2016 Highlights

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation has much to celebrate over the past year. Below are a few 2016 highlights that stick out in my mind. 

 

January: Hired four interns for the spring and summer. Thanks again Marcus, Kelsey, Francesca and Audra for joining our team. Just a few days left to turn in applications for the 2017 intern positions. 

 

February: With help from volunteers, we sold merchandise at the annual Iowa Beef Expo. 

 

March: Promoted Fan Fair presales, 1854 Society and Jake’s Club memberships. Collected all giving program donations and inscriptions. 

 

April: Received donations for the Corndog Checkoff from Iowan’s Tax Returns.

 

May: Started recruiting, organizing and scheduling our 600 summer volunteers. Crews finished the second phase of the Ruan Plaza and Oman Family Youth Inn. 

 

June: Participated in The Principal Charity Classic’s “Birdies for Charity” fundraiser.

 

July: Hosted our 20th annual Corndog Kickoff and raised an unbelievable $684,600 for future renovations to the Fairgrounds. 

 

August: Celebrated 10 Iowan of the Day winners at Iowa State Fair. Generated more than $736,000 in fundraising with merchandise, water and Fair Square sales.  

 

September: Recovered from the Fair. Cleaned the office. Took a vacation. :)

 

October: Placed 45 engraved bricks across the Fairgrounds.

 

November: Peter and Gina attended the IAFE (International Association of Fairs & Expositions) Convention to learn and share ideas to improve the Foundation.

 

December: Sold and shipped State Fair merchandise for the holidays. Most popular items were the Giant Slide, Riley Stage and Sky Gilder ornaments. 

 

As the Blue Ribbon Foundation counts down to the New Year, there is lots to be excited about in 2017! With constructions projects, new fundraising opportunities, and celebrating the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s 25th anniversary!

 

There is one countdown that is always on my mind… only 224 days until the 2017 Iowa State Fair. There is plenty to do between now and August. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is grateful for every volunteer and donor that supports our work. We wish only the best to you and your family in 2017!

 

Corndog Kickoff

 

Opening Ceremonies at the Oman Family Youth Inn

 

Fairgrounds 5K

 

Foundation team in the Outhouse Races

 

Painting Class

 

Quick Selfie - Drew and Robin 

 

Gina posing at the photo booth