Projects on the Iowa State Fairgrounds always come with a tight timeline. All improvements must be completed within a single year, and with more than 350 events hosted annually (outside of the Fair itself) scheduling can be a challenge. Every project is carefully planned, and let’s be honest, sometimes they come down to the wire.
Before we dive into a new round of improvements, we wanted to take a moment to highlight one of our favorite projects from this past summer: Ron and Bev Shivers Family Plaza.
In 2025, a vibrant new plaza was developed to revitalize a previously underused area along Rock Island Avenue at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This dynamic space features open seating, thoughtful landscaping, a new restroom facility, and convenient access to nearby concession stands.
Nestled between two popular permanent food vendors, the plaza was designed to enhance the Fairgoer experience by offering a welcoming place where families, friends, and individuals can gather, relax, dine, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Iowa State Fair. The paved area is equipped with picnic tables, planter boxes, and sun shades to create a comfortable and inviting environment.
Rock Island Avenue is the second-largest thoroughfare on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, serving as a key connector between the four major livestock barns and the show pavilion. It also links areas featuring agricultural education, entertainment, and a wide variety of food offerings.
Prior to 2021, the area was home to the Iowa Craft Beer Tent and a cluster of portable restrooms, with a base of tired grass, dirt and mulch. As the beer tent outgrew the space, it was relocated to a larger location elsewhere on the Fairgrounds. By 2024, the area had become a back-of-house zone filled with concession trailers and portable restrooms - functional, but visually unappealing to the public. It was clear the space needed a significant transformation.
In recent years, the Iowa State Fair has prioritized “creature comforts”, small but meaningful improvements that enhance the Fairgoer experience. Simple additions like shaded seating areas can make a big impact, turning underused spaces into welcoming destinations.
In a heartfelt act of generosity, the Ron and Bev Shivers family donated $1 million to bring the project to life. In recognition of their incredible support, the space was named the Ron and Bev Shivers Family Plaza.
The Shivers family has been deeply involved with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation since 1994, supporting its mission both personally and through their family business, Dee Zee, Inc. Their dedication stems from decades of participation in the Fair, especially through youth livestock competitions and 4-H programs.
For the Shivers family, the Iowa State Fair represents more than just an annual event. It’s a tradition worth preserving. It’s a place where generations come together, where Iowa’s rich agricultural heritage and community spirit are celebrated, and where the past, present, and future of the state are proudly on display.
What was once an underused area on the Fairgrounds now has a vibrant and meaningful purpose. The new plaza offers Fairgoers a much-needed place to pause during their busy day - somewhere to sit, relax, and enjoy their favorite Fair food - or use the modern restroom amenities.
Throughout the day, the space is filled with families and friends gathering and unwinding. In the evenings, its location nestled between two popular spots featuring live music transforms it into a lively hangout, buzzing with energy and community.
It’s one of those projects that, once completed, left everyone wondering: “Why didn’t we do this sooner?” The plaza feels like it’s always belonged - an effortless and beautiful addition to the Fairgrounds.
The goal is for the plaza to be utilized year-round as a complementary space for guests attending various events across the Fairgrounds. We hope it continues to grow in popularity and becomes a go-to gathering spot for visitors.
Looking ahead, there’s potential to further enhance the area with additional planter boxes, trash receptacles, and expanded seating to meet growing demand.
Thank you again to the Shivers family for investing in the future of the Iowa State Fairgrounds.