A Big Step Forward: Iowa West Foundation’s Support of Westfair Renovations Plans
The Iowa West Foundation has made a significant donation to kick off major renovations at Westfair. This contribution marks an important first step in transforming the fairgrounds to better serve our community for years to come!
The Future of Westfair
Westfair opened in 1974 on an 80-acre campus two miles from I-80 near Council Bluffs. For fifty years, it has been the home of the West Pottawattamie County Fair. The Westfair Amphitheater opened in 1996 and has hosted concerts by the biggest names in entertainment. The Rod Graalfs Arena at Westfair has hosted exciting tractor pulls and death-defying demolition derbies since Westfair’s beginnings.
As we look ahead to Westfair’s next 50 years, the Fair Board and the Friends of Westfair team see endless opportunity to improve the facilities and to make our fairgrounds a regional hub for agricultural education and events and outdoor entertainment.
With input from hundreds of fair families and concertgoers, we have developed an ambitious vision for Westfair.
Our Vision
Our vision contains a three-phase plan to renovate the fairgrounds, arena, and amphitheater to increase the enjoyability of Westfair for all.
Our Plan
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Phase 1
The new Education & Expo building is a 65,000 square foot flexible space to host the county fair as well as countless community events from youth sports to business meetings to small conferences. With a classroom, conference room, and concessions, generations will connect in the air conditioned Community Commons to meet and eat, to see the History Wall and Donor Wall that share how Westfair got here.
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Phase 2
An updated amphitheater will incorporate modern amenities for artists and concertgoers alike. Artists will see updates to the stage, backstage area, loading dock, and dressing rooms. Event attendees will have built-in seating, VIP areas, ADA-compliant spaces, and improved traffic flow for events for up to 9,000 people.
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Phase 3
The relocated arena will host outdoor events like tractor pulls and Figure 8 races, but also attract new events, like equestrian events and outdoor rodeos. With VIP suites and ADA-compliant spaces, the new arena will also have a concourse and press box for a better experience for all who attend.
Friends of Westfair
Westfair is a special place for so many. Yet, updates to wifi, security, lighting, water quality, and parking will make it an easy, safe place to attend community events, agricultural exhibitions, and a variety of entertainment offerings.
The Friends of Westfair committee is supporting the fundraising to make our vision a reality. We are pursuing local grants, federal and state funding, family donations, and gifts of grain or stock to fund this generational update. To learn more about the project plan, cost estimates, and giving opportunities, please email info@westfair.org. A committee member will follow up with you.
Friends of Westfair Committee:
John Bracker – Fair board member
Connie Casson – Committee chairperson
Adam Darrington – Fair board member
Kyle Fischer – Fair board member
Allie Frost – Fair board member
Eric Hough
Abby Jares
Dan Miller – Fair board member
Kevin Ross
Brandon Vorthmann – Operations manager