Blue Ribbon Blog

Welcome to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s blog!

We are a non-profit organization with a mission to raise funds for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Since our inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $200 million through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.

Please follow our blog to learn more about our organization.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited to announce openings for three dynamic internship positions. As a member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience, contribute to major fundraising initiatives, and play a key role in maintaining lasting…

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2024 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 17 and 18

The final two days of the Iowa State Fair are a whirlwind. One might think it slows down toward the end of the Iowa State Fair…think again! The Blue Ribbon Foundation celebrated our final Iowan of the Day winner:

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2024 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 14, 15, 16

The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s days during the Iowa State Fair are filled with welcoming our donors to the great celebration of Iowa. Staff work hard to showcase all of the amazing renovations made possible because of our loyal…

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2024 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 11, 12, 13

After the first few days of the Iowa State Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation staff are in a good rhythm. The full time staff have a combined 56 years of experience but each summer we welcome…

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2024 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 8, 9, 10

The 2024 Iowa State Fair was a record-breaker! Delicious food, outstanding entertainment and fun competitions combined with perfect weather - created major success! The Fair welcomed 1,182,682 Fairgoers over the 11-day stretch.…

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The 2024 Iowa State Fair will be in full swing August 8-18, and the Blue Ribbon Foundation has come down with Fair Fever! We hope you will come to see our smiling faces at all our…

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One of my favorite relaxing activities is painting. It’s something you can do while catching up with friends or by yourself when you want a quiet moment to let your creativity flow. What I find the most difficult is deciding what I want to paint and how to begin. If you feel the same way, a…

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Imagine yourself relaxing on a white sandy beach, kayaking along the tranquil turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos, and enjoying fresh gourmet meals surrounded by your family and friends —all for just $100!

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We’re already less than 50 days from the first day of the Fair. Can you believe it’s already July? Here at the Foundation, July is a busy and exciting month, with the Corndog Kickoff right in the middle and Fair preparations in full swing. July also brings another newsletter!…

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Each year I receive an ornament from my grandparents for Christmas. Over the years, this has become a collection as I continue to receive a new one each year. Similar…

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