Welcome to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s blog!
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to raise funds for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Since our inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $200 million through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.
Please follow our blog to learn more about our organization.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking for 100 donors to make an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds by tackling a smaller renovation project. We’ve had 85 donors join the team, and need 15 more!
Money raised from the 2024 T.A.G. Team will be used to update to the official Iowa State Fair “Tunnel of Love”, Ye Old Mill.
Ye Old Mill has been a beloved attraction since 1921. Situated next to the Midway on Grand Avenue, riders climb aboard a row boat and disappear into a 1,500-foot tunnel. Except for an occasional collage of historical photos, most of the 3-minute float trip is in pitch-black darkness — allowing bold riders to steal a kiss or two.
While it's considered the Fair's oldest permanent amusement ride, the structure that stands today isn't the original. It was rebuilt in 1996 as an exact duplicate of the original after the first, which had dry rot and termite damage, was blown over in a strong windstorm. The bright red paddle wheel remains the only artifact from the original structure.
The upcoming improvements include new sheathing, fascia and architectural shingles on the roof of the main building. The side walls of the tunnel will be stripped and repaired where needed and new lap siding is planned for both sides. The whole structure will be repainted and the “inner” portion of the tunnel that you can only see from the Sky Glider will get a new rock landscape.
For a $250 donation your name will be listed as a key player in the renovation project and you will receive a commemorative pin to denote your membership in the 2024 T.A.G. Team.
We welcome your participation in our T.A.G. Team so Together we can Accomplish our Goals. Join today.
Thank you to all of the Fair lovers that have supported our mission and made these previous T.A.G. Team projects possible: Livestock Pavilion east restrooms, Agriculture Building first level lighting, Pioneer Hall west exterior, Agriculture Building north and east exterior doors
The Iowa State Fair’s evolution from a simple stock show to today’s agricultural, industrial and entertainment extravaganza is a direct reflection of Iowa’s evolution from an untilled prairie to the very center of the nation’s food production. The Iowa State Fair has been the historical trademark of this progress.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation has been raising funds for the restoration and preservation for our beloved Fairgrounds since 1993. The first renovation of Grandfather’s Barn and the first new building constructed, the 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 a state-of-the-art exhibition center, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has been determined to make the Iowa State Fairgrounds one of the best.
The Foundation has been able to offer the Corndog Checkoff as a way for Iowans to financially support our efforts. While completing your Iowa State Tax Form, simply "check-off" a donation for the Iowa State Fairgrounds and 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. Your donation will be deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.
The Iowa State Fair is the true, ever-changing reflection of what’s best about Iowa. Over the years the Fair has never veered from its primary purposes: the celebration of excellence, the recognition of individual achievement and the enhancement of agriculture.
Corndog Checkoff contributions are anonymous; therefore the Foundation is unable to recognize those individuals. Although the gifts are nameless, they are extremely significant and greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Corndog Checkoff donations are helping make the Public Safety Building addition and renovation possible.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation traditionally starts our year by thanking donors. It’s our goal to thank supporters throughout the year but we take pride in flipping the calendar and recognizing what our organization is most grateful for – you!
Listed in each Winter Newsletter is the Roll of Donors. All gifts of any size are important to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Each dollar donated has factored into our accomplishments over time. This list includes donations made to our general renovation fund as well as contributions to our endowment since 1993.
Making an appearance in each of the newsletters is also information about the Corndog Tax Checkoff. The program provides an easy way to contribute through a tax-deductible donation on your Iowa return. When completing your taxes, look for “State Fair” on Line 21 on Iowa Form 1040.
What’s new with the Blue Ribbon Foundation as we start 2024?
So, what was happening 10 years ago?
And what was happening 20 years ago?
Programs have developed, new projects have advanced and things have changed over the years. Nevertheless, the loyalty of Blue Ribbon Foundation donors continues to grow. Thank you for your support!
Amidst the busy seasons of life, the days when family, friends, and loved ones gather together can often seem few and far between. However, when these days come, they are celebrated as if no time had passed and cherished as life-long memories. Holidays, birthdays, weddings, reunions, and of course, the Iowa State Fair are just a few of the celebratory times that cause us to pause, reconnect, and reflect with thankful hearts on the many gifts we have.
During this holiday season, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation expresses our gratitude to all of the Fair-lovers who have given their time, treasure, and passion over the past 30 years to help rejuvenate the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The gift of time – thank you for volunteering and supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission to preserve and improve the great Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The gift of treasure – thank you for contributing to our giving programs and capital campaigns that renovate and beautify the Fairgrounds.
The gift of family – thank you for being part of our Fair family. You bring joy to our Fairgrounds when attending the Corndog Kickoff and the largest reunion in our state – the Iowa State Fair.
We wish you and your families a blessed holiday and look forward to more exciting days together in the new year.
Amidst the busy seasons of life, the days when family, friends, and loved ones gather together can often seem few and far between. However, when these days come, they are celebrated as if no time had passed and cherished as life-long memories. Holidays, birthdays, weddings, reunions, and of course, the Iowa State Fair are just a few of the celebratory times that cause us to pause, reconnect, and reflect with thankful hearts on the many gifts we have.
During this holiday season, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation expresses our gratitude to all of the Fair-lovers who have given their time, treasure, and passion over the past 30 years to help rejuvenate the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The gift of time – thank you for volunteering and supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission to preserve and improve the great Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The gift of treasure – thank you for contributing to our giving programs and capital campaigns that renovate and beautify the Fairgrounds.
The gift of family – thank you for being part of our Fair family. You bring joy to our Fairgrounds when attending the Corndog Kickoff and the largest reunion in our state – the Iowa State Fair.
We wish you and your families a blessed holiday and look forward to more exciting days together in the new year.
Last Friday I attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Philanthropy Day Luncheon where the local chapter honored two companies and three individuals. All were recognized for their charitable giving but, more importantly, their spirit of giving. Time, Treasure and Talent are the three T’s spoken about in the non-profit world and all three were present in each of the honorees.
Treasure is obvious and admittedly, quite important, as all organizations need funding in order to fulfill their missions. Renovations to the buildings on the Iowa State Fairgrounds wouldn’t get very far without the funding to purchase the materials and pay for the skilled labor! The Blue Ribbon Foundation is blessed to have supporters who believe in our mission and share their treasure with us, be it $1 in the Corndog Checkoff, $250 for TAG Team or a major gift that initiates a capital giving campaign.
But Treasure isn’t the only “T” that is vitally important. There are two others in the mix – Talent and Treasure. The talent comes when people who love the Fair step up to share with us a skill they possess. Bill McNarney, a man passionate about the Fair who worked for HUD, offered the Foundation its very first in-kind gift, a set of 15 hand drawn pen and ink sketches of the major buildings on the Fairgrounds. Bill gave the Foundation the rights to use the images for any fundraising purpose. These drawings formed the base of the first merchandise sold by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Other shared talents include, but are definitely not limited to, those supporters who help set up our merchandise booths, create the baskets and backdrops for the Corndog Kickoff, develop computer programs, work with database entry and so much more.
The time, oh the time, is where our bread is buttered so well because of all of you who simply love the Iowa State Fair and want to help in its success. Time isn’t just about the 5,200 volunteer hours given during the 2023 Iowa State Fair at our booths or the countless hours asking businesses for a donation to the Corndog Kickoff. It is also about understanding the mission of the Blue Ribbon Foundation and sharing that message with friends and family. It is about bringing new people to the Corndog Kickoff or Iowa State Fair and welcoming them into the “Fair fold,” of including them in your love of Iowa’s greatest event.
At the closing of the luncheon, the speaker encouraged everyone present to take a moment and think about someone who has made an impact on you or your community. And then, to take it that next step and reach out and let them know. So during this week of Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you all, each and every one of you who has given of their Time, Talent and Treasure to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Thank you! Your contribution has made an impact for all of us working, enjoying and loving the great Iowa State Fair.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving – we are thankful for you!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation has sold Iowa State Fair souvenirs as a fundraiser since our organization started 30 years ago. A selection of these souvenirs, and many others, are now open for viewing on the auction site. Check out the site here or use the QR code below to view the items available for bidding.
The online auction will open for bidding on Thursday, November 9th at 10 AM and will close on Sunday, November 12th at 8 PM.
To bid, you must register as a bidder and provide the required information on the form, including a valid credit card. Winning bidders will receive details on how to pick up their item(s).
Happy bidding and thank you for supporting the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation!
As the fall newsletter hits mailboxes, here is a brief flashback to what the Blue Ribbon Foundation was doing 10 and 20 years ago.
What’s happening at the Blue Ribbon Foundation?
What was the Blue Ribbon Foundation doing 10 years ago?
What was the Blue Ribbon Foundation doing 20 years ago?
Programs have grown, new projects have developed and things have changed over the years. The loyalty of Blue Ribbon Foundation donors and volunteers continues to grow. Thank you for your support!
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation has sold limited edition Iowa State Fair souvenirs as a fundraiser since our organization started 30 years ago. The lapel pin collection started in 1993, while the ornaments and plaques started in 2010.
Check out the lists below to see if your collection is complete. If not, now is your chance!
A selection of these souvenirs, and many others, will be featured in an online auction. Bidding will open on Thursday, November 9 at 10 AM and close on Sunday, November 12 at 8 PM.
Check the website for updated photos and descriptions of each souvenir. To bid, you must register as a bidder and provide the required information on the form, including a valid credit card number. Winning bidders will receive details on how to pick up their item(s).
Lapel Pins:
2023: Elwell Family Park
2022: Cattle Barn
2021: Giant Slide
2020: Cup of Cookies
2019: Admission Gate
2018: Fair Food
2017: Blue Ribbon
2016: Grandfather’s Farm
2015: Sheep Barn Terra Cotta
2014: Youth Inn
2013: Tree, Bench, and Lamp Post
2012: Cultural Center
2011: Butter Cow (head shot)
2010: Jacobson Exhibition Center
2009: Elwell Family Food Center
2008: Administration Building
2007: Horse Barn
2006: Museum
2005: Agriculture Building
2004: Grand Gates
2003: Livestock Pavilion
2002: 4-H Building
2001: Varied Industries Building
2000: Pioneer Hall
1999: Double Ferris Wheel
1998: Grandstand
1997: Camper
1996: Ye Old Mill
1995: Brick Pad
1994: Butter Cow
1993: Carousel
Undated: Rebuilding the Dream Pin
Ornaments:
2023: Draft Horse
2022: Fairfield Mascot
2021: Quilt
2020: Bucket of Cookies
2019: Camper
2018: Corndog
2017: Blue Ribbon
2016: Riley Stage
2015: Giant Slide
2014: Sky Glider
2013: Campgrounds Shuttle
2012: Pepsi Clock
2011: Ye Old Mill
2010: Butter Cow
Plaques:
2023: Collect ‘Em All
2022: Iowa State Fair Peeps
2021: Butter Believe It
2020: Always in my Heart
2019: Have A Grand Ole Time!
2018: The Gang’s All Here!
2017: Midway – Family Time
2016: Giant Slide - Enjoy the Ride
2015: People Watcher
2014: Fair Family Fun and Show Your Pride
2013: Happiness Is and Sky Glider
2012: Little Squeakers and Fairlicious
2011: Love a Fair and Home Grown
2010: Riley Talent Show, Food on a Stick, Ride a Ride, Shear Fun, New Arena
The Blue Ribbon Foundation spends each fall reviewing what worked well and where we can continue to improve. We strive to grow each and every year.
A few 2023 Iowa State Fair highlights and fun facts to share:
Continuing to Grow:
Thank you for supporting the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. We are truly thankful that our numbers keep growing in the right direction. The Fair is a tradition any Iowan can be proud of, and the Blue Ribbon Foundation is dedicated to continuing that legacy. Join our Mission.
