CIF Scholarship
In July 2001 the Executive Board of the Central Iowa Fair originated a livestock banner auction where the champions from each species are represented. The highest bidder receives the banner. In 2009 we added four outstanding non-livestock projects to this auction as well. Each exhibitor receives a percentage of the selling price with the balance going into a grant and scholarship fund that is maintained by the Central Iowa Fair.
The program was originally designed as a grant program for the 4-H clubs and project groups as a way to receive funding for community service or citizenship projects. Each club or group may apply for up to $150 annually. This is done through an application process. They are also expected to have a poster or display during the fair showing how the money was used.
In 2004 scholarships were added to the program. Two $500 scholarships were awarded the first year. Due to the continued success of the auction, in 2006 the scholarships awarded were increased to three $1,000 scholarships. As of this date approximately $30,000 has been awarded to the 4-H youth in Marshall County in grants and scholarships.
This program is changed in 2012. Instead of having the banner auction there is a Parade of Champions to wrap up the fair. Each species will be allowed to send in both the Champions and Reserve winners of their show along with champion non-livestock exhibits.
Previous Scholarship Winners
| 2004 | Andrea Betts David VonAhnen |
| 2005 | Ashley Huston |
| 2006 | Kaleb Appelgate Missy Merwald Andrew Burt |
| 2007 | Elise Fiscus |
2008 | Alison Vandegrift |
| 2009 | Gage Fiscus |
| 2010 | Justin Breja |
| 2011 | Michael Burt |
| 2012 | Hannah Thomae |
| 2013 | Katherine Newhouse |
| 2014 | Blake Edler |
| 2015 | Hannah Hibbs |
| 2016 | Ben Newhouse |
| 2017 | Madelynn Greene |
| 2018 | Evan Espenscheid |
| 2019 | Madison Duncan |
| 2020 | Jessley Ash |