remodeling existing restrooms and adding restrooms to meet code, repainting, and providing sun-shading for the show arena. 

The ‘Back the Barns’ campaign is a $25 million, multiyear project to restore and renovate the famous livestock barns on the Fairgrounds. This project started this spring with the sheep barn and will continue with the cattle, horse, and swine barns over the years. ‘Back the Barns’ reigns closely with me as I grew up showing cattle at the Fair!

If you want to support this barn restoration and guarantee the tradition of showing livestock at the Iowa State Fair continues to thrive in amazing facilities, you can become a member of the campaign today. To become a member, you can pledge $1,000 annually for three years to support these outstanding showmen at the Fair. If you wish to become a member and donate to the “Back the Barns” online at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.com or call the Foundation’s office at (515) 262-3111 Ext. 371. 

Growing up in the agriculture industry and showing at the Fair has taught me so much in my lifetime. The ‘Back the Barns’ campaign is a key element in continuing to help shape the showmen into the next generation of the agriculture industry!

- Faith Kuehl, Business Relations Intern

P.S. Enjoy some throwback pictures of me showing J