For decades, the Iowa State Fair was considered the classic summer exposition; it was what most Americans envisioned when they thought of a state fair. But years of neglect almost destroyed the once grand, turn-of-the-century fairgrounds. After a number of efforts to save the facility failed, the Iowa State Fair Board created the Blue Ribbon Foundation, hoping it could raise millions of dollars needed to restore the grounds. It worked, succeeding beyond the board's wildest dreams. Under the longtime leadership of John Putney and now guided by Peter Cownie, the foundation has raised an amazing...
For decades, the Iowa State Fair was considered the classic summer exposition; it was what most Americans envisioned when they thought of a state fair...