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.
There are just 97 days until the Iowa State Fair! I don’t know who is counting but I sure am. Things are starting to pick up at Blue Ribbon Foundation as we prepare for the upcoming events of the summer.
I have been busy preparing for the Iowan of the Day program. We have received several nominations so far for those incredible Iowans that love their communities. These individuals are AMAZING! If you know someone who is just as amazing, loves to volunteer, has strong work ethic, demonstrates integrity and dignity, and gives back to their community, nominate them for Iowan of the Day! All nominations are due by July 1 and nominees must currently reside in Iowa. For more information, check out our website J
The Corndog Kickoff is also busy preparing for the 25th annual benefit auction. Since its inception in 1997, the Corndog Kickoff has raised over $7.2 million for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. We receive donation items every day and are busy planning for the upcoming event. The Corndog Kickoff is joining in on the Fair fun and will have lots of Fair favorites including food, music, fireworks, and SkyGlider rides in addition to the live and silent auction! You don’t want to miss out, so buy your tickets soon on the Foundation’s website.
Authors Kay Smith and Carol McGarvey are also busy writing “Baking Blue Ribbons”. The book will highlight history, stories, and select recipes from the Iowa State Fair Food competitions and will be published in time to purchase at the Fair. How cool is that? If you love food on a stick, enjoy cooking and/or eating, love the Iowa State Fair, or know someone who might be featured in the book, consider donating and help bring this book to life. All proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Food Department.
There are so many ways to get involved at the Fair, these are just a few of them. So, if you want to be a part of our fun, consider donating or purchasing a ticket to the Corndog Kickoff, nominating an outstanding Iowan for Iowan of the Day, volunteering at the Fair, or looking into our Ways to Give programs at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. We hope you “Find Your Fun” and make the most of your Iowa State Fair this year!
If you want to learn more about the Blue Ribbon Foundation and other upcoming Fair events, check out our Blue Ribbon Blog on our website!
As we enter the month of May, I would love to give you an overview of the Corndog Kickoff to show what you could experience when you buy tickets! The Corndog Kickoff began in 1997 with around 460 attendees. This fun-filled night full of food, entertainment, games, and an auction has raised over $7.2 million towards Fairground renovations to this day. Let’s talk about some ways you can be a part of this growing number and contribute to the Fair!
Benefit Auction
Online bidding will open for the Silent Auction at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8 and close on Saturday, July 9 at 8:30 p.m. All auction packages will be on display at the event so attendees can see them up close and in person.
To access the online auction, visit: www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org/Events/Corndog-Kickoff.
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 auction package.
Here are some auction highlights that you can look forward to:
Please consider making a donation to the Corndog Kickoff Auction to help support Fairgrounds renovation projects. Donating an auction package consisting of your product or service is an excellent way to promote your company, as it will be seen - and bid on - by nearly 2,000 attendees.
Benefits for auction donors include complimentary tickets to the Corndog Kickoff (number of tickets based on value of donation) and publicity in event materials.
Dining Delights
The 2022 Corndog Kickoff will feature “Dining Delights” – a restaurant gift card activity. For a $20 donation, attendees will grab a mystery gift card as their prize.
Would you like your favorite restaurant to be featured? Would you help support the Blue Ribbon Foundation by asking that restaurant to donate a gift certificate?
Or, support two businesses at once by purchasing a gift card and donating it to the Foundation to use in Dining Delights!
We are seeking donations with a value of $25 or higher to highlight restaurants across the state. Thank you for your consideration. Please mail gift cards to the address below:
Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation
3000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50317
Rags to Riches
Join in as we play a 50/50 raffle game halfway through the live auction. You are invited to purchase a souvenir bandana, or “rag,” for $10 to get in the game. As a participant during the game, you will hold it in the air or keep it down at your side.
The auctioneer will flip a coin – heads is rags up and tails is down. If you choose correctly, you remain standing and continue to play; when you’re wrong, you sit down. The game will continue until we have one lucky participant left standing. The winner will receive half of the amount made from the rag sales.
In 2021, 800 bandanas were sold with $4,000 up for grabs. Rags will be sold the night of the event – remember to play for your chance to go from rags to riches!
Sponsored by: West Bank
Mystery Prize Game
Purchase a Mystery Envelope for $15 and win an Iowa State Fair prize! Only 250 Mystery Prize Game Envelopes will be sold during the Corndog Kickoff. More than $1700 worth of prizes available.
Prizes Include:
Two Iowa State Fair Grandstand Concert Tickets of your choice
VIP Parking
On-Grounds Parking
$5 Iowa State Fair merchandise coupon
$5 in Iowa State Fair food vouchers
Admission Ticket
Ye Old Mill Ride Ticket
Sky Glider Ride Ticket
Giant Slide Ride Ticket
Free Bottle of Water
Cup of Cookies Voucher
Purchase your Mystery Prize Envelope at the designated table during the Corndog Kickoff. Every envelope is a winner!
2022 Corndog Kickoff Schedule
2022 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party
Doors Open:
Silent Auction:
Live Auction:
Fireworks:
To find more information, forms, and contacts, visit the Corndog Kickoff website page.
- Kenna Smith, Donor Relations Intern
It seems that every year brings something new to the Iowa State Fair. Of course there is always new Fair foods to try, new exhibits to check out, or new merchandise to take home with you. But many years there is something bigger too. Perhaps new events spark your interest, there is a new competition to check out, or a new building is added to the Fairgrounds that you’ve got to go in. It can almost be hard to keep track of. Our quarterly newslettercan help you keep track of what is going on! We are excited for our supporters to receive our Spring 2022 Newsletter this month. To commemorate, let’s check out what the newsletters of 10 and 20 years ago were excited about.
What was happening in 2002?
20 years ago, in 2002, big changes were coming to the Blue Ribbon Foundation! Former Iowa State Fair CEO Marion Lucas had retired and moved off the Fairgrounds, allowing for the Blue Ribbon Foundation to move in to its current location in the Earth Home, just north of the Fun Forest. Before this move, the Blue Ribbon Foundation had been located in downtown Des Moines in the Ruan Center.
What was happening in 2012?
10 years ago, in 2012, the Blue Ribbon Foundation was busy planning the 16th annual Corndog Kickoff. The theme for 2012 was “It’s a Sweet Thing!” How fun! In 2012, the Blue Ribbon Foundation was also hard at work on the new endowment program, Our Fairs Future. Donors to the fund were designated as a member of the Champion’s Circle, and were recognized around the Fair in a variety of ways. This program still exsists today, check it out to learn more about planned giving and how you can help the Iowa State Fair.
What is happening now?
Now, just to wrap things up, I’ll leave you with a sneak peek into the 2022 Newsletter! The 2022 Spring edition of the newsletter includes an update on the T.A.G. Team project, and a bunch of exciting project updates. These updates include some big ones, like the Alliant Energy Landing and the Elwell Family Park, and some smaller scale ones, like replacing a section of the Agricultural Building roof.
Some things stay the same.
While each issue had their differences, some things do stay the same. In all of the issues, the Blue Ribbon Foundation announced their Iowan of the Day search, talked about the annual Corndog Kickoff, reached out for volunteers, had a few mailbox notes, and welcomed their summer interns!
Laura Noehren, Sponser Relations Intern
Do you have what it takes to create an awesome design for a 2022 Iowa State Fair t-shirt? Submit your design today! The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation t-shirt contest is underway and there is still plenty of time to submit your design. Designs are due THIS SUNDAY, May 1 and if your design wins it will be created and sold at the 2022 Iowa State Fair! How cool is that?
Funds from the sale of the t-shirt will go towards renovations and improvements to the Fairgrounds. However, the top three winners will get prizes too!
1st place:
2nd place:
3rd place:
So, how will you win? Well, a selection committee will choose the top 5 designs and those designs will be posted on the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s website and Facebook page. All you have to do is get “likes” on your t-shirt design on Facebook or get votes on our website. Voting will be open from May 9-16 and the winner will be announced on May 17.
Think you have the best design? Double check our rules and guidelines here:
https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/202...
Don’t forget to submit your design by May 1… Who will win this year?
Here is last years design. Animals, food, rides, or fun - it's up to you to decide what should be on the t-shirt!
- Brooklin Border, Public Relations Intern
There are officially 75 days until the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Corndog Kickoff - Saturday July, 9! Today I’m highlighting one of our special fundraising activities at the event.
“Dining Delights” is back again for another round of celebrating delicious restaurants across Iowa. Attendees donate $20 to pick a mystery gift card of $25 or higher to a restaurant in Iowa! Who doesn’t love to try a new restaurant while also supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation?
Is your local restaurant a hidden gem? You can promote your favorite restaurant by buying a gift card and donating it to the Blue Ribbon Foundation be part of the Dining Delights activity.
I know I would love to give someone a gift certificate to my favorite restaurant in Mt.Pleasant, Costas Pizza & Steakhouse. I worked there for 3 years in high school and I still go back every time I am home! You could also score a gift card from Hickory Park Restaurant in Ames where I work during college! They have just about every flavor of ice cream and topping you could wish for.
Alright, this is making me very hungry. Before I go, I want to remind you all that it is not too late to buy your tickets to the 2022 Corndog Kickoff or reserve a table by becoming a Patron. There are so many amazing donations that are coming into the office and we would love to see even more!
Thank you for your support!
-Kenna Smith, Donor Relations Intern
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is currently seeking our next group of outstanding Iowans for the 2022 "Iowan of the Day" award. Do you know someone who demonstrates integrity, dependability, and has a strong passion for volunteerism within their community? Nominate them today!
Ten amazing Iowans across the state will receive prize packages including:
The selection committee is looking for individuals who demonstrate integrity, dependability, have a strong work ethic, and help create a sense of community. Iowan of the Day winners must have shown their true Iowa spirit with their positive outlook and contribution through community or statewide involvement. Overall, winners must exemplify what it means to be an Iowan. If you know an Iowan that possess these qualities, please consider nominating them.
Nominations can and should include supplemental materials such as pictures, newspaper articles, and letters of recommendation. Make sure to fill out the nomination form with your name, the individual’s name, and references. The nomination form is attached below, or can also be found on our website, www.blueribbonfoundation.org/IOTD. All nominations are due July 1. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at (515) 262-3111 ext. 378 or publicrelations@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is proud to have Cookies Food Products as a sponsor of the Iowan of the Day program
Brooklin Border, Public Relations Intern
Are you a wizard in the kitchen? A baking extraordinaire? A grill-master? If you fall in any of these categories (or even if you don’t), the 21st edition Iowa State Fair cookbook is just for you! Featuring award winning recipes from 2021 and a few throwback classics, the new cookbook will be for sale starting in July. This is a cherished tradition at the Fair. The first cookbook was printed in 1983, and now a new cookbook is printed every other year featuring the winning entries from the past two Fairs. We are so excited to see what the 21st edition has in store!
Not quite convinced the Iowa State Fair Cookbook is for you? Let’s check out a few of the mouth-watering recipes in the 20th edition! We’ve put together a one day meal plan for you.
For Breakfast you can have your pick between Cinnamon Chip Scones or Saskatoon Berry Muffins with Sea Salt Crumble. For Lunch, we recommend trying the Homemade Naan Bread Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce. You could also try the Cheddar, Fig, and Pork Belly Sandwiches. For an afternoon snack, we’ll point you in the direction of the Homemade Pretzel Balls. For Dinner, check out the Sausage Ricotta, and Spinach Stuffed Shells. Finally, for dessert, look to any of the 45 pie recipes that are included. There is sure to be one that is perfect for you!
While we wait for the 21st edition to arrive, make sure you check out the 20th edition and 19th edition that are both for sale under the State Fair Store tab on our website. The proceeds of your cookbook purchase go directly to projects the Blue Ribbon Foundation is working on right now.
We need YOUR help creating a 2022 Iowa State Fair t-shirt design! If you have an idea for this year, send it our way! How cool would it be to see your own design on a Fair t-shirt that is sold all around the Fairgrounds? On top of that, all the funds from each t-shirt sale will go towards the renovation and preservation of the Fairgrounds we all love so dearly.
The deadline for this competition is May 1 and the top 3 winners will be announced May 17. Now, you might be thinking, “I hope Kenna isn’t the only judge that gets to see my beautiful design”. As much as I would love to be in charge of picking the design, there is a selection committee that chooses the top 5 designs. From there, we leave it up to our Facebook followers to vote by “liking” their favorite design, or anyone can vote online via our website from May 9-16. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the prizes!
1st Place
• Your shirt design is produced to sell at the Iowa State Fair
• 2 t-shirts, 2 gate admission tickets, 2 Fair Value Packs, 2 tickets to the Grandstand concert of your choice, $50 in food coupons and parking for a select day at the Fair
2nd Place
• 2 gate admission tickets, $25 in food coupons and parking for a select day at the Fair
3rd Place
• 2 gate admission tickets and $25 in food coupons
Interested? Here are the guidelines and rules for the contest!
https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-t-s...
If you need a refresher, this is last year’s design…
-Kenna Smith, Donor Relations Intern
My name is Brooklin Border and I am so excited to be the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Public Relations Intern this summer! I am originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa and I have been involved in music, theatre, tennis, speech, 4-H, and more. Through my involvement with 4-H, I have grown to love the Iowa State Fair and I have had a 15 year streak of attendance! I am looking forward to working closely with the Fair and helping coordinate programs such as the Iowan of the Day, Bingo, and the Woodcarver’s Auction.
After graduation, I attended Iowa Central Community College where I focused on music and theatre while working for my Associate of Arts Degree. I then transferred to Iowa State where I am currently a senior majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Event Management. I am actively involved in the Student Union Board on campus hosting/planning events for students. I serve as club President and get to oversee all board members. In my free time I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, playing with my cat, Glenda, and exploring Ames. I also work part-time at Wallaby's Bar and Grille as a waitress!
With the Fair just around the corner, I am excited to start working on projects to help make the 2022 Iowa State Fair memorable. I can’t wait to be amongst the crowds enjoying Fair food, visiting with patrons, and having fun!
Hello! My name is Laura Noehren and I will be the Sponsorship Relations Intern for the summer. I am so excited to get started and learn along the way. I am finishing my sophomore year at Drake University here in Des Moines, where I study Strategic Political Communication, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience, and Politics. I enjoy all of classes that range from video production and digital media courses to sociology and politics courses to science courses. My end goal right now is to work in environmental advocacy or non-profit communications. With that in mind, interning at the Blue Ribbon Foundation will be great experience for my future career.
Currently, I am also a communications intern at Drake for their facilities department, where I communicate about upcoming construction projects to faculty, staff and students. I also work at Hy-Vee! At Drake, I am involved in a number of different organizations. I play flute in the band, marching band, and basketball pep band, I am the Corresponding Secretary of the women’s music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Fellowship Vice President of the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. My commitments keep me pretty busy at school.
I grew up in Cedar Rapids, and have gone to the Fair almost every year since I was born. I love trying new Fair foods and grabbing my old favorites, checking out the photography exhibits in the Cultural Center, and getting the yearly charms for my Iowa State Fair bracelet. Today has been filled with lots of learning, about the Blue Ribbon Foundation, the different projects I will get to work on, and even about the projects the Blue Ribbon Foundation has done recently. I can’t wait to see where this internship takes me, and I hope my contributions will help make the 2022 Iowa State Fair great!
