Happy Thanksgiving

To celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, I will head back to my hometown to be with family. My grandparents, sisters, and niece will gather at my parents’ house as my dad cooks a big Thanksgiving dinner. As much as I’m looking forward to the meal, I’ve got my eye on the desserts - especially the pie!

 

One sister’s favorite is peach, the other likes blueberry and we can’t forget the classic pumpkin or apple. I’m hoping for a little bit of each. 

 

The Iowa State Fair definitely knows about pie. You can get a fresh slice at several food vendors, enter your pie into a baking competition or participate in the pie eating contest (the State Fair Queen participates each year).  The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 226 divisions, 883 classes and were over 10,500 entries at this year’s Fair. 

 

The 17th edition Iowa State Fair Cookbook has 38 different recipes for pie. I think this Trifection Chocolate pie sounds delicious. 

 

You can wow your holiday guests by making a blue ribbon winning dessert from the Iowa State Fair Cookbook. The cookbook and other Fair merchandise is available in the State Fair Store. 

 

While stuffing ourselves with homemade goodies on Thursday, let’s not forget the real reason for Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect time of year to acknowledge and show appreciation for what we are thankful for. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is thankful for our donors, patrons, volunteers, supporters and Iowa State Fair lovers. Without you, there wouldn’t be a Foundation.  

 

Year after year, the Blue Ribbon Foundation is able to make improvements to the Fairgrounds to help preserve and enhance its structures - thanks to your support. Our work is not only about keeping the Iowa State Fairgrounds beautiful for future generations but also maintaining the traditions and memories of families across the state. 

 

Personally, I’m thankful for all of the Fair staff members, previous (and future) Foundation interns, and my amazing co-workers. I’m thankful to have a job that I love doing every day.  

 

From the Iowa State Fair family to yours - Happy Thanksgiving!