2017 Fair Recap: August 12 & 13

September 7, 2017
drewnorton's picture

Beautiful August weather equaled HUGE attendance at the Iowa State Fair. The first Friday and Saturday welcomed more than 233,000 people to the Fairgrounds.  With only 4 full time staff members and 4 summer interns, the Foundation relied on 480 volunteers to help us fundraise.

These supporters gave a valuable gift to the Blue Ribbon Foundation – time. Spread across the Fairgrounds, volunteers sold merchandise, bottled water, and Fair Squares. Volunteers also helped with the Canvas Painting Class, assisted in the Hospitality Suite and drove the 1854 Society golf cart shuttle.  Printed on the back of their t-shirts is “VOLUNTEER” but this could easily be changed to “BRF Advocate”, “#1 Supporter”, “Ultimate Fair Lover” or even “MVP”. We honestly couldn’t have a successful Iowa State Fair if we didn’t have the amazing volunteers. More information about volunteer opportunities for the 2018 Iowa State Fair will be available in May.

The Foundation was pleased to honor Iowan of the Day winners Donald Bries of Dubuque and Ron Bell or Mondamin. Donald has been a Cubs Scout leader and a Boy Scouts Scoutmaster for more than 20 years. He headed up the annual Tootsie Roll campaign to raise money for special needs children.  For the past 15 years Don has volunteered for the Dubuque Special Olympics and volunteered for the Key City Sams camping club, serving meals for the Olympians during the Special Olympics and completing community service projects. Donald and his wife are well known for the creation of the All Starts Country Dancers, entertaining residents of the local nursing home.

Ron Bell spearheaded the Mondamin Christmas Party and the Mondamin Heritage Days Celebration. As Mayor, Ron initiated projects to replace the water tower and to upgrade the sanitary sewer system. As a member of the City Council, Ron applied for many grants that led to Mondamin receiving updates to the city park. Just a few of the organizations Ron has spent his time volunteering for are the Harrison County Board of Public Health, Landfill Commission, Conference Board and Emergency Management Commission. Ron also volunteers for the Early Childhood Board, serving as a community representative and secretary, leading efforts to provide education, health and human services to children and their families.

On the first Sunday of the Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation hosted a brunch for our 1854 Society members. This set of donors absolutely loves the Iowa State Fair! Each supporter believes in the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s work and gives annually to help us continue to move forward. With a $1,854 initial membership fee to join this exclusive fundraising group, you receive elite benefits including an engraved granite paver at the Museum, gate admission for 2 each day of the Fair, VIP parking, access to a Hospitality Suite, exclusive golf cart shuttle access, and more.

A highlight of my 2017 Fair was getting the chance to talk with volunteers and donors. Throughout the year I hear individual Fair stories and memories but seeing firsthand Fairgoers’ annual traditions come to life is one of a kind. It makes the long days completely worth it.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is helping keep the Iowa State Fairgrounds on the cutting edge for not only our generation but for the future. Stay tuned for more 2017 Iowa State Fair highlights.
 

Volunteers sold water at 6 different stands across the Fairgrounds. 

 

 

 

Merchandise was available in the State Fair Store, Cattle Barn, Agricultural Building, Little Hands on the Farm, Varied Industries Building and the Museum. 

 

 

Lunch break for the interns!

 

 

Iowan of the Day Winner, Donald Bries of Dubuque:

 

 

Iowan of the Day Winner, Ron Bell or Mondamin: