Unique Part of the Iowa State Fair

A volunteer recently gave me a photograph taken at the 2016 Corndog Kickoff. It was after the event was complete, the crowd had left the Varied Industries Building to watch fireworks and I finally sat down for the first time that evening. The photo shows me and three other women sitting at a table. The women volunteered to help at the event but these three are much more than volunteers.

 

These three women - Jen (Carver) Cannon, Allyson (Dierenfeld) Krull, and Emily (Barnd) Saveraid had each previously held the Communications Manager position for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. This photograph shows a span of 14 years of Blue Ribbon Foundation staff.

 

As a current staff member having these three women available as resources is invaluable. I think the fact that they volunteer after all these years is a sign of the impact our organization has. Being involved with the Blue Ribbon Foundation makes you a unique part of the Iowa State Fair - something that sticks with you for many years.

 

The same is true for volunteering with the Foundation. Each summer 500 volunteers give more than 5,000 hours of their time to help us fundraise. Year after year, these volunteers keep coming back. I think it is more than just helping sell water or t-shirts. These dedicated volunteers look forward to connecting with other Fair-lovers. Friendships have developed and reconnecting each August is truly something special. 

 

I encourage you to consider volunteering with the Blue Ribbon Foundation this summer. The Volunteer Relations intern will start organizing the schedule in May. Seeing how the Foundation operates can give you a new perspective to the Iowa State Fair. Knowing that you are helping raise money to keep the beloved Iowa State Fairgrounds in top-notch condition might just give you a greater appreciation for the 11-day event. 

 

2016 Corndog Kickoff:

 

2011 Corndog Kickoff:

 

2009 Corndog Kickoff:

 

2005 Iowa State Fair: