Iowa State Fair Moments

With the 2017 Iowa State Fair in the books, plans are already taking shape for the 2018 Fair: "Nothing Compares...to State Fair Moments."

What memory stands out to you the most from August? The time your entire family rode Ye Old Mill? Watching your 4-H'er show the Grand Champion animal in the Livestock Pavilion? Earning a purple ribbon on your famous pie in the Elwell Family Food Center?  The Blue Ribbon Foundation has undoubtedly been part of your Iowa State Fair moment in some way.

As we enter fall, the Blue Ribbon Foundation will continue our 25th Anniversary Campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to celebrate our history while creating awareness about our mission for the future. Join the Foundation and the growing base of donors in our charge to renovate and preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Donate: Make a personal contribution of $25, $250, or $2,500. Your donation, no matter the size, will have a direct impact.

Our Fair’s Future: 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.

Help Spread The Word: By sharing the campaign and information about the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, you can encourage others to make a contribution. Share our work with other Iowa State Fair lovers and how making a tax-deductible donation will sustain the Fairgrounds for the future.

All Iowans can be proud of the Fairgrounds and renovations made over the last 25 years. But maintaining a beautiful Fairgrounds requires year round upkeep. For 11 days in August, it’s a Fair, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. These events put wear and tear on buildings. If you look across the Fairgrounds there are still areas that need attention and improvements. 

Each August Fairgoers celebrate traditions and make memories that will last a lifetime. When you support the Blue Ribbon Foundation, you help the Iowa State Fairgrounds last a lifetime. Your donation will create special moments for future generations!

One of my favorite State Fair moments was taking an Old Time Photo with friends: