It's a sweet life celebrating the start of the Fair season at the Corndog Kickoff. Don your flip-flops, pull on a Hawaiian shirt, be thankful it's five o'clock somewhere and gather with other Fair-loving souls to raise funds for the renovation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Move over cheeseburgers, we're channeling a Jimmy Buffett vibe, creating "Corndog in Paradise." Whether you are attending the fun-filled night or are participating from home, there is something for everyone to bid on!
Bidding opens at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7 and will close at 8:30 p.m. CST on Saturday, July 8. Previewing of packages opens on July 6 and will be updated often as items arrive. Make sure to register in order to bid on any Silent Auction items.
Live Auction packages are displayed here but you must be present at the Corndog Kickoff to bid. We recommend registering a user account in advance. To bid in the Live Auction, you must pick up an assigned bid number at the bid registration tables located inside the event entrances. Your assigned number will be added to your user account.
We are also selling tickets to the premiere viewing of Iowa PBS' documentary "Our Great State Fair". See the button below to purchase tickets for this special showing on Thursday, July 20th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Oman Family Youth Inn on the Fairgrounds. Tickets are $50 and include a corndog, popcorn and a cup of cookies while hearing from the documentary's creators and watching the film. A question and answer session will follow at the conclusion of the documentary.
"Our Great State Fair" explores the history of Iowa's biggest event - the annual showcase of our state's best in agriculture, industry, enertainment and achievement. The story begins in 1854, as an experimental agricultural exposition in Fairfield, and continues into the 21st centrury as a statewide celebration in Des Moines. "Our Great State Fair" dives into the stories that set our fair apart from any other fair, and shows how the event brings people together for 11 unforgettable days.
If you have any questions, please check our FAQ page which has information on the event, package purchase and pick up instructions and much more. You can also email [email protected] with your question or call 515-262-3111 Ext. 371.
Thank you for supporting the Corndog Kickoff and the Blue Ribbon Foundation's mission to renovate and preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
