(Council Bluffs) In a fairground game-changer, Iowa West Foundation announced a $2.5 million lead gift to Council Bluffs’ Westfair as part of a multi-phased $34 million campaign to revitalize the beloved fairgrounds and amphitheater and enhance the visitor experience for years to come.
For 50 years, Westfair has been a cornerstone of the western Iowa community, providing a space for the county fair, concerts, community celebrations, and agriculture events. Much of the infrastructure dates back to 1974 and is at critical end-of-life stages. Addressing outdated power, water, and accessibility needs is paramount for Westfair to achieve an ambition to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the fair, concerts, and events throughout the year.
A 65,000 square foot state-of-the-art livestock building complete with a show ring and arena will serve as the crown jewel and a versatile space for rodeos, equestrian events, and agricultural showcases, as well as a community hub with space for classrooms. The building will be unique to the metro area, and organizers expect to draw visitors from across the river and throughout the region. A new amphitheater setup will add seating to the existing lawn and will hold 8,000 people for concerts. Other improvements include green spaces and hard-surface parking to accommodate year-round activities.
“These enhancements will enable Westfair to host larger, more frequent events,” said Connie Casson, board member of the Friends of the Fair. “These will include bigger livestock shows, expanded 4H programming, and broader agricultural education while offering a first-rate guest experience that preserves Westfair’s legacy and boosts regional economic growth.”
Projections show that the Westfair rejuvenation has the potential to create more than $25 million in annual economic impact.
On behalf of the board of directions, Iowa West Foundation President and CEO Brenda Mainwaring said the organization is honored to provide the lead gift to this cherished western Iowa institution.
“We believe in the power of community spaces like Westfair to bring people together, celebrate our regional agricultural heritage, and create lasting memories,” she said. “Our foundation shares a proud history with Westfair, and we are committed to seeing it thrive for future generations to enjoy.”
For more information on the Westfair capital campaign or to learn how to contribute, please visit www.westfair.org.
