25th Anniversary Campaign

The Blue Ribbon Foundation has been a key component of the Iowa State Fair since 1993. The Blue Ribbon Foundation was created by the Iowa State Fair Board in an effort to help save the Fairgrounds. They hoped the Foundation could raise the millions of dollars needed to restore the Fairgrounds. Since its inception 25 years ago, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has raised an amazing $135 million.

In celebration of our anniversary, we are hosting a 25th Anniversary Campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to celebrate our history while creating awareness about our mission for the future. Make a personal contribution of $25, $250, or $2,500 to join the Foundation and the growing base of donors and volunteers in our charge to renovate and preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your donation, no matter the size, will have a direct impact.

The proceeds of this campaign will be 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, building enhancements and maintenance to the Fairgrounds, ensuring the Fair will be a grand tradition for generations to come. You can donate online or fill out the donation form to help support our 25th Anniversary Campaign.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Iowa State Fair have been on an amazing journey together the last 25 years, growing the Fair to the biggest and best it’s ever been. Wonder what all has happened the last 25 years? I started digging and put together a list of some renovations and fun Fair facts going back to 1993, the year the Foundation was created. I found it all really interesting, and I hope you do too! Click here to check it out.

The success of the Blue Ribbon Foundation the last 25 years would not be possible without all of you! Thank you for coming along this adventure with us, and being a part of the Fair that we all know and love!

2015 picture of the MidAmerican Energy Stage being completed--just one of the many renovations the Blue Ribbon Foundation has been able to implement because of your amazing support!  

-Taylor