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 $170 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.
Iowa State Fair t-shirts are now on sale on our website! Pick from the several various styles, designs and colors including the top six winning designs from the t-shirt contest. There are adult, youth, toddler and infant sizes available.
Select one of the designs, place your order, and get your purchase delivered to your home. The website will remain open for orders through August 29, 2022!
Keep in mind while ordering:
*If your order is placed between July 1st and July 17th, your order will be delivered directly to you by the end of July. (You will receive BEFORE the 2022 Iowa State Fair).
*If your order is placed between July 18th and July 31st, your order will be delivered directly to you by the beginning of August. (You will receive BEFORE the 2022 Iowa State Fair).
*If your order is placed between August 1st and August 29th, your order will be delivered directly to you by the beginning of September (You will receive AFTER the 2022 Iowa State Fair).
Don’t forget, profits from the store directly benefit the Foundation’s goal of preserving and restoring the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. So, order your favorite shirt today and look stylish at the 2022 Iowa State Fair! Thank you for shopping and supporting the Iowa State Fair.
Below are some of the designs for shirts, see our website for more colors, styles and design options!
Summer is flying by here at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. With the Kickoff just over a week away and Fair preparations in full swing, it can be hard to pause or truly consider how all the work impacts the Fair. The 2022 Summer Newsletter is set to hit mailboxes this week, and can be a good reason to look back, and see just how far the Fair has come. Today, we looked back to 2002 and 2012 to see what the Blue Ribbon Foundation was up to 10 and 20 years ago.
In 2002, the Blue Ribbon Foundation was busy settling into their new home on the Fairgrounds. While settling in, construction was underway at the Legacy Terrace, which was constructed in 3 phases, much like how the multi-phase project at Elwell Family Park is being constructed today!
“The Legacy Terrace offers Fair-goers the opportunity to leave a legacy at the Iowa State Fair,” said then Executive Director John Putney.
The Legacy Terrace is still a part of giving program options today. There are 3 different options for donations and recognitions at the Legacy Terrace, including granite pavers, cast-bronze plaques at the bases of the trees in the area, and plaques on limestone blocks. The Legacy Terrace is a popular spot to relax and people watch on the Grand Concourse.
The 6th annual Corndog Kickoff was also quickly approaching 20 years ago. The newsletter highlighted 5 unique packages that ranged from VIP concert tickets to see Alicia Keys at the Grandstand to getting to help sculpt the Butter Cow for the 2002 Fair.
Fast forward ten years to 2012, and yet again we see a flurry of activity at the Blue Ribbon Foundation and on the Fairgrounds. Construction was in full swing up at Expo Hill, to add lighting, benches and a new staircase to the area. The Cultural Center had elevators installed and the parking lot next to the 4-H Building was paved after being flooded in years prior.
Much like this year, the summer newsletter highlighted new merchandise offerings for the 2012 season. There was the 2012 pottery piece (the compost pot for those who collect), 2 Sticks plaques (Fairlicious and Little Squeakers), the 2012 Lapel Pin (Cultural Center), the 2012 charms (lemonade and logo), the 2012 ornament (Pepsi Clock), and the 16th edition of the Iowa State Fair Cookbook. Some things at the Blue Ribbon Foundation do not change. This year we will offer the 2022 editions of all of these items! There will be the Water Carafe pottery piece, 1 Sticks Plaque called Iowa State Fair Peeps, a Lapel Pin featuring the Cattle Barn, a camper charm and 2022 logo charm, a Fairfield ornament and the 21st edition of the Iowa State Fair Cookbook. Call us at (515) 262-3111 ext. 371 to place your orders for pottery, Sticks plaques or the 21st edition cookbook today! All other items will be available at the Iowa State Fair August 11-21.
As the years go by, the projects that are completed because of Fair supporters continue to grow in both number and magnitude. This year, we are proud to continue work on the Elwell Family Park, the Alliant Energy Landing, the Kitchen, and the Pioneer Hall exterior. We cannot wait to look back in 10 years on the progress that was made this year, in 2022. What kind of projects and restorations might the Fair be doing in 2032? Only time will tell.
- Laura Noehren, Business Relations Intern
Lots of progress has been made since my last project update in May. With the Fair less than two months away, these renovations will be complete and ready to welcome all Fairgoers in August!
Elwell Family Park: Get ready for exciting entertainment in Elwell Family Park this year. Short course UTV and ATV motorsport racing will join the Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pulls for the 2022 Fair. Phase two of the project includes additional bleachers, a press box and covered seating, ready to welcome the crowds. Buy your tickets here.
Alliant Energy Landing: Be sure to check out the Alliant Energy Landing, located east of the Livestock Pavilion. It will be rented to families, organizations and businesses to use during the 2022 Iowa State Fair and throughout the fall, spring and summer. A special thank you to Insight Wealth Group for donating $20,000 to update the furniture inside the Alliant Energy Landing.
