Join hundreds of volunteers who help bring the Fair to life while supporting the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.
By utilizing volunteers, merchandise and water sales are more profitable, which allows the Foundation to dedicate more funds toward the Fairground’s renovation projects rather than to expenses.
Interested in volunteering? Join us at the 2026 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23. Whether you're a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, we would love to have you.
The 2026 Iowa State Fair Volunteer Sign Up Portal Opens May 20.
Sign up here: Volunteer Sign Up Portal
Need help getting started? Follow our How to Use the Volunteer Sign Up Portal guide
To join our volunteer ENews, ask questions, or be added to our Volunteer Interest list, please contact Brooklin Border at Brooklin@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or 515-262-3111, ext. 370.
WHAT WE ASK
- Responsibility options include:
- Selling merchandise
- Selling bottled water
- Working the BINGO tent
- Hospitality Tasks
- All volunteers work 4 or 5 hour shifts.
- Share your Iowa State Fair enthusiasm with Fairgoers.
- Answer general questions about the Foundation's many fundraising programs.
WHAT VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE
- One complimentary admission ticket per person for each day they work.
- One complimentary parking pass (per person or per couple/pair working together) for each day they work.
- Official Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteer T-shirt.
- A FUN experience!
- Our gratitude!
Volunteers must be 16 years of age to volunteer individually or 12 years of age to volunteer with a parent or other adult. We ask that volunteers working merchandise sign up for a minimum of two shifts.