Wedding Reception
Policies & Guidelines | Food Service | Beverage Service | Décor Rental
Saturday, June 12 & July 24, 2010 are now open in the
Grand Ballroom for your wedding or party!
Policies & Guidelines
Our Mission
The Dubuque County Fair Association, a non-profit organization, is a community resource that exists to educate and promote the culture and heritage of Dubuque County, while uniting the community in celebration.
Rental Fees
The Dubuque County Fairgrounds has several facilities to accommodate your reception. Our rental rates include five (5) hours of reception time, tables and chairs, set-up and clean-up, and our bar staff. The following rates apply:
- The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 people and rents for $600.
- Friday evening receptions in the Grand Ballroom rent for $300.
- The 4-H Community Center can accommodate up to 500 people and rents for $425.
Friday evening receptions in the 4-H Community Center are $212.50.
The Creative Arts Center can be added to any 4-H rental for an additional $150 fee. It can accommodate up to 150 additional people.
- The Outdoor Festival Garden can accommodate groups of any size and rents for $225.
Additional hours can be arranged in advance through our office for an extra $100 per hour.
Deposits & Payments
When you book a date at our facilities, a contract is issued to you with a non-refundable deposit of 50% of your rental fees. The contract is due back to the fairgrounds with the deposit within two weeks of the booking date. If your contract and deposit are received by the due date, your reservation will become confirmed. Your final rental balance and any and all additional charges are due at the conclusion of your event. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Cash or Checks. A $20 service fee, in addition to the original check amount, will be charged on any returned checks.
Food & Beverage Service
The Dubuque County Fairgrounds offers several options to accommodate your food and beverage requests. We will ensure quality food service for your guests by providing a list of approved licensed caterers. They can provide appetizers, dinner buffets, sandwiches, desserts and more.
CATERING GUARANTEES—The Dubuque County Fair Association has a list of approved caterers that you must select from. Any food brought in must be from a caterer on our list. You must inform the office of the name of the caterer and the number of people you are ordering food for. Please contact the caterer for their menu and prices. You may need to mention that your event is taking place at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds for accurate pricing.
The Dubuque County Fair Association does not provide bussing service for your meal, the caterer is responsible for the clean -up of plates & utensils. Please inquire with them if there is an additional bussing charge, as this service is required.
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION—No one under the legal age of 21 will be permitted to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages at any time. If appropriate ID cannot be produced, we will not serve guests of any age. Guests may be required to wear a wristband identifying them as of legal age. All minors found consuming alcohol will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. The Dubuque County Fair Association has the legal right to refuse service to anyone who appears to be intoxicated, as well as reserving the right to ask the person to leave the premises if he/she refuses to cooperate. The Dubuque County Fair Association retains the right to call premature end to an event if the participants show a blatant disregard for our rules, policies, property and staff.
A 15% gratuity is automatically charged on all food and beverage orders that are charged to the master bill.
Cancellation
In the event of a cancellation, the deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel your event within sixty (60) days of the scheduled event date, you will be billed for the remaining balance of your rental fee.
Damage Waiver
The Dubuque County Fairgrounds holds renters fully responsible for damage, vandalism or theft of property that may occur during your event. The Fairgrounds office will notify you in writing if we encounter problems during your event.
Insurance
The Dubuque County Fair Association holds $1,000,000 worth of General Liability coverage for any incident that is due to negligence of the Dubuque County Fair Association. In addition, our insurance company requires all renters to submit a certificate of General Liability Coverage. You should contact your agent and have them call the Dubuque County Fair Association for additional information. The certificate must be received in the Fairgrounds office no later than 2 months prior to your event date or your event may be cancelled or postponed at the discretion of the Fair Association.
Facility Restrictions
When planning your set-up, you must coordinate the time and items to be used with the Fairgrounds Office. The Dubuque County Fair Association will not guarantee set-up times prior to 72 hours before your event. The Fair Office has several layout options available, any changes to a chosen layout must be given to us 48 hours prior to your event. Please contact our office to check on available set-up times for decorating. It is the renter’s responsibility to inform their DJ, cake and any other items being delivered what time they may arrive and set-up.
Decoration Restrictions
We do not allow tape or staples on our floors, furniture or walls.
Confetti , sand, etc. of any type is prohibited.
Candles must be in candle holders . No free standing candles are allowed.
All décor items that you bring in must be removed at the end of your event, unless prior arrangements have been made with the Fair Office
Food Service
The Dubuque County Fairgrounds offers several caterers that you may choose from. Whether you are looking for casual appetizers or a formal dinner buffet, these caterers offer many services and food choices. All catering must be done by the caterers listed below. We have provided their contact phone numbers so that you may speak with them directly about their service, prices & availability. You may need to mention that your reception is taking place at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds for accurate pricing.
The Barn - 563-552-2353
Far-Fry Catering - 563-744-3963
Hy-Vee ~ Asbury Plaza - 563-583-2199
Ice Harbor Galley - 563-583-8093
Kalmes Catering - 563-773-2480
Catfish Charlies - 563-582-8600
Springbrook County Catering - 563-872-4678
Trackside - 563-582-4792
Beverage Service
Keg Beer
Budweiser, Bud Light, Busch Light,
Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Light, Coors Light
$165.00 each
Bottle Beer
Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Select, Busch Light,
Miller Light, Coors Light, Busch N/A Cans
$45.00 per case
Soda
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Diet Sprite, Mountain Dew, Diet Mountain Dew,
Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi, Fresca, Mr. Pibb
$15.00 per case
House Wine
White Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot
$12.00 per bottle
(1.5 Liter)
Champagne
Andre White, Pink or Asti Spumante
$12.00 per bottle
Sparkling Grape Juice
$5.00 per bottle
Beverage charges subject to 15% gratuity.
Prices are subject to change without notification.
Wine Coolers & Carbonated Beverages
Exotic Berry Wine Coolers
$40.00 per case
Bacardi Razz
$50.00 per case
Well Liquor
Amaretto, Apple Pucker, Apricot Schnapps, Black Velvet,
Blackberry Brandy, Blue Maui, Butterscotch Schnapps, Fleischmann’s Gin,
Kessler’s, Lauders Scotch, Peach Schnapps, Peppermint Schnapps,
Raspberry Schnapps, Red Maui, Root Beer Schnapps, Sloe Gin, Popov Vodka
$55.00 per bottle
Price includes mixers, cups, straws and garnish
Premium Liquor
Absolute Vodka, Bacardi Rum, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Canadian Club,
Captain Morgan, Christian Brothers Brandy, Crown Royal, Cutty Sark,
Dr. McGillicuddy’s, Jack Daniels, Jagermeister, Jim Beam,
Jose Cuervo Especial, Kahlua, Malibu Rum, Rumple Mints, Seagram’s 7,
Southern Comfort, Tanquaray Gin, UV Blue, Vanilla McGillicuddy’s
$65.00 per bottle
Price includes mixers, cups, straws and garnish
Beverage Tickets
Well or Premium Drinks
$3.00 each
Cash Bar
No additional charge.
A $50.00 staff fee will be charged for any event that does not have a cash bar.
Beverage charges subject to 15% gratuity.
Prices are subject to change without notification.
Décor Rental
Decorations
Lighted Back Drop…$65 each
Archway…$35
Ficus Trees…$10 each
Centerpiece Mirrors…$1 each
Rose Bowls…$1 each
Votive Holders…$1 each
Linen
Banquet Table Linen…$6 each
Round Table Linen…$6 each
13’ Skirting…$20 each
16’ Linen Skirting…$24 each
21’ Linen Skirting…$28 each
Linen Napkins…$1 each (Variety of colors to choose from)
Plastic covering for all tables…$40 ($60 if over 700 guests)
Additional Items
60" Big Screen TV & DVD Player…$50
Wireless Microphone…$5
DJ System…$100(does not include music or DJ)