Creativity

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou

 

This quote is very fitting for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. There is no doubt the Foundation’s staff and volunteers are absolutely full of creativity. We are constantly thinking of new ways to engage Fair-goers and potential donors to accomplish our mission of renovating and preserving the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Keeping our 128 year old Fairgrounds in top condition for future generations is pretty exciting work! 

 

The Foundation's creativity is in full force with Iowa State Fair merchandise. The State Fair Store is filled with items that are sold during each year’s Fair. It takes some serious brainstorming to design the new shirts, charms, ornament and plaques to create these one-of-a-kind souvenirs. 

 

By far, the annual Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party requires the most of our creativity juices. With a theme, decorations, auction packages, (the list goes on and on) the Foundation spends months preparing for the massive fundraiser.  It’s a wonderful night for attendees to gear up for the Fair while supporting those future renovation projects. 

 

Each of the staff members works hard year round to make their area of the Fair bigger and better than the previous year. With sponsorships, merchandise, membership/giving programs – there are always improvements to be made and we are committed to creatively making them happen.  

 

This week my creative efforts have been spent making a new one mile walk route for the upcoming Fairgrounds 5K. This is the 4th year for the walk and I wanted to give the participants a change of scenery. This year’s walk route will travel up the hill toward the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex, around Pioneer Hall, through the Hy-Vee Fun Forest, and around the Livestock Pavilion. The route highlights some of the renovated buildings and current projects happening on the grounds. The one mile walk is the perfect way to participate in the Fairgrounds 5K without running the race.

 

Sign up today for the run, walk or kids’ run on Sunday, November 2.

 

Side note: As innovative thinkers as the Foundation staff is, we are always looking for creative people to join our team. Let us know if you would like to volunteer or (college students) intern with the Foundation for a summer. 

 

2014 Fairgrounds 5K Run and One Mile Walk Route:

Group of Creative Blue Ribbon Foundation Volunteers: