Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Salute to Iowa's Joe Barksdale on National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Today is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.
It’s a perfect day to salute an Iowa entrepreneur who built a cookie empire at the Iowa State Fair.
Last year, his business sold two million chocolate chip cookies during the 11 days of the fair.
A lifelong salesperson and legendary concessionaire, this 92 year-old Iowan is in a league of his own.
After more than a quarter-century rolling cookie dough at the state fair, Joe Barksdale decided it was time to hang up his apron.
However, his legacy will continue for generations to come.
He is paying it forward by giving back to the people of Iowa.
Joe gifted his legendary cookie recipe to the Iowa State Fair, so that its profits could be reinvested for years to come.
As of today, “Barksdale’s State Fair Cookies” has a brand-new home.
The permanent cookie building will shorten customer wait times with a dozen sales windows.
For anyone who hasn’t tasted this state fair delicacy, I suggest you put it on your bucket list.
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