Spring Newsletter: 1999, 2009, and 2019

What’s happening at the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation?

Check out the spring 2019 Newsletter. This issue features many upcoming events the Foundation has coming up, heartwarming stories of family and love for the Iowa State Fair and project updates happening on the fairgrounds. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Corndog Kickoff on Saturday, July 13 and the Iowa State Fair happening August 8-18.

The newsletter also features a recap of the first-ever, “Halfway to the Fair Happy Hour Fundraiser” which took place in February of this year in the Elwell Family Food Center. Overall, the event raised $10,000 for future Fairgrounds renovations. Thanks to the generous contributions from businesses and individuals that made this event possible and continue to support the Foundation in bettering the Fairgrounds.

What was happening 10 years ago?

The 2009 newsletter featured a “You Asked” column allowing fairgoers to ask questions and get answers. This particular article featured the MidAmerican Energy Building which was just being built as a learning center about wind generation.

This issue also highlighted the “limited edition board game celebrating the Iowa State Fair.” This game allowed Iowa State Fair fans the chance to visit the Fair at any time and re-live the fun of trekking their way across the fairgrounds. This game is still available on the Foundation website.

Frank Robey was chosen for the donor profile section of the newsletter in the spring of 2009. Robey was then a carpenter for the State Fair’s maintenance department. Robey is now the Assistant Director of Plant Operations for the Iowa State Fair.

What was happening 20 years ago?

20 years ago, thirty new trees were planted on the Fairgrounds, thanks to generous individuals who contributed to the Legacy Tree Program. The program was put into place to help replace many mature shade-bearing trees that were lost due to storm damage in 1998.

“… I stumbled upon your fair by accident, but have loved it and returned every year since. I love everything about it; there is something there for everyone. Keep up the food work and the Iowa State Fair will live forever!” said Connie Ricklefs from Sterling, IL in the “From Our Mailbox”, section listed in the 1999 spring newsletter.

The newsletter featured Ron Corbett on his accomplishments during his ‘decorated tenure in the Iowa Legislature.’ Throughout that time, Corbett worked diligently promoting Fairground renovations and was crucial in passing legislation concerning the tax checkoff and many other bills that secured millions of dollars for the preservation of the Fairgrounds.

Many things have changed over the years but one thing remains the same. The Blue Ribbon Foundation helps thousands of Iowa State Fair fans like you show their support through giving programs, membership programs and fundraising events. Our organization will continue to raise funds to preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds for the next 10 and 20 years!