MASON CITY – The North Iowa Fair Association received a generous grant from Keep Iowa Beautiful “Build with Bags” program to purchase seven park benches. This grant is funded by the Iowa Grocery Industry Association and is given to schools, parks and non-profits that have need of park benches. The benches are 100% recycled plastic, utilizing grocery bags, milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and shrink wrap just to name some of the recycled items. Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, manufacturer of the the benches, indicate seven benches represent 73,000 grocery bags that are kept out of our landfills. The benches are maintenance free and unaffected by weather.
Three of the benches honor long term Directors of the North Iowa Fair Association, Fred Fenchel, Jim Kuhlman, and Don Greiman, together they have almost 110 years of dedicated service. One bench honors retired Fair Manager Katy Elson. All honorees were selected by the Board of Directors for their service and dedication to the North Iowa Fair Association.
Don, from Garner, is still an active member of the Board, “I think I have more than anyone, with 50 years in and still involved,” said Greiman.
All four gave a short speech on how they appreciated the honor and like the idea of recycled benches.
“The benches will be set up around the fairgrounds at the North Iowa Events Center for all to enjoy,” said David Green, North Iowa Events Center Manager. “They will be up for the fair, which runs from July 10th to the 14th, for everyone to be able sit and recuperate, to keep everybody happy and everybody interested. To help build the fair for the future.”
Amanda Regan was at the dedication as a special guest and also shared her appreciation of the recycled benches and congratulated the honored Board Members.
Sabrina Vanatler, Sales Administrator for Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, explained some of the process of the making of the benches. “It’s like a candle in a way. We put everything together, melt it down and put it in mold.”
Watch video:
httpv://youtu.be/fXMARctEH3A
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