Since 1997, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products partner to honor outstanding Iowans at each year’s Iowa State Fair. We look for individuals across the state who personify the greatness of Iowa with a strong work ethic, loyalty to helping others, and an exceptional sense of Iowa pride.
View a full list of the past Iowans of the Day since the program's inception in 1997.
Every year, 10 nominees are named Iowan of the Day, receiving a special day of recognition at the Fair. As Iowan of the Day, winners receive the following:
- Four Iowa State Fair admission tickets
- An introduction on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage
- Four Grandstand show tickets for their day
- Privilege to use the Iowan of the Day golf cart for the day
- VIP parking
- Accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown
- $200 cash
Do you know someone who commits their life to bettering your community? Someone who deserves to be acknowledged for their efforts? Be sure they receive the recognition they deserve! Nominate your shining star by July 1 for this year’s Fair.
Download a nomination form here. Forms can also be requested by calling 515‑262‑1111 ext. 371. All nominations are considered for 3 years.
Nominees must be residents of Iowa. Each nomination is evaluated on a number of things, including community involvement, volunteerism, personal achievements, and involvement with youth to name a few. Nominators should provide us with supplemental materials that emphasize these areas such as testimonials, photos, newspaper articles and letters of recommendation. Any information that shows our judges the greatness of your nominee is welcomed!
Marilyn Sokol – Belle Plaine
Marilyn has dedicated over 17 years to coordinating volunteer programs at the Benton County Community Center. She leads a group of 16 volunteers on Wednesdays, overseeing projects such as making pillows for hospital patients, crafting blankets and treats for nursing homes, and providing food support for the community. Additionally, Marilyn assists in finding transportation for individuals needing rides to medical appointments.
Pat Burch – Norwalk
Pat has been a dedicated volunteer for various organizations for many years, including the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Red Cross of Greater Iowa. Recently, she has focused on the National Quilts of Valor Foundation and has provided quilts to over 250 veterans and active duty service personnel since 2019. Her efforts have made a significant impact on American heroes across the state, country, and even globally. On June 21st, 2024, Pat organized over 60 people in four separate locations to make Quilts of Valor on a single day, resulting in over 50 finished quilts. This demonstrates her exceptional commitment to supporting and honoring veterans and active duty service members.
Roxanne Cogil – Jamaica
Roxanne is a dedicated volunteer, actively engaged with the Yale Community Club, assisting with the coordination of events and fundraisers. Roxanne is committed to serving the Jamaica Lions Club by fundraising for community projects. Her involvement extends to supporting youth activities, agricultural initiatives, and advocating for individuals with disabilities. Roxanne's extensive volunteer work demonstrates her unwavering commitment to serving her community.
Nelson Klavitter – Dubuque
Nelson has been actively involved in the community for several decades. He has played a key role in organizing Architecture Days, a popular event that offers tours of Dubuque's historical sites. Nelson is also a proud ambassador for the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and is actively involved in showcasing Dubuque to job-seekers and newcomers through his role as a tour guide for Travel Dubuque and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. He has been a committed member of the Dubuque Noon Lions Club for over 50 years and is an active volunteer at their food booth during the Dubuque County Fair.
John Klein – Treynor
John is a dedicated community leader who has made significant contributions to various youth and community initiatives. He has actively written grants for community projects, organized essential services such as swim lessons and transportation, and supported youth groups through fundraising. He supports the Treynor Community Can Kennel, which benefits various youth groups and has raised over $246,000 to date. Additionally, John has been involved in organizing community events and established a volunteer organization. His impact reaches beyond youth-focused efforts, demonstrating his commitment to overall community well-being.
Crystal James – Ottumwa
Crystal is a dedicated individual who has shown extraordinary commitment to serving others. She has been involved in various notable efforts such as serving as a missionary in Haiti and contributing to arts and humanities. As a member of Team Iowa Missions, Crystal and her husband have made nine trips to Haiti to share hope and compassion and support sponsored children and elders. In addition to her missionary work, Crystal, a retired teacher, is actively involved in providing musical and educational programs to people of all ages by volunteering in multiple educational and community organizations. She is also involved with the Ottumwa Lord’s Cupboard, where she assists in distributing food to families and individuals in need in Wapello County.
Tate Giesemann – Bellevue
Tate, at just 17, is an exemplary leader and dedicated community server. He has showcased strong leadership skills through his involvement in Boys State, Student Council, FFA, and FBLA. Tate's contributions extend to the State Youth Advisory Council and the Bellevue School Board, where he provides valuable insights. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Legion and the National Honor Society. Tate's commitment to community service is evident through his participation in the Bellevue High School Silver Cord Program, with plans to join the Marines after graduation.
Rodd Holtkamp – Primghar
Rodd has been an essential contributor to Primghar and O'Brien County for many years, actively involved in various community initiatives. His dedication has been demonstrated through his work with the Mercy One Hospital Foundation for two decades, serving on the original EMS Building Construction Committee, and being a part of several influential boards. In addition to his community involvement, Rodd has also shown his commitment to the O'Brien County Fair by securing sponsors for four billboards to commemorate its 100th year.
Elaine Graham Estes – Des Moines
Elaine is a respected figure in Iowa, known for her pioneering work in civil and women's rights. She integrated dorms at Drake University and later became the first African American director of the Des Moines Public Library. Her accomplishments include innovating library materials, automating the library, protecting privacy rights, and serving on multiple boards and organizations, including the American Library Association and the State Historical Society.
Kendall Pals – Algona
Kendall, former Algona Chief of Police, dedicated 41 years of service to law enforcement. He initiated a program for officers to read to young students, promoting positive relationships with the community. Post-retirement, Kendall remains actively involved in volunteer work, serving on various committees and organizations to give back to his community. He volunteers on election days, helps out at local community events, provides assistance to the people of Haiti, and supports veterans through "Moving Veterans Forward" of North Central Iowa by collecting and distributing furniture and household items. Kendall's commitment to improving lives, both through his professional and volunteer efforts, reflects his belief in enhancing the well-being of others.
Brenda DeVore – Promise City
In 2008, Brenda was elected Mayor of Promise City as a write-in candidate and continues to serve in that role today. That year, she also joined the Prairie Trails Museum Board in Corydon and was named Director shortly after. Under her leadership, the museum has undergone three major expansions and now thrives as a hub for local history, education and events. Brenda secures grants, creates family-friendly programs and plans annual Fourth of July celebrations and fall festivals at the museum. Additionally, she publishes the Wayne County Historical Society newsletter. Most recently, Brenda coordinated the 2024 Wayne County mastodon dig in a region north of Lineville. The team of archaeologists, scholars and volunteers uncovered the well-preserved remains of a mastodon from thousands of years ago. Brenda has led efforts to ensure the mastodon returns to the Prairie Trails Museum in 2026.
Emily Grell - Danbury
As an incoming high school senior, Emily has made a deep impact in the lives of fellow Danbury community members and youth attending camps she helps lead. These camps have included the 4-H Camp of Discovery, Schoenstatt Girls Youth Camp, Monona Extension camps and Marian Camp. Emily is an active member of the Danbury Catholic Church, where she goes above and beyond to share her faith and compassion with others. Emily is also a member of her local Mapleton Starspinner 4-H Club, serving as secretary and participating on the Monona County Council. Earlier this summer, Emily was appointed Miss Congeniality at the Monona County Fair. In addition to her community involvement, Emily has served as captain of the high school cross country and track teams and helps plan children's activities at the local library.
Barb Runneberg - Algona
Barb holds the position of Quality and Performance Excellence Director at Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. In 2020, she received the Iowa Healthcare Quality Rising Star Professional Award. However, Barb's devotion to her community extends beyond her work in healthcare. In 2019, she began volunteering as a member of the Algona Police Reserves. In her current role as President of the Reserve Unit, Barb leads the "Cops for Kids" program, which partners area youth with Algona Police Department officers for a day of holiday shopping. Additionally, Barb volunteers her time to serve with Rotary, Sharing Active Independent Lives and her church. Her empathetic and solution-oriented approach to helping others continues to inspire community members near and far.
Donna Koch - Cedar Rapids
A lifelong educator, Donna dedicated the first fifteen years of her professional life to teaching kindergarten and the next twenty-five years to developing elementary school libraries as a library specialist. Donna's passion for youth education burned brighter than ever in retirement. As a volunteer, she managed her region of the "Reading Is Fundamental" program, which boasted twenty-two volunteers across twenty-two learning centers. Her work also involved securing federal grants and serving as a congressional "Reading Is Fundamental" lobbyist. Donna has served as a Cedar Rapids Library Board member, church librarian, Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent and member of Questers, an organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historical items and sites.
Roger & Mary Sue Chatfield - Keokuk
Roger and Mary Sue Chatfield have been a dynamic team since their marriage in 1960. While Roger operated their family farm in rural Montrose, Mary Sue taught first grade. In retirement, the couple has dedicated extensive volunteer hours to making their community a better place. In 2004, Roger and Mary Sue helped found Montrose Riverfront, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to beautifying and revitalizing Montrose. Mary Sue enhances fundraising efforts by writing successful grant proposals and organizing community events. Roger contributed his expertise to transforming an agricultural supply building to the Hunold Heritage Center, a local museum. Roger also spent several summers maintaining flower boxes he established around town while Mary Sue wrote weekly feature articles about Montrose for local newspapers. To this day, she is editor of the New Montrose Journal and a correspondent for the Keokuk Daily Gate City and the Fort Madison Daily Democrat. Together, Roger and Mary Sue have made a profound impact on their community.
Ruby Thomas - Coin
Outside of her full-time job in Clarinda, Ruby volunteers as the Coin City Council cemetery sexton. Since she assumed this position three years ago, Ruby has transformed Coin's Elmwood Cemetery from a dilapidated graveyard to a model cemetery whose maintenance other cemetery sextons study in order to replicate. When Ruby first became sexton, the city had no real budget or funds set aside for her work. Through a local fundraising campaign, Ruby raised over $11,000 for cemetery renovations. This total continues to increase today. Ruby's projects include repairing damaged headstones, resetting tombstones and maintaining the grounds. Her work has impacted families near and far whose loved ones are buried at the Elmwood Cemetery.
Donna Brown - Cedar Falls
When she wasn't working as a substitute teacher or exercise instructor, Donna served as an active volunteer throughout Waterloo. Though she has since moved to Cedar Falls, she remains a deeply committed volunteer in both communities. Over the years, Donna has played instrumental roles in a surplus of organizations, including Waterloo First Methodist Church, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, The Job Foundation, Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Cedar Valley Sertoma Club, just to name a few. Furthermore, Donna led efforts to develop the Church Row Historic Neighborhood Association, a Waterloo leadership group dedicated to improving the community by working toward common goals.
Peggy Smith - Baxter
Peggy does everything she can to help her community flourish. When she noticed the disrepair of the picnic tables at the local Sports Complex, she and her husband provided the labor to replace all the wood and bolts. To address the issue of littering along downtown sidewalks, she worked with the Baxter Chamber of Commerce to obtain a grant that financed the installation of new trash cans. Peggy also recently introduced the concept of "Welcome Bags" to the Chamber of Commerce. These gift packages help welcome new residents to Baxter and provide information about the community. In addition to these projects, Peggy organized a breast cancer walk in Baxter that raised $4,000, which she donated to the Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines.
Jean Saveraid - Huxley
For nearly thirty years, Jean led the Talented and Gifted program in the Gilbert Community School District. In retirement, she remains a substitute teacher and adjunct professor at Drake University. Her commitment to youth education has also translated to twenty-four years served on the Ballard School Board, during which she has held the roles of President and Vice President. Over the years, Jean has volunteered with organizations such as the American Heart Association, Story County Extension, Palestine Luther Church and the Blue Ribbon Foundation. She has also made significant impacts on the Iowa State Fair through her family's dedication to showing horses and her participation in the Fair's Military Tribute Band each year.
Lou Sipolt Jr. - Altoona
Many Iowans know Lou from his years as a media personality on 95 KGGO, then on Channel 23 and now on Local 5 as the host of "Iowa Live." What listeners might not know is that Lou has dedicated his time and talents to advocating for over twenty organizations since he moved to Iowa. These non-profit organizations include the American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa and ChildServe, just to name a few. Some of Lou's most prominent activism has been in support of stronger animal abuse prevention laws across Iowa. Through his "Doggies on Death Row" radio and television series, over 2,000 dogs have been adopted. He even buried himself in concrete for two days to raise awareness about weak animal cruelty laws. Lou's efforts paid off when his team solicited 20,000 signatures that paved the way for a significant change in legislation. Lou consistently does whatever he can to leverage his talents and passions in support of all Iowans—humans and animals alike.