Large elm trees once lined the roads throughout the Fairgrounds. As our mature trees are felled by age or wind, the original splendor of the Fairgrounds is lost. However, if properly developed, the combination of mature and new trees can reestablish the lush vegetative nature of this facility.

You can help continue the process of returning the greenery to the Fairgrounds as the dignity is restored to its buildings by contributing to Trees for the Fair at one of two available levels.

$100 Gift
A donation of $100 for the upkeep and enhancement of trees on the Fairgrounds entitles you to an engraved, personalized nameplate affixed on a plaque in The Des Moines Register Service Center.

$1,000 Gift
Each donation of $1,000 will plant and perpetually care for a large tree on the Fairgrounds. A cast bronze plaque with your personalized inscription will be placed in the ground at the base of your tree. These Legacy Trees will be approximately three to four inches in diameter and are selected from a variety of Sugar Maple, Sycamore and Oak trees.

To take advantage of this program at either the $100 or $1,000 level, please use our secure online order form or download and print the brochure.

The deadline to have your recognition plaques placed before the Iowa State Fair is March 31.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is striving to ensure that the Fairgrounds remains a beautiful piece of Iowa’s history for the children of tomorrow – we cannot afford to neglect the environment.

Contributions to the Blue Ribbon Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law; always consult your tax advisor.

To receive more information on this, or any of our fundraising efforts, please call us at 1-800-450-3732, or use our handy online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!