Welcome to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s blog!
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to raise funds for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Since our inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $200 million through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.
Please follow our blog to learn more about our organization.
Did you see the beautiful new murals on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in August? If you missed seeing the unique artwork, come out to the Fairgrounds to look for yourself. Adding the murals to the Fairgrounds were one of the many highlights of the summer – a true beautification project.
A little history for you...
In 1999, a shelter house was built on the Iowa State Fairgrounds to provide a space during the Fair for organizations to host events such as employee appreciation days or family reunions. The 2,700 square foot building was constructed with treated wood and wood shingles in a quiet location east of the Livestock Pavilion.
After its construction, the shelter house was used extensively. During the Iowa State Fair there were two rental times available to provide either morning or evening slots. Waitlists of organizations wanting to utilize it during the Fair was common. The shelter house was also available for rent throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. Often it was utilized for events connected with the many horse shows hosted on the Fairgrounds.
With more than 20 years of wear and tear, combined with Iowa’s winter weather, the shelter house was showing its age and did not meet current Iowa State Fair standards or needs. There was no doubt that upgrades would improve the functionality of the space while making the shelter house attractive as a safe economical location for a family or business event.
In 2022, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation received a generous contribution from Alliant Energy to build a new shelter house, called the Alliant Energy Landing. The new shelter doubled in size, provided paved ADA accessibility points, added LED lighting, and ceiling fans to help air flow on the hot August days. The space around the shelter was paved and the landscape was expanded. The new structure continued to be the only publically available rental space during the Iowa State Fair, now offering a larger venue for more event flexibility.
Alliant Energy gave another charitable contribution in 2023 to add unique artwork to the Alliant Energy Landing. An original mural now graces the concrete retaining wall and was created by local Des Moines artist, James Navarro. Composed of individual panels, they feature different vignettes celebrating what makes Iowa special. The artwork showcases farmland, wind and solar energy, raising livestock and agriculture education by highlighting 4-H and FFA.
Beautification doesn’t always mean large scale projects. The Alliant Energy Landing also received some smaller improvements that made the space more attractive. Utilizing large pots filled with a variety of greenery and flowers softened the concrete, giving the space a traditional picnic feel that fits in well with the Fairgrounds’ park-like setting. The addition of modern, ornamental iron trash receptacles shows that updating something as simple as a trash barrel truly can elevate a space.
The small beautification touches of custom murals, flower pots and modern trash receptacles helped expand the marketability of the structure. Everyone utilizing the facility during their visit to the Iowa State Fair or throughout the year can enjoy the functionality but also an eye-catching visual display in the space. This allows the Iowa State Fairgrounds to continually stand out as a premiere facility for the state of Iowa.
Thank you again to Alliant Energy for your support of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation has been celebrating the hard work of volunteers across our state since 1997. Volunteering is an integral part of Iowans' lives. Volunteers have the ideas, knowledge and expertise needed to keep our communities moving forward. The Foundation proudly honors outstanding state-wide volunteers with the “Iowan of the Day” award during the Iowa State Fair.
With the help of Cookies Food Products, the Foundation honored 10 Iowans with a special day of recognition. The winners were celebrated during a presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage and received $200 cash, use of a golf cart for the day, VIP parking, gate admission for four, hotel accommodations at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott, and four tickets to the evening Grandstand show.
Arilyan Steenblock – Panora 
As a junior in high school, Arilyan did her part to help with an issue many young women encounter at some point, finding themselves in need of a feminine hygiene product but not having one on hand. To help solve this issue, she started “Blessing Boxes”. These boxes are stocked with needed products in the girl’s bathroom at her school. Between using some of her own money to keep these boxes filled, and soliciting donations, Arilyan is determined to help with this on-going issue.
LaVerne Quass - Ankeny 
LaVerne is committed to giving back to his community. This is evident from his 20 years of volunteering for Life Serve Blood Center. LaVerne has transported blood to hospitals all over Iowa and into Nebraska as a volunteer driver. He continues to volunteer 25 hours a week at the age of 86. He is also highly involved in his church. LaVerne is a loyal and helpful friend, graciously aiding his friends with their appointments and outings.
Nelda Bartels – Lytton 
Nelda is known as the “energizer bunny”. She leads the designing of the face of her town; including the welcome signs as well as the plants she maintains each summer. Nelda continually volunteers to take photos for the annual Lytton Gala Days Celebration. She can be found attending local sporting events as one of the biggest fans. Nelda coordinates activities each year for the Sunday school kids. It’s safe to say that she loves her small town and the great state of Iowa.
John Keeney - Carlisle 
John has been the treasurer for the Warren County Agricultural Association for 15 years as well as a member of the Board of Directors. He has also served as the vice president on the Warren County Fair Association for 15 years. John is a member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a 4-H leader for 16 years along with his 18 years of serving on the Extension Council and Youth Committee. John is an inspiration for his service and dedication to many different organizations in his community.
De Heaton – Corning 
De averages more than 30 hours a week serving her community through her work at the Corning Opera House as the Executive Director. She oversees maintenance of the building, writes grants and makes sure that entertainment is family friendly. De is a strong advocate for music education and experience. She facilitates many youth activities such as the children’s musical, “Tea Parties”, the annual Polar Express Celebration as well as planning educational activities for students on “early out” days.
Emma Miller - Goodell 
At ten years old, Emma was with her grandmother at the local cemetery paying their respects to family and close friends by decorating headstones. Emma noticed there was a large tree limb on one of the gravestones. She called her grandpa and he brought tools to help her clean up and make repairs to the area. Emma took initiative and decided to continue this as a community service project. Throughout the last two years she can be found decorating, repairing or cleaning old grave sites in the cemetery.
Ron Stutsman – Riverside 
Ron is the face of his community. He has served as Chairman of the Board for the Sharon Center United Methodist Church, President of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, and President of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. Ron makes himself (as well as his resources) available whenever needed to his community. He has served on the Hills Bank and Trust Board of Directors, President of Goodwill Industries of SE Iowa and is a member of the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce Board.
Arleen Starman – Burlington 
After losing her husband when he was in hospice care, Arleen was called to help others going through the same thing. She understood what the families were feeling allowing her to help them in a way nobody else could. Arleen healed others as she healed herself through her 3,247 hours of volunteering with hospice over fifteen years. Arleen is well known and loved around her community because of her 27 years of being the middle school secretary. She makes it a point in her life to make everyone feel special.
Bev Michael - Cedar Falls 
Since 1994, the Sartori Memorial Hospital has recorded 6,250 volunteer hours that Bev has contributed. She has managed the gift shop, coordinated blood drives and chaired the teen volunteer committee. Bev has served as the president of the Hospital Auxiliary, held a seat on the Iowa Hospital Auxiliary Board and co-chaired the Sartori Festival of Trees fundraiser for a number of years. She volunteers with the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls Visitors and Tourism Bureau, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Waterloo Center of the Arts, and Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Elsie Van Beek – Maurice 
As a 15 year old, Elsie has a strong passion for recognizing and thanking veterans. She successfully raised $85,000 through selling cupcakes and soliciting donations to sponsor 83 veterans on an Honor Flight. The veterans had the opportunity to see Arlington National Cemetery along with other special memorials: a day they will never forget. Elsie volunteers with Wreaths across America, Midwest Honor Flight, Key Club (community service organization), Maurice Youth Group and is a junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit.
It's never too early to nominate a deserving person for next year's Iowan of the Day Award.
Nominees must be residents of Iowa. Each nomination is evaluated on a number of things - including community involvement, volunteerism, personal achievements, and involvement with youth. Nominators should provide us with supplemental materials that emphasize these areas such as testimonials, photos, newspaper articles and letters of recommendation. Any information that shows our judges the greatness of your nominee is welcomed!
Congratulations again to the 2023 Iowan of the Day winners!
2023 Iowa State Fair Highlights:
Here are just a few special highlights from the 2023 Iowa State Fair!
Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair! Make sure to check out the several Blue Ribbon stands across the Fairgrounds! Whether you are looking to purchase merchandise, or need a refreshing bottle of water, we look forward to seeing your smiling faces at the BEST DAYS EVER.
One way to remember and cherish the memories of the Iowa State Fair forever is through the purchase of Fair merchandise. Proceeds from these items go directly to the renovation and preservation of our beautiful Fairgrounds. Many new pieces can be purchased this year at the Fair! Some of these include:
Merchandise is sold daily at the Fair from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at six locations across the Fairgrounds. These include:
Be sure to check it out!
Water Bottle Sales
If you’ve visited the Iowa State Fair, you know those 11 days in August can be hot! Be sure to grab a few bottles of water from the seven Blue Ribbon Water Booths across the Fairgrounds! These booths can be found at the:
Water can be purchased daily for $3 a bottle from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Proceeds from your water purchase go directly to Fairground improvement projects.
BINGO!
Come out to the Grand Concourse on Wednesday, August 16 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 for a classic game of BINGO. For $1 a game, you have the chance to win half of the total earnings collected per game. The proceeds will go to support the Foundation’s mission. Celebrity guests will help call out the Bingo numbers throughout the day. These celebrities may include Fair Board members; so you won’t want to miss this fun opportunity!
Thanks to many generous donors, the Iowa State Fair is constantly seeing renovations and improvements to help ensure the Fairgrounds keep its rich historical elements while also staying up to date. Take note of this year’s projects at the 2023 Iowa State Fair!
The Iowa State Fair holds high value to many people. That is what makes the continuous renovation efforts so special. Thank you to everyone involved who makes sure the Iowa State Fairgrounds can be enjoyed for many years to come!
Concrete Statue
Iowa Auctioneer Contest
The Iowa State Blue Ribbon Foundation is happy to announce we are collaborating with the Iowa Auctioneers Association for their annual auctioneer contest at the Fair. Auctioneers from across the Midwest will be putting their selling skills to the test in the Iowa Auctioneers Association Bid Calling Finals.
This event will take place on Tuesday, August 15, from 9 AM to 12 PM on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage. Iowa auctioneers will be auctioning off various items to the public, with all proceeds going to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Mark your calendar and grab a bidding number to enjoy this fast moving show!
Come out and enjoy the thrill of watching Gary Keenan and T.J. Jenkins use chainsaws to carve masterpieces out of wood at the Iowa State Fair! With that, you also have the opportunity to take one of these unique carvings home. The Blue Ribbon Foundation hosts this auction as a hybrid with some items sold in person and others online.
In Person Live Auction:
Online Auction:
Fairgoers are invited to watch the wooden creations emerge as Keenan and Jenkins carve four times over the duration of the Fair at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM. This will take place between the First Church and Pioneer Hall.
There are many things to do and see at the 2023 Iowa State Fair that you won’t want to miss!
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Iowan of the Day award at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.
The Iowan of the Day program was created by the Blue Ribbon Foundation in 1997 to honor outstanding Iowans who have made a difference across our great state. Among many nominations, our committee selected ten Iowans who have demonstrated exceptional integrity, Iowa pride, hard work, and dedication to their communities.
Each winner will have a special day of honor at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Each day at noon on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage they will be recognized and presented as an Iowan of the Day. Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, each will receive a cash prize, Grandstand and Iowa State Fair admission tickets, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, and VIP parking on the Fairgrounds.
The 2023 Iowan of the Day recipients are:
Arilyan Steenblock of Panora – Thursday, August 10
LaVerne Quass of Ankeny – Friday, August 11
Nelda Bartels of Lytton – Saturday, August 12
John Keeney of Carlisle – Sunday, August 13
De Heaton of Corning– Monday, August 14
Emma Miller of Goodell – Tuesday, August 15
Ron Stutsman of Riverside– Wednesday, August 16
Arleen Starman of Burlington – Thursday, August 17
Bev Michael of Cedar Falls – Friday, August 18
Elsie Van Beek of Maurice – Saturday, August 19
Since its inception in 1993, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has been raising funds to renovate and restore the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. More than $200 million has been generated to date and has supported more than 40 projects throughout the Fairgrounds.
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, please contact the Foundation at 515-262-3111, Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or visit www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org .
Macy Loecke-Public Relations Intern
It truly was a “night in paradise” at the William C. Knapp Varied Industries building on Saturday, July 8th. With over 2,500 people in attendance, the 2023 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party made history, creating a new fundraising record of $1,006,590! 30 live and 273 silent auction packages were bid on at the event. These funds are used for the renovation and preservation of the beautiful Iowa State Fairgrounds.
As a first time Corndog Kickoff attendee, it was incredible to see the amount of people that are so passionate about the Iowa State Fair. I was able to take tickets at the entrance of the event; where I saw people’s faces beaming with excitement. I never once saw those smiles fade.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation wants to give the biggest thank you to everyone that made this year’s Corndog Kickoff a success! Volunteers, attendees, concessionaires, and many more help ensure the Fair will never lose its “shaker of salt.”
If you would like to access your photo from the event, click here. Thank you to Lauren Campbell Photography for taking photos at the event.
The annual Corndog Kickoff is now behind us. It was an amazing night for the Foundation as we raised a whopping $1,006,590 for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds! We are so thankful for those that donated, volunteered, and attended. It’s very clear the outpouring of support that is here for the amazing Iowa State Fair and it’s even greater to get to witness it firsthand.
So what are we up to now at the Foundation? Preparing for the Fair of course! We are less than 30 days from the start of the best 11 days of summer. Tomorrow, we will be placing some new bricks around the Fairgrounds. There is so much history involved in the bricks we place around the grounds. I would encourage you to take time to read them sometime when you’re on the Fairgrounds next! Hopefully that will be sometime during the Fair so you can experience all of the fun stuff there too!
We are also gearing up for two events next week. One being our volunteer reception which will take place next Wednesday, July 19th. The other being the premiere of “Our Great State Fair” documentary. This documentary is one that will showcase and highlight the history of the great Iowa State Fair. I can’t think of a better place to show this new documentary than right on the historic Fairgrounds themselves. Tickets for this event are available, but a limited number will be sold so make sure to get yours now!
There is plenty more to do before the Fair, but I thought I would fill you in on what we would be up to for the next week or so! As always, if you have any questions about any of these events or are looking for more details, you can reach our office at 515-262-3111 ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org .
The countdown is on!!!
- Macy Loecke, Public Relations Intern
We are a little over a week away from the exclusive premiere of the Our Great State Fair documentary. This documentary showcases the essence of the greatest State Fair with the best eleven days of the year. I don't know about you, but I am excited to be a part of this special premiere.
The documentary enhances Iowa's annual showcase of its best in agriculture, industry, entertainment, and achievement and its biggest celebration. Throughout the showing, you will be able to hear about the history of the Fair, its meaning from others, some special people who have been a part of the Fair, and so much more. The Fair holds so much meaning and memories for the state, communities, and people, which can be seen through this film.
Friends of Iowa PBS is partnering with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation to bring this documentary to life and create more of those Fair memories with a special premiere screening of the film on Thursday, July 20, at 6 p.m. The premiere will take place in the Oman Family Youth Inn on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Attendees will enjoy refreshments of a corndog, popcorn, and a cup of cookies while watching the two-hour film. Viewers will also have the opportunity to hear from the documentary producers.
A limited number of tickets are available for this special fundraiser. Only 300 lucky Fairgoers will be able to be a part of this exciting experience, so get your tickets soon! Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person online at https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/events/iowa-state-fair or by calling the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371. I hope to see you at the premiere!
- Faith Kuehl, Business Relations Intern
It’s officially one week until the 2023 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Food Grazing Party! I am so excited to be able to attend my very first Kickoff. We have done so much preparation for it, and I cannot wait for you all to see it.
The Kickoff will occur on Saturday, July 8, in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries, with the doors opening at 6:30 pm. This night will be a night in paradise for our Jimmy Buffet-themed event in “Margaritaville.” You will be able to experience your night with many things to be a part of. Here is an overview of what you kind find on your night at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The night will kick off with doors opening at 6:30 pm, and this is where the fun begins. Once you walk in, you will have a plethora of options to choose from as you can get your favorite Fair food from one of the many vendors without any additional cost, browse the auction items available, participate in one of the many activities, and so much more!
A key component of this event is the live and silent auctions. The live auction will begin at 8:00 pm the night of the event, so make sure you register for your bid card to get your assigned bid number. The silent auction will open on Friday, July 7, at 10:00 am and close on Saturday, July 8, at 8:30 pm. To participate in the silent auction, you do not have to be present at the event, and you can go to this link to register, browse, and bid on items. Some awesome packages are available, so you do not want to miss out on this! You can get a sneak peek of the items through this year’s auction book.
Along with auctions, there will be many activities attendees can participate in at the event. The following activities will be offered: Rags to Riches, Mystery Prize Game, Dining Delights, and Spin Wheel. To participate in these activities, all you have to do is donate an amount to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon and join in on the fun!
Now all this seems like a great time to me, don’t you think? Along with all of these fun activities, you can also listen to the live music band of Saints & Sinners, ride the famous SkyGlider across the Fairgrounds, and enjoy a spectacular firework show. If you want to attend the event, it’s not too late! Tickets are available for purchase TODAY ONLY, for $100, and will increase to $125 beginning tomorrow, July 1. Hurry and get your tickets today for that discounted price! Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371.
Another reminder as well is that tickets are on sale for the exclusive premiere of the Our Great State Fair documentary. Friends of Iowa PBS has partnered with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation for a special premiere screening of the film on Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m. A limited number of tickets are available for this special fundraiser. Only 300 lucky Fairgoers will be able to be a part of this exciting experience, so get your tickets soon! Ticket are $50 person and are available for purchase online or by calling the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371
I can’t wait to see you all in paradise next Saturday, July 8!
- Faith Kuehl, Business Relations Intern
I LOVE movies. All of them. Rom-Com’s, history, comedy, you name it. There’s just something about the feeling you get when you sit behind that screen, no matter where you are.
You know what else I love? The Iowa State Fair. All of it. The corndogs, the livestock shows, the entertainment, you name it. There’s just something about the feeling you get when you walk through those front gates and prepare for the Best Day Ever.
Therefore, you can probably assume how excited I am that my two favorite things have been combined! Iowa PBS has created the story of the Iowa State Fair — Iowa's annual showcase of its best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement, and its biggest celebration. Imagine the feeling you will get watching this.
In connection with the creation of this new documentary, Our Great State Fair, Friends of Iowa PBS is partnering with the Blue Ribbon Foundation for a special premiere screening of the film on Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m.
The premiere will take place in Oman Family Youth Inn on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Attendees will enjoy refreshments of a corndog, popcorn and a cup of cookies while watching the two-hour film. Viewers will also have the opportunity to hear from the documentary producers following film.
A limited number of tickets are available for this special fundraiser. Only 300 lucky Fairgoers will be able to a part of this exciting experience, so get your tickets soon!
Our Great State Fair tickets are $50 per person and ar e available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased online at https://e.givesmart.com/events/wBD/ or by calling the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371. Don't miss this unique opportunity to support two organizations that love the Fair just as much as you do!
Our Great State Fair will air on statewide Iowa PBS on Monday, August 1 as well as a continuous viewing at the Museum during the Fair.
- Regan Freland, Donor Relations Intern
