April 17, 2015
Hello all! As promised last time, I was back at work Monday this week working on the Iowan of the Day program. I’ve almost sent out all my letters asking for nominations. I’m hoping to get those done today or Monday. I love seeing the progress I’m making and setting and reaching my goals for each day. It’s really exciting.
I’m actually excited for a lot of reasons. Today is a big day for Drake University. We have street painting today! Each year before the Drake Relays, student organizations get together to paint a square on campus that represents both the group and the theme for the year. It brings together campus and basically turns into an awesome paint fight. I didn’t get to participate last year, so I’m really looking forward to getting my hands (and most likely my clothes) dirty. This year’s theme is ‘Leave Your Paw Print’, which I think is great. Who doesn’t want to leave their mark?
The whole thing just reminds me that there are a lot of ways to leave your mark on the Fair. One way, because I can’t talk about this enough, is to nominate someone for Iowan of the Day. You could also give in a few different ways to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. You could buy a brick, come to the Corndog Kickoff or help create an auction item for the event, or take advantage of the many other ways to give. Most importantly, you can come to the Iowa State Fair and have a great time. It’s all about being a part of the tradition!
Have a great weekend!
-Anna
Past street painting photo from godrakebulldogs.com!
April 8, 2015
Hello again! This week is a busy one. I have lots of things to do here at the Blue Ribbon Foundation and only two days this week to do them in. Usually, I work three days each week, but this week is special. As I said in my introduction post, I’m actively involved in Public Relation Student Society of America at Drake. This Friday we’re hosting the regional conference for the organization. So instead of working with the Foundation that day, I’ll be learning more about the Public Relations industry. I’m looking forward to hearing what the speakers have to say and connecting with awesome students from across the region. Don’t worry though, I’ll be back bright and early on Monday to catch up on things here.
The theme of the conference is ‘Expect the Unexpected’. Many people outside of Des Moines don’t realize how great the city is. When they visit, they‘re often surprised by how different it is from their expectations. The theme aims to highlight this feeling.
I think the same feeling applies to the Fair. Some people I’ve talked to think the Fair doesn’t have anything for them to do. What they don’t realize is there’s something for everyone! From great entertainment to competitions to rides to fantastic treats on a stick, there’s something unexpected around every corner. I love that! It makes me even more excited for the Fair this year.
-Anna
Some of our conference material!
Something unexpected is around every corner at the Fair.
April 1, 2015
“You are really good at making choices!” This is exactly what I want to hear after making a big decision at work. I was excited to see these inspirational sayings as I flipped the month on my new desk calendar from Sigler.
Sigler is super creative marketing/design company that develops our Corndog Kickoff materials, program brochures, newsletter, etc. I’m excited to have the fun and brightly colored calendar on my desk. Each month displays a positive saying. It’s just what you need to get through the day.
Overall I consider myself a happy person. I try and live every day with a smile, upbeat attitude, and a positive outlook on life. I enjoy working with staff and volunteers that are passionate about the Iowa State Fair. However, there are days when the stress is building, demands are high, and it’s not easy to put on a smile. Those days I look for inspiration that can override any negative situation.
Currently hanging in my house is a sign with encouraging words that I read before starting my day. Strong, kind, smart, hilarious, capable, sweet, lovable, and amazing. These words describe who I personally try to be. What about words that describe the Fair? Butter Cow, corndogs, sky glider, midway, music, livestock, contests, camping, family…. the list could go on and on. When I start thinking about words to describe the Foundation, I start with our mission statement:
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit organization raising funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
These 19 simple words define our organization. Over the last 22 years, this only describes the basic role of the Foundation’s work. Iowans that have attended the Fair for decades can see the impact of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Historic structures have been renovated to last another 100 years. New state of the art facilities have been built to keep the Iowa State Fairgrounds on the cutting edge.
With the Fairgrounds in outstanding shape, generations of families can continue to make memories at the Fair. The beloved summer tradition will continue because of the support Fair-goers have given to the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
What are two of the most important words associated with the Blue Ribbon Foundation: Thank You. We couldn’t have accomplished our goals while continuing to plan for the future without your support.
March 30, 2015
This is my third week here in the Blue Ribbon Foundation office. It’s been busy here and no day has been the same as the last. Personally, I love that. I’ve been working on the Iowan of the Day program for the most part. I’ve organized my files, updated contact lists, written letters and signed more than a few to reach out to possible nominators. In addition, I’ve also been able to work a little on the upcoming newsletter and, of course, blogging for the Foundation.
As you might imagine, time is flying by here. April is only a few days away! Only a few more weeks before nominations for the Iowan of the Day program start coming. I’ve looked over past nominations and am continually impressed with the dedication I’ve seen. I’m excited to see what this year brings. If you know someone who embodies Iowan values like honesty, reliability and a strong work ethic and is committed to making their community a better place, consider nominating them. Nomination forms and sample nominations are available online here.
I’m looking forward to getting more involved with the program as spring carries on!
-Anna
Just a few of the letters I've been working on!
March 26, 2015
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament starts the Sweet Sixteen games tonight. Although the Foundation’s favorite teams (Iowa, Iowa State, and Virginia) got beat out, it will still be an exciting weekend of basketball to watch.
Last week’s games were full of upsets with underdogs beating a few top seeds. I’m anticipating some close games to reach the Elite Eight and hopeful my bracket won’t bust! Side note: I should be receiving the “roommate of the year” award by allowing the basement television to make its way to the living room for dual game watching.
The end of March is a busy time for the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s
giving programs. March 31 is the deadline to have all of your donations submitted for items to be placed on the Fairgrounds for this year's Fair. This includes placement for bricks, trees, lamp posts, pavers and seat plaques. If you're still deciding on last minute inscriptions, you've got until the end of next Tuesday to get those turned in.
If I had to fill out a giving program bracket, bricks would be the most popular! The engraved bricks can be placed at 15 different brick pads across the grounds. It’s a great way to have a memorial, celebrate your family’s favorite spot on the Fairgrounds, and there is no better way to be part of the Iowa State Fair than by supporting the Foundation’s work.
Tree plaques, lamp post plaques, and the donor wall would round out my final four. Each of these programs allow donors to create a personal inscription that will be shared with future generations. Those future Fair-goers will benefit from the renovation projects the Foundation supports. It’s a win-win for everybody.
Please remember to get your donations turned in by the March 31 deadline. For your convenience, I've linked the different programs below if you're still interested in getting something set for Fair 2015. Questions?
Email me and I'll be happy to help.
As for basketball, I’m jumping on the bandwagon – Go Wildcats!
March 18, 2015
Hello! My name is Anna Van Waardhuizen. I’m the first intern to arrive in the office for this year’s Fair. I’ll be working on the Iowan of the Day Program. I am a sophomore at Drake University, studying public relations and leadership. I’m involved in our chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and was recently elected president of the organization. I’ll be taking on that role starting in April! I also enjoy exploring other aspects of media and journalism. I co-host a radio show on campus every Thursday night with one of my best friends. We call it ‘Girl Power Hour’, and it is so much fun.
Speaking of fun, I can’t wait to get started here at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. I can tell working with the Fair is going to be a great experience! I’m excited to be back on the Fairgrounds as well. Even though I’m from Illinois, I still have strong ties to the Fair. Some of my favorite summers included a trip to Des Moines to stay on the campgrounds with my grandparents. I can’t count the number of times I’ve gone down the giant slide, strolled down Grand Avenue or admired the dollhouse competition (My personal favorite!). Now I get to see the other side of the Fair and be a part of making it great experience for others. This week in the office is only the beginning!
-Anna
March 17, 2015
Over the weekend, I took a road trip to Chicago. I visited family, ate deep dish pizza, and ventured downtown. There is some serious dedication to the St. Patrick’s Day holiday in the city of Chicago. Crowds of people were up early watching the parade, standing on both sides of the freshly dyed green river and each street corner pub had a long line before noon.
I am wearing green today and this March, I’ve enjoyed a Shamrock Shake but I’m passing on the corned beef and cabbage. I haven’t found a four-leaf clover, seen a leprechaun or listened to the bagpipes. St. Patrick’s Day is one day a year where some pretty interesting traditions are celebrated. On my mind, there are only 148 days until the Iowa State Fair celebrates its own set of traditions.
Just yesterday, a woman called me and ordered a brick by the sheep barn. She talked about how each year her family would end up sitting underneath a tree near the barn. Generations of 4-H’ers in her family would show their livestock. After ribbons and awards, she decided it was time to make those memories more permanent with an engraved brick.
Parades go hand in hand with holidays. Last year the State Fair had two! An estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles and performers paraded down Grand Avenue from downtown Des Moines to the Fairgrounds. During the Fair, the Veterans Day parade route loops around the Fairgrounds and celebrates the military throughout Iowa.
It's early but concessionaires are busy creating new food items to offer during this year’s Fair - something exciting to catch the attention of the crowds. Each food stand is sure to have the traditional favorites available too.
Just like me, out-of-state tourist travel to see Chicago’s bright green river. There is no doubt that people travel across the country to see the Butter Cow.
With all of the traditions, it’s safe to say that Iowa State Fair fans are dedicated to the Fair. We have staff that works year round, volunteers that put in countless hours, and Fair-goers that never miss a day. We’ll continue to prepare for this year’s event. Fair-goers: enjoy today’s celebration and keep counting down the days to the Iowa State Fair.
March 10, 2015
Once a year, various fairs throughout the United States and Canada gather to their respective zone's meeting. This zone meeting provides networking opportunities, workshops, and insights that are beyond state boundaries but still within a specific region.
Over the weekend, the Iowa State Fair hosted the Zone 5 Conference. Zone 5 includes state and county Fairs from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. More than 300 people from across the 5 states came together for the weekend’s events. This year’s conference theme was “Upping the Ante”.
The theme fit perfectly with the Prairie Meadows Casino location. Even more importantly, the sessions and information shared to participants were designed to help Fair’s individually and as an overall industry, raise the stakes for the future.
The conference had speakers, workshops, and panel presentations about Fair related topics. There were sessions on natural disasters, marketing techniques, and agricultural programming. There was information shared on livestock, food, and commercial exhibitors. There was a tour of the Iowa State Fairgrounds and gathering in the Jacobson Exhibition Center.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation had the opportunity to present on Foundation’s and Fundraising. Our Foundation is one of the most established Fair Foundations across the country. It was nice to be able to share our history, various programs and what has or hasn’t worked for our organization through the years. We even ran longer than the allotted time slot because of the audience questions. I think our staff was able to help other Fairs that are just starting or wanting to expand their own Foundation.
Besides the business accepts of the conference, there was plenty of time for fun! Thanks to the gracious sponsors, attendees were eligible to win door prizes throughout the conference. After dinner, two representatives from each state participated in a Fair themed “newlywed game”. I’ve never seen so many adults laughing about favorite fair foods and livestock animals.
I grew up attending my local county Fair in addition to the Iowa State Fair. It was interesting to hear the prospective on a topic from a small Fair versus a Statewide Fair. There are different struggles and successes for each. The Zone 5 conference is the perfect place to share stories and learn from one another. I've personally learned very quickly that the Fair Industry is full of genuine people. Each Fair is more than willing to help one another. I think that’s what makes Fairs so special.
March 6, 2015
Last night I attended the PCM Middle School musical, Princess Whatsername. The kids did a wonderful job portraying the fairy tale characters, acting out the scenes, and singing in front of a packed auditorium. Middle School is the first time you start to participate in activities “competitively”. You try different sports, music contests, student organizations, etc. It’s a good environment to find your niche before high school.
Although I didn’t personally know any of the 6th, 7th, or 8th graders involved with the musical last night, I was proud of them for stepping out of their individual comfort zones and trying something new. (I was also proud of my sister for directing the show and not going crazy with 68 middle school students.)
Watching the show got me thinking about all of the youth activities that take place during the Iowa State Fair. The Foundation has helped renovate several buildings across the Fairgrounds that involve young Fairgoers every year. For example, the Anne & Bill Riley Stage showcases the amazing talent of youth from across the state. The livestock barns are filled with 4-H and FFA students preparing their animals.
The Animal Learning Center is an entire building designed to educate youth on the importance of agriculture, raising animals, and farming in general. The Fun Forest park and play equipment are used year round by visitors on the Fairgrounds. The Youth Inn is the home to hundreds of young exhibitors and is in the process of being updated.
Don’t forget about Little Hands on the Farm, Kids’ Zone, Team ISF and the Blue Ribbon Kids Club. There are also plenty of competitions for kids to participate in during the Fair – Mutton Bustin’, tractor pull, joke telling, mom calling, etc.
The Foundation offers opportunities for youth to be involved with our work. During the summer, youth can volunteer at merchandise or water booths. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by a parent or guardian. All volunteers must be at least 12 years old.
If your child loves the Fair, check out the State Fair Store’s youth t-shirts. The Foundation also sells the children’s Pippy the Pig book series. In Pippy the Pig – Iowa State Fair you can read along as Pippy highlights the Fair for our youngest Fairgoers and helps devoted Fair lovers recall fond memories. What future Fair-goer wouldn’t love to play a Fair Game or fly a butter cow kite?
There is truly something for everyone at the Iowa State Fair. We appreciate your continued support of helping preserve the Fairgrounds for future generations of youth.
February 25, 2015
Last week, I filed my federal and state taxes. It was easy. I know as my life gets more complicated in the next few years the process will likely get more difficult. There is one very simple way to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation during tax season, no matter how complex or
confusing your taxes may be – the Corndog Checkoff.
By simply checking line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or line 14 of 1040A, a portion of your return will go straight to the Blue Ribbon Foundation to be used for renovation on the Fairgrounds. New projects like the MidAmerican Energy Stage, phase one of Ruan Plaza and updates to the Youth Inn will all be complete by this year's Fair. It doesn't have to be a large amount of your return. The minimum amount you're able to check-off is $1. If avid Fair-goers across the state each gave a small donation, it could turn out to be a great fundraising effort for the Foundation. In its 21st year, the Corndog Checkoff has raised more than $1.7 million.
Since January, Jenna has been working on promoting the Corndog Checkoff with press releases, postcard mailings, and radio interviews. I’ll be completely honest, before working for the Blue Ribbon Foundation I didn't know a lot about the program. What I’ve learned and tried to share with others is that the Corndog Checkoff is an easy way for Iowa residents to make a huge impact for the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Now as I patiently wait for my tax return, I’ve been thinking about what I might do with the extra money making its way into my bank account. I know the responsible thing is to put the money in my savings account or toward my students loans. Right now with the cold weather and potential snow flurries, I’m thinking about a Mexico vacation.
I encourage you to keep the Corndog Checkoff in mind as you're filing your taxes in the next month. If you are a Corndog Checkoff supporter - spread the word! Remember, it only takes $1 to make a huge difference. The more people that are aware of the Checkoff, the more people will donate. If you are a tax preparer, we have information that you can make available to your clients.
Email Jenna with any questions.
Corndog Checkoff contributions are anonymous to the Foundation, therefore making it impossible to recognize those individuals. Although the gifts are nameless, they are extremely significant and greatly appreciated.
A Corndog Checkoff billboard from when the program first started:
Work on the first phase of Ruan Plaza:
Construction continues on the MidAmerican Energy Stage:
