The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation will host the annual Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party on July 11, held at the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building at the State Fairgrounds starting at 6:30 p.m. The event, which includes a live and silent auction, serves as the primary fundraiser for the foundation, which maintains the fairgrounds. Since its inception in 1997, the kickoff has raised more than $4 million for fairgrounds renovations. Tickets to the event are $100 per person and can be purchased online or by calling the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 800-450-3732.