Work with Us!

The Blue Ribbon Foundation works year round to plan and prepare for the Iowa State Fair. Each summer, our office grows from a five-person to eight-person staff with the addition of three interns. We couldn’t have a successful Corndog Kickoff or Fair without their help. 

The Foundation’s internship program gives a hands-on opportunity to exercise organizational and administrative skills while obtaining significant experience in business, communication, event management, marketing and public relations. This is not your typical internship. Each intern will be a true member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team, working directly with staff, coordinating select projects, and making sure committed donors have a strong and lasting relationship with the Iowa State Fair.

A special thank you to the 2023 interns – Regan Freland, Faith Kuehl and Macy Loecke. 

Regan was a burst of energy in our office over the summer. She stayed busy organizing hospitality events and promoting the Corndog Kickoff, while providing key communication with current and potentially new donors. She brought her positive attitude and previous Fair experience (working Little Hands on the Farm and as a Dairy Cattle Night Line Girl) to our organization. Thank you, Regan, for your hard work. 

Faith did an incredible job assisting the Sponsorship Director this year by… organizing signage, concert tickets, moving in/out coordination, tracking payments, mapping out space and so, so much more! She helped promote the Back the Barns campaign, Corndog Kickoff auction, and we will never forget the day we placed engraved bricks – she was the victim of bird poop – sorry Faith! Thank you for spending your summer at the Foundation!

Macy spent her 11 days of the Iowa State Fair running between the Iowa of the Day presentation, stocking the merchandise booths and organizing the chainsaw woodcarvings. Macy always had a story to tell staff that would lighten the mood and make us laugh. Just what we needed on the hot July and August days. Thank you Macy! 

Each of these ladies was a key member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s staff. If you know a hard-working, motivated college student who loves the Iowa State Fair, make sure they are aware of the Foundation’s internship opportunities for 2024. 

Learn more about this program. Applications will be accepted until November 30.