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.
The countdown is officially on. We are only 15 days away from the best pre-Fair party, the Corndog Kickoff! With the event approaching quickly, we are all busy worker bees in the office. It has been so fun to be a part of the behind-the-scenes actions for this event! I have helped planned smaller events for family functions, but nothing like this! We have all done a tremendous amount of preparation, so here's a little sneak peak of what we have been up to. J
Currently our office looks a lot like the picture below of our garage below…organized chaos! All over you can finding a variety of auction packages as they come in from our generous auction donors. Packages are being delivered with all sorts of decorations to truly portray a night in paradise – not to mention the amazing Hawaiian shirts we get to wear at the event. All hands are on deck with taking pictures, writing auction descriptions, putting together packages, and so much more. This is just in the office, though!
Outside of the office, you can find us working in our warehouse or running errands around town. Just today we went down to the warehouse to organize different packages and get prizes lined up for games at the event! Yesterday we went around to local restaurants to pick up gift cards for the Dining Delights activity. I even went to Ames yesterday to pick up some auction packages. All of the pieces are coming together!
Although this may seem like a crazy time, I have been having a blast preparing for the Corndog Kickoff and cannot wait to see it all come to fruition! If you want to be a part of this event there are many ways you can be! You could donate a package to the auction, donate a gift card from your favorite restaurant for Dining Delights, or simply come enjoy the event. The Corndog Kickoff is set to take place Saturday, July 8 in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building, with doors opening at 6:30pm. Tickets are available today for $100 and can be purchased online, by calling the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371, or at the door the night. We can’t wait to see you there!
- Faith Kuehl, Business Relation Intern
It’s hard to believe we are in the home stretch of June! I really wish summer would slow down. One thing that we get to look forward to in late summer is of course everyone’s favorite; The Iowa State Fair. I am also counting down the days myself to meet our 2023 Iowan of the Day award recipients. If you know someone that you think would be a great fit for this award and you haven’t nominated them yet, what are you waiting for? You still have time, but make sure to get those nominations to us by July 1st!
We are still searching for 10 outstanding Iowans to honor and recognize at this year’s Iowa State Fair. We are really looking for those who make their community a better place in some way, shape, or form. Whether that be through volunteering, giving, sharing, etc. These are the people in your community you would consider admirable individuals. Those who show integrity, dependability or maybe even perseverance.
Of course you’re probably wondering what our Iowans will get if they are chosen to receive this award. We have big plans for them and are going to treat them like royalty with a wide array of prizes. Some of the things they can expect to be treated to during their day at the Fair will include the following:
With all of this and their special day of honor, they are sure to feel special and appreciated for all that they do in their communities. If you think someone in your life is deserving of this award, we will be waiting to hear about them soon. Even if your Iowan is not selected this year, their nomination is considered for 3 years after submission. Nomination forms can be found on our website under “events” and "Iowan of the Day."
If you are in need of any assistance or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. I can be reached by email at PublicRelations@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or by phone at 515-262-3111 ext. 378. We are looking forward to hearing about the awesome Iowans in YOUR communities very soon!
-Macy Loecke, Public Relations Intern
The Iowa State Fair is easily the highlight of my year and has been my whole life. They aren’t joking when they call the 11 days in August The Best Days Ever. When I was interviewing for this internship, I was asked what my connection was to the Iowa State Fair. I sat there stunned for a minute and finally said, “Where do I even begin?”
Growing up, my family brought our dairy cattle to be a part of the Boulevard of Dairy Breeds exhibit. We also showed these cows, too! After I officially started working here, many conversations were centered around what that lifestyle looks like, especially at the Fair. I am sure you can imagine my supervisor’s faces’ when I nonchalantly told them we sleep in the barns (don’t worry, I will blog ALL about that sometime ;).
When my family stopped showing at the Fair, I knew I couldn’t stay away. I reached out to many different families asking if they needed an extra showman. My brother worked in the milking parlor, so you can bet I begged him to let me tag along, too.
During this time, my grandpa became the Fair’s milk man. When he went to the Fair, I was right there with him. We knew our roles the minute we got onto the grounds. He would start loading up the milk into the truck and I would see how fast I could run to find us a bucket of cookies.
Those next few summers I spent my time with anybody that needed the extra help; anything to get me to the Fair.
From here, I gained the title of: Night Line Girl. Essentially this means I spend my nights watching the cattle. I feed them and pick up their poop; tending to their every need. In the morning we milk them, wash them, and clean out their stalls! Then, it’s my turn to sleep!!.... yes, in the barn of course ;)
I was also able to see a glimpse of the business side too as my mom held various positions with agriculture companies that are involved with the Fair. Many times I tagged along with her and got a look of what goes into the behind the scenes of the Fair. This is where my love for the Fair grew even deeper and in different way. I learned many networking skills and became thankful for everyone who makes the Iowa State Fair possible. I knew I wanted to continue being involved and for the first time, I sparked an interest in my future career.
From there, I became one of the supervisors for Little Hands on the Farm. Through this, I was able to help promote agriculture among youth, network and meet some amazing people, while also learning how to manage volunteers.
The Fair has given so much to me; I knew wanted to be able to give back! That is when I applied for this internship!
During the first few weeks of working here, one of the departments put on an intern social for all of us on the Fairgrounds! We played a game that asked each of us several questions. When it was my turn, the question I was asked was: “What is your favorite thing about the Iowa State Fair?” I sat there with that same stunned look on my face when I finally said back, “Where do I even begin?”
The Iowa State Fair has left me with many wonderful memories that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I have been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people through it all as well.
Everyone has their own unique connection to the Fair that makes these days for them the Best Days Ever. What is yours?
I can’t believe we are already halfway through June! This summer has been flying by! Although the Fair is only 54 days away, the Fairgrounds are already buzzing with excitement and people as many events are taking place. Last week the World Pork Expo was in town, and we were able to taste some very yummy bacon. This week, The Exposition swine show is in town. So lots of fun things are happening around here!
At all of these events, there have been a variety of vendors, which has let us get a sample of the ole Fair food. Of course, we all had to get a little taste. This week the main vendor for us to try has been the one and only Campbell’s! This staple vendor has really gotten us into the Fair spirit with our first corndog of the year. Now you might be thinking, “Man, some Fair food, sounds so good.” Well, you are in luck because you can get a snippet of those delicious foods at this year’s Corndog Kickoff.
A very unique and key aspect of this event is bringing in Fair food vendors to have samples of your favorite Fair foods. The lineup this year is one of the best, ranging from corndogs to cookies to bar be que! This year’s vendors are….(drum roll, please J):
Now those are some great Fair food vendors right there! Make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to get your favorite Fair foods early at the Corndog Kickoff! To be one of the lucky Fairgoers to taste these sweet treats, you can buy a ticket today for $100. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371, or at the door the night of the event. Hope to see you there!
- Faith Kuehl, Business Relations Intern
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation was established by the State Fair Board to conduct a major capital campaign for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $195 million, through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.
Since then, there have been a countless amount of both large and small restorations made to the Fairgrounds to preserve its history and ensure its future. Today I took a walk through the Fairgrounds to see the progress of the improvements that are happening right now.
My first stop was Pioneer Hall. This building continually receives maintenance and after 10 years of small updates, the exterior of the building is near completion. Crews have finished repairing each side of the building and will finish the project by rebuilding the main doors. As the oldest landmark on the historic Fairgrounds, the care and attention to this facility is unmatched. It’s truly our history.
From there, I made my way to the Agriculture Building; a staple of the Iowa State Fair. This year, the north and east doors of the building are being replaced. The new doors are being updated with proper craftsmanship to match its historic style. Each custom door will be engineered for function and longevity, while following accessibility guidelines. The new doors enable better security and provide weatherproofing that will fix previous issues of large gaps and easy-to-pop locks.
After that, I stopped at the Public Safety Building. Safety is a key aspect of the Iowa State Fair and the Blue Ribbon Foundation, so ensuring all aspects are up to date is essential. This building is being updated to guarantee the facility is up to the high standards of the Iowa State Fair Police Department. At this year’s Fair, take note of the new two-story addition. The second phase of this project will include renovation of the existing space, scheduled to be completed in 2024.
My next stop was at Elwell Family Park. This improvement is the third stage of its multi-phase project, which entails adding permanent restroom facilities. This restroom renovation is a convenient upgrade for Fairgoers watching the annual truck and tractor pulls and a variety of other events including demolition derby and motorsport races with even more possibilities in the future.
Last but certainly not least, I visited the sheep barn. Improvements continue on the this building; the first livestock barn of four to receive a much-needed facelift. Major work has started and will continue to be done on the terra cotta tiles over entrances, renovations to restrooms and offices as well as restorations on the archways, column heads and east entrance murals.
It has been such an eye opening experience being able to see these projects come full circle. Many of them have been in the works for a long time, so being able to first hand witness the improvements being made is incredible. Thank you to everyone involved for ensuring the Iowa State Fair can be enjoyed for years to come.
- Regan Freland, Donor Relations Intern
I can’t believe we are already 12 days into the month of June! So far we have been super busy around the Foundation but have had a lot of fun. When I first started out this spring, I was nervous about not really knowing anyone in the office. Spending a summer away from home and starting a new job can be stressful, but I feel so lucky to get to work with everyone in the office. We are a pretty tight knit team which makes for fun days that seem to fly by. Regan and Faith are wonderful co-interns! We have the perfect team to conquer the long (but rewarding) days that being such a vital part of the Fair can bring.
Last week we were able to spend some time at the World Pork Expo here at the Fairgrounds. It’s a very fun and interesting event as it brings in people from all over the world. I even got to see and visit with some familiar faces there too. J We were taken care of each day as they had lots of breakfast and lunches (many that involved bacon…yum)! This week we are welcoming many people and pigs to the grounds for the annual Exposition, a National Swine Show. From last week to this week, it is so great to see the Fairgrounds full again and a great reminder of what we have to look forward to come August.
If you’re looking forward to the Fair and are in need of something to wear, don’t forget about our shirts from the T-shirt contest! Here is a reminder that we will be selling our winning corn themed design as well as the other top designs from the contest. Make sure to pick your favorites and order them by this Friday, June 16th. You can find the link to order here: https://blueribbonfoundation.myshopify.com/. We can’t wait to see which ones you’ll be repping at your favorite Fair. Get your orders in soon!
We are very excited for what the next few weeks will bring between our Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction, and of course Fair preparation, things are getting close. We hope to see many familiar faces so soon. To find out how you can contribute to the Foundation or help out, call us at 515-262-3111 ext. 371 or email us at Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org . We are always happy to help in any way that we can!
-Macy Loecke, Public Relations Intern
It is wild to think that we are already a week into June! This summer is going to fly by in a blink of an eye with all the fun the Foundation and Fair have to offer. Speaking of fun, we are officially one month away from the best pre-Fair event, the Corndog Kickoff!
The 2023 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Food Grazing Party is set to take place on Saturday, July 8, in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This event will include many fun things, such as live entertainment, live and silent auctions, SkyGlider rides, Fair food favorites, and so much more! We have all been working hard in preparation for this fun pre-Fair event in paradise. That's right, I did say paradise because we are having a 'Corndog in Paradise' for our 'Jimmy Buffet' themed night!
Along with this great night in paradise, there will be a variety of unique packages in the live and silent auctions. Many great packages are being offered; here is a sneak peek at a few of my favorites J
You won't want to miss these awesome packages and exciting activities while having a fun night in paradise! If you wish to attend, you can buy tickets today for $100, but make sure to get them soon, as prices will increase to $125 on July 1. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371, or at the door. I hope to see you in 'Margaritaville' on July 8 when the doors open at 6:30 pm!
- Faith Kuehl, Business Relations Intern
When I tell most people that I am interning for the Iowa State Fair this summer, their typical response is a confused look on their face followed by the question, “the Fair is already open?” And to be honest, before I started here, I might’ve said something similar. I now know, Fair preparation goes way beyond even just the few months before August. There are around 70 employees that work year round helping to create the Best Days Ever. They are joined by around 1,400 other diligent individuals that work seasonally and during the Fair. Without all of the hard work and dedication of these people and the wonderful volunteers that give their time, the Iowa State Fair would not be possible.
As the conversation continues, the next question I am asked is, “So, what does your typical day look like?” I find myself giggling because I have quickly found out no two days are the same. And to me, that is what makes this so much fun.
As the donor relations intern here at the Foundation, a large majority of my responsibilities revolve around planning different receptions, member parties, and events at the Fair as well as the Corndog Kickoff. Though my duties do not stop there. In my short time here, I have been able to improve my writing skills through blog posts, newsletters, press releases, emails, and so much more! I have also made many graphics for our various programs as well. Although my favorite part of this internship so far has been the connections I have been able to make with several different people. Whether that is helping someone show their appreciation of another through the purchase of a paver, chatting with a donor about how they can help restore the beautiful Fairgrounds, or walking someone down to find their engraved brick and listening to the stories of their own Fair memories, these are the special moments I will take with me forever. And I believe that is what the Iowa State Fair is all about; the memories you share with the people you meet along the way!
As the Fair inches closer, a lot of our focus has been on the Corndog Kickoff. It has been incredible to see the passion people and companies have to the Iowa State Fair through their generous donations! I was able to spend an afternoon at the Des Moines Farmers Market networking with local businesses to showcase their products at the event. I was able to witness the immense pride Iowans have for their state and people. That is another aspect that makes this state and Fair so special; the way people come together for one another.
I have been able to experience that very thing here in the office every single day. I am so lucky to work alongside two girls I can now consider my friends. Faith, Macy, and I have grown closer each day by working together on various projects. The day we truly bonded was the day we placed each individual engraved brick in its certain spot on the Fairgrounds. Now you know why I giggle when people ask me what my typical day looks like! ;) All in all, I am extremely thankful for everything I have learned here at the Foundation in such a short amount of time. I am excited to continue making memories and learning lessons in the next few months!
- Donor Relations Intern, Regan Freland
I can’t believe it’s already June! Before we know it the best eleven days of the year will be here. My time at the Foundation has been moving along quickly as we dive deeper into preparation for the Corndog Kickoff and the Fair. With the Fair quickly approaching, the Fairgrounds are buzzing with excitement as updates are being made; one in particular is the sheep barn.
The Foundation’s ‘Back the Barns’ campaign has officially begun its renovation, starting with the sheep barn. This past week a lot of excitement has be seen as renovations really became noticeable. The barn restoration includes multiple upgrades; restoring brick and terracotta masonry, remodeling the office area, installing new underground storm sewer piping, reroofing all lower level roofing areas, remodeling existing restrooms and adding restrooms to meet code, repainting, and providing sun-shading for the show arena.
The ‘Back the Barns’ campaign is a $25 million, multiyear project to restore and renovate the famous livestock barns on the Fairgrounds. This project started this spring with the sheep barn and will continue with the cattle, horse, and swine barns over the years. ‘Back the Barns’ reigns closely with me as I grew up showing cattle at the Fair!
If you want to support this barn restoration and guarantee the tradition of showing livestock at the Iowa State Fair continues to thrive in amazing facilities, you can become a member of the campaign today. To become a member, you can pledge $1,000 annually for three years to support these outstanding showmen at the Fair. If you wish to become a member and donate to the “Back the Barns” online at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.com or call the Foundation’s office at (515) 262-3111 Ext. 371.
Growing up in the agriculture industry and showing at the Fair has taught me so much in my lifetime. The ‘Back the Barns’ campaign is a key element in continuing to help shape the showmen into the next generation of the agriculture industry!
- Faith Kuehl, Business Relations Intern
P.S. Enjoy some throwback pictures of me showing J
Happy June! I can’t believe it’s already June, but it’s an exciting time as things start to ramp up for the summer. Make sure to grab your favorite shirt or shirts if you can’t decide! Our T-shirt contest winning shirt and other finalists are on sale from today until June 16th. The winning design will be for sale during the Iowa State Fair in our merchandise booths.
With the wide range of t-shirt designs and styles, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone in the family to wear. If T-shirts aren’t your thing, we also offer many other merchandise items such as charms, socks, salsa, BBQ sauce, plaques, prints, lapel pins, Isabel Bloom pieces and much more. These items can be found on our website under the “State Fair Store” tab and “apparel.” We have many great options!
We will also be adding some new items to our merchandise line at the Fair this year. One of my personal favorites being the Butter Cow pillow cover. If you’re a big Butter Cow fan too, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for this piece as I’m sure it will be a hit. All of the new merchandise items will be available during the Iowa State Fair and on our website this fall.
With all of the exciting things we have coming up on our calendar such as the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction, and of course the Iowa State Fair, we will always welcome and appreciate any help. If you are interested in volunteering, or contributing to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, call us at 515-262-3111 (Extension 371). We look forward to speaking with you and your generosity is greatly appreciated!
T-shirt Contest Sale Store Link: https://blueribbonfoundation.myshopify.com/
-Macy Loecke, Public Relations Intern
