2017 Fair Recap - August 10 & 11

The 2017 Iowa State Fair was one for the books! Thank you to the Blue Ribbon Foundation supporters, volunteers, interns, summer staff, Fair staff, and the list goes on and on. These people truly made the Blue Ribbon Foundation's Fair a success. The next few weeks I’ll highlight the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s incredible 2017 Iowa State Fair.

August 10: We kicked off the day with Opening Ceremonies held in Thrill Ville to celebrate the new Thrill Parks. Midway construction expanded the existing pavement and created an inviting entrance to welcome guests to the new family-friendly amusement rides. Strolling into the Fairgrounds, Fairgoers couldn’t miss the updated admission gate, new road and sidewalks along East 33rd Street.

Other new construction included the West Plaza beautification project. This pathway created a distinct pedestrian and parking area to the south of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building connecting to the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and Gate 10. Fairgoers could easily navigate this area of the Fairgrounds with new sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting.

During the first day, we honored Iowan of the Day Carolyn Scott of Bloomfield. Carolyn is actively involved with her local 4-H clubs, teaching the art of sewing to young women and sharing her knowledge about sheep with exhibitors at the Davis County Fair. Carolyn uses her time and talents to plant flowers and maintain them on the streets of Bloomfield. Her talented green thumb has been appreciated by many in Bloomfield, as Carolyn has been a Master Gardner for four years. Carolyn also donates her time advocating for the advancement of women with the P.E.O, a philanthropic organization.

August 11: On Friday, the new State Fair Store in the Horner Service Center was busy! The Blue Ribbon Foundation sold t-shirts, hats, and official State Fair collectibles as a fundraiser.  Each year Fairgoers collect the ornament, pottery piece and State Fair plaque. Having all of the merchandise in one location made shopping easy! (And allowed staff to have a better inventory system, stocking items, and we didn’t worry about the weather!) Check out the online State Fair Store for leftover merchandise available for sale. Although we don’t have an official store throughout the year, you can purchase merchandise at our office on the Fairgrounds.

We also honored Iowan of the Day winner, Shirley Geadelmann of Clarence. Shirley shares her passion for agriculture with her community through Iowa Master Farm Homemakers, the Cedar County Farm Bureau, local 4-H clubs, and the local Dairy Herd Improvement Association. She has also shared her experiences and knowledge about dairy cows with the Lowden Historical Society and children at the St. Johns United Church of Christ for more than 50 years. Shirley also spends her time volunteering for her local hospital, church, library and Camp Courageous. She led a fundraiser to raise money for a handicap- accessible van in support of the elderly. As an Older Iowans Legislator, she has been an advocate for services to support issues elderly may face.

For me, the first two days of the Iowa State Fair are the longest days yet go by the fastest. The weather was absolutely gorgeous for the entire 11 days and attendance was just warming up for the days ahead.  My first food item was a classic corndog – one of my favorites.

Stay tuned for more 2017 Iowa State Fair highlights.

2017 Interns: Abbi, Emily, Kennedy and Taylor were ready for the first day!  

Iowan of the Day Winner, Carolyn Scott:

Iowan of the Day Winner, Shirley Geadelmann:

New State Fair Store: