2017 Fair Recap: August 17 & 18

Day 8 and Day 9 of the Iowa State Fair welcomed nearly 200,000 people to the Fairgrounds. The Blue Ribbon Foundation takes pride in helping those Fairgoers have an unforgettable experience.

Around every corner, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has supported improvements. The first renovation of Grandfather’s Barn and construction of the now Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center were just the beginning. One by one, barns and buildings across the Fairgrounds were improved. From unseen electrical updates or simple restroom improvements, to construction of the state-of-the-art Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center, the Blue Ribbon Foundation is determined to make our Fairgrounds one of the best.

In addition to the Midway overhaul this August, the Jacobson Plaza beautification project 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 easily navigated this area of the Fairgrounds with new sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting. The additional parking will be utilized throughout the year for events hosted on the Fairgrounds.

Blue Ribbon Foundation dollars also supported updates along East 33rd Street and built the new admissions gate. The updated gate was able to accommodate more Fairgoers. The sidewalks allowed for better traffic flow around Little Hands on the Farm. On a smaller scale, maintenance created new displays in the Agriculture Building and replaced windows on the south and east sides of Pioneer Hall.

On Thursday, the Foundation hosted Legislative Day. It’s a day for our state’s senators and representatives to enjoy the sights of the Fair and our chance to thank each of them for the continued support. Following lunch, the Legislators took a tour of the Fairgrounds to see the renovations and progress the Foundation is making to preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Marian McQuaid of Guthrie Center and Chris Fox of Johnston were honored as Iowan of the Day winners. Marian organized “Friends of the Library,” a group that guided the project of building a new library. Marian also volunteers her time assisting with after school programs, leading story hour for children and writing the weekly library newspaper articles.  She is a member of Homestead Helpers, a support group for the local nursing home and volunteers weekly for the Guthrie County Arts Council, which she founded. Marian has served on various committees to put together events for all members of her community to enjoy, including the Fall Arts Festival.

Chris Fox dedicated his time to the U.S. Army for 27 years, serving overseas for multiple tours and for the Drug Demand Reduction organization at Camp Dodge, educating youth how to stay or become drug free. The U.S. Army led him to opportunities educating youth throughout Iowa about substance abuse prevention. Chris was a key component to the creation of STAR BASE, “Stay on Track” and other leadership skill programs that are being taught in Iowa schools today, affecting over 26,000 students. These programs have been recognized on a national level. Much of Chris’s time the past ten years has been spent volunteering for Ducks Unlimited, which led him to becoming Chairman of Mid-Iowa Ducks Unlimited, and eventually district chairman. Chris has been a volunteer for Blue Ribbon Foundation, selling water during the Fair, assisting with the annual Corndog Kickoff and driving the 1854 Society Shuttle for members during the Fair.

Each Blue Ribbon Foundation staff member is able to have one evening off during the Fair. (AKA - you only work until 6 pm instead of 10 pm!) I enjoyed Friday evening by attending the Little Big Town concert in the Grandstand. It was a very fun show. Can’t wait to see who else will be joining Casting Crowns and Reba in August.

Stay tuned for more 2017 Iowa State Fair highlights.

Legislative Day:

Iowan of the Day - Marian McQuaid:

Iowan of the Day - Chris Fox:

Little Big Town Concert:

Staff and 2017 Interns: