2016 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 15, 16 & 17

September 20, 2016
drewnorton's picture
By the time Monday of the Fair arrived, the Blue Ribbon Foundation staff could finally take a breath. We’ve made it through the first four busiest days! 
 
Instead of running around to check on Fair Squares, merchandise or water sales – I could briskly walk! It was all hands on deck to run the Foundation’s water program. The Blue Ribbon Foundation sold water to concessionaires in addition to Fairgoers at our water stands. An average Fairgoer might not realize that by buying a bottle of water, they are supporting our cause. The history of the relationship between the Fair and those unique green Mt. Valley Spring Water bottles started in 1995. Crystal Clear began selling water on the Fairgrounds in a small booth along Grand Avenue. In 1997, the Blue Ribbon Foundation and Crystal Clear Water formed a partnership and the water sales became a fundraiser. 
 
Each staff member, intern and summer staffer have developed a routine by Monday.  By having a handle on your specific role, there is time for a little fun. On Tuesday afternoon, the Blue Ribbon Foundation participated in the Outhouse Races. During the race, teams pushed the outhouses down the street, completed a set of obstacles and raced back to the starting point. Thank you to Stivers Ford Lincoln of Waukee for building our outhouse. And an even bigger thank you for the donors that represented the Foundation in the event. 
 
The Blue Ribbon Foundation honored another 3 individuals as Iowan of the Day winners. Curt Schwanebeck is known as a Knoxville jewel and helped to reopen the local theatre.  He helps with the Community Easter Egg Hunt, makes dolls for children in hospitals and organizes community fun fairs. Curt is also involved in his church and volunteers at the Science Center of Iowa.  
 
Richard Vorthmann of Treynor has served 35 years as a township trustee and clerk, co-chairman of the Treynor school reorganization committee and helped build the first tanker truck for the local fire department. Richard has also been involved in his church and served as the president of the Town and Country Club. Richard has been instrumental in overseeing the Treynor Can Kennel, a can redemption center that has raised more than $135,000 for local youth programs. 
 
Edna Schrandt of Decorah has served more than 40 years as a 4-H leader and volunteer for Pony Express Riders of Iowa, an organization that raises money for Camp Sunnyside. Edna has also volunteered over 25 years with United Way and has been recognized for her contributions through several awards.
 
Each Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation trys to find new and creative ways to engage donors. As far as creativity goes – we knocked it out of the park this year with the first ever social painting class. Missy Sharer-Pieters of Messy Missy’s Painting Studio & Gallery in Marshalltown instructed groups of Fairgoers to paint their own personal canvas with Iowa State Fair inspired art. 
 
With 230 participants throughout the 11 days, Fairgoers showed off their talents while supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission. The total proceeds of $5,200 were dedicated to Our Fair’s Future, the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s endowment fund. As the endowment grows, it will provide a reliable source of funding for future renovations and maintenance improvements to the Fairgrounds, ensuring the Fair will be a grand tradition for generations to come. 
 
As the Fair continued through the week, it became even more important to try some of the new foods. I ate the Ice Cream Nachos, Not Your Mamma’s Taco, and the Pride of Iowa Wrap. All were incredibly delicious.  It brings a new meaning to the word “teamwork” when you are splitting a massive breakfast quesadilla or cheese curds with your coworkers. 
 
Stay tuned for more 2016 Iowa State Fair highlights.  
 
Water crew members kept the water ice cold
 
Blue Ribbon Foundation Outhouse Race
 
Huge crowds on Grand Avenue for the Outhouse Race
 
Curt Schwanebeck - Knoxville, IA 
 
Richard Vorthmann - Treynor, IA
 
Edna Schrandt - Decorah, IA
 
The first painting class was held on Expo Hill
 
The painting class was moved to the Youth Inn because of quick drying paint
 
Interns, Francesca and Audra enjoying Pork Chops on a Stick
 
My favorite tenderloin stand on the Fairgrounds