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!
John Emswiler – Algona
John has dedicated his life to serving others. A retired Army First Sergeant, Iraqi War veteran, and retired law enforcement officer, he continued his commitment to service by becoming a founding member and president of the North Central Iowa chapter of Moving Veterans Forward. Under his leadership, the organization has helped countless veterans transition into stable housing while also operating a food pantry for those in need. John also volunteers as a bus driver for Bishop Garrigan Schools, with Cops for Kids, and local summer reading programs. Whether serving veterans, students, or families, he is known for his compassion and unwavering dedication to helping others.
Alan Erickson - Nevada
Alan has spent decades serving his community through leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism. Following a 39-year career with Farm Credit Services of America, he has dedicated the past 13 years to mentoring more than 500 students through Nevada High School's drama program while supporting award-winning productions and fundraising efforts for the performing arts. Alan also volunteers with Food at First and leads Bible studies through his church. Guided by faith, integrity, and a passion for helping others, he has made a lasting impact on students, families, and the Nevada community.
Ari Lewerenz – Clinton
Ari Lewerenz is dedicated to strengthening her community through leadership, creativity, and service. As Board President of the Sawmill Museum, she led the effort to bring three Thomas Dambo troll sculptures to Clinton, coordinating hundreds of volunteers on a project expected to boost tourism for years to come. Through her role at Citizens First Bank, she promotes local events and supports nonprofits, while also serving with Paint it Back and Grow Clinton. Ari's passion for collaboration and community has made a lasting impact on Clinton.
Kelly Penman Jr. – Carlisle
Kelly Penman Jr., known as "The Cemetery Guy," has spent more than a decade preserving Iowa's history by restoring hundreds of veterans' and historic headstones at no cost to families. A U.S. Navy veteran and registered nurse, he also teaches cemetery preservation techniques, led restoration efforts after tornado damage at Oakwood Cemetery, serves with Final Salute, and volunteers as president of his community's After Prom Committee. His dedication to honoring the past and serving others has made a lasting impact across Iowa
Joyce and Keith McClain – Carson
Joyce and Keith McClain have spent decades serving their community together through their church, schools, and local organizations. They have taught Sunday School at Carson United Methodist Church for more than 35 years, with Joyce serving in numerous church ministries and Keith helping oversee construction of the church and serving as a trustee. Beyond the church, they have supported schools, community projects, and local events, earning the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award and recognition as Grand Marshals of the 2019 Riverside Homecoming. Together, they continue to leave a lasting legacy of faith, generosity, and service.
Jordan Norton – Mt. Pleasant
Jordan Norton has dedicated his life to serving both his country and his community. A U.S. Army veteran who has served since 2007, including a deployment to Afghanistan, Jordan also volunteers more than 500 hours each year coaching youth wrestling and mentoring young athletes. He serves as a youth soccer coach and volunteers with Every Step Hospice, where he has honored more than 25 veteran patients through veteran pinning ceremonies. His commitment to service and mentorship continues to make a lasting impact on veterans, youth, and families in his community.
Ruth Ann Mohr – Odebolt
Ruth Ann Mohr has spent a lifetime caring for others. After a 30-year career as a registered nurse, she continues to serve her community by running errands for homebound residents, caring for community flower beds, and donating more than 25 gallons of blood. She also volunteers through her church, the American Legion Auxiliary, her local nursing home auxiliary, and Odebolt's annual Creek Days celebration. Through her compassion and generosity, Ruth Ann has made a lasting impact on the Odebolt community.
Ronald Ricker – Des Moines
The late Ron Ricker lived a life defined by service, leadership, and a love for the Iowa State Fair. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and building a career as an attorney, Ron dedicated his time to giving back through mentoring Iowa State students, supporting charitable causes, and contributing to Dowling Catholic High School's mission work. A lifelong Fair enthusiast, he proudly participated in the Iowa State Fair Parade and supported the Fair for decades. His legacy of generosity and service continues to inspire Iowans.
David Colbert – Danbury
David Colbert has spent decades strengthening his community through service, leadership, and a commitment to small-town Iowa. A former mayor, city council member, ambulance volunteer, and school board member, David has dedicated countless hours to improving Danbury. As owner of the third-generation Colbert's Market, he supports local organizations, schools, and first responders while leading efforts to preserve community spaces like the Danbury Recreation Center. Known as "Mr. Danbury," David's humble leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on his hometown.
Mary Jean Paschen – Urbandale
At 96 years old, Mary Jean Paschen of Urbandale continues to inspire through a lifetime of volunteer service and leadership. A retired music teacher, she has dedicated decades to supporting education, history, the arts, and her community through organizations including the Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Symphony Guild, P.E.O., and Central Presbyterian Church. Known for her kindness and commitment to others, Mary Jean’s lifelong service continues to inspire generations of Iowans.
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.