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 $195 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.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind. Go to work, pay bills, take care of chores around the house, rinse and repeat. And as busy as we are, it’s easy to forget that the whole reason we do these obligatory tasks is so that we can have time to slow down and appreciate the people around us; the people in our lives who make that daily grind worthwhile.
Fortunately, from time to time, there are days where the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation can’t help but notice and appreciate our friends, donors, and volunteers who inspire our organization.
Thanksgiving is one of those days.
We are overwhelmed with thankfulness because we are surrounded by Iowans willing to support our mission. You trust the Foundation to keep your family traditions and memories alive.
On this day of giving thanks, and all the days in between, the Blue Ribbon Foundation is extremely grateful for you. From all of us at the Blue Ribbon Foundation to all of you…Happy Thanksgiving!
List of Donors: Please join us in thanking the incredible donors that have supported our organization in 2022.
These individuals and businesses have attended the Corndog Kickoff, participated in a giving program, purchased merchandise, have given a memorial gift or simply supported our mission with a donation.
The list is a true testament to the love Iowans have for their Iowa State Fair. Thank you.
Click Here to see the full list.
Join Our Mission: Please consider joining our mission to renovate and preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The Fair is a tradition any Iowan can be proud of, and the Blue Ribbon Foundation is dedicated to continuing that legacy. Donate Today
The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Pottery Auction starts on Thursday, November 10. Have you signed up to participate?
These collectible pieces would be a special addition to your current pottery collection or a beautiful gift to any Iowa State Fair enthusiast.
Maybe you have a fun connection to one of the pieces or a specific year. I was a Blue Ribbon Foundation intern in 2011 (Beehive Jug). I started as a full time employee in 2013 (Stein). I enjoy planting flowers every spring. The 2002 Large Flower Pot or the 2020 Flower Pot with Saucer would be great additions to my front porch.
Just remember, it’s more than a pottery piece. These donations go toward continued improvements on the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The Details: The pottery auction will run Thursday, November 10 beginning at 10:00 a.m. (CST) to Sunday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m.
Bidding is only done online through this website. To bid, you must register as a bidder and provide the required information on the form, including a valid credit card number.
In addition to the collectible pottery pieces, a few other specialty items are include in the online auction.
Thank you in advance for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation through the pottery auction.
Be sure to read this fall’s newsletter to catch up on the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s fundraising efforts and Fairgrounds improvement projects. Included in this blog is a flashback to what the Blue Ribbon Foundation was doing 10 and 20 years ago.
Fall 2022:
Flashback 10 years ago – Fall 2012:
Flashback 20 years ago – Fall 2002:
Programs have grown, new projects have developed and things have changed over the years. One thing that remains constant - the loyalty of Blue Ribbon Foundation donors and volunteers. Thank you for your support!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is holding a special online auction this fall.
Since 1996, Iowa State Fair fans have been purchasing handmade pieces of pottery in support of Iowa State Fairgrounds renovations. Over the years, select pieces have been given back to the Blue Ribbon Foundation to use once again for the benefit of our renovation efforts. This online auction showcases some of those pieces, including the very first piece from 1996.
Is your pottery collection complete? Here is the list of every Iowa State Fair pottery piece:
This special pottery auction will run Thursday, November 10 beginning at 10:00 a.m. (CST) to Sunday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. Bidding is only done online through this website. To bid, you must register as a bidder and provide the required information on the form, including a valid credit card number.
In addition to the collectible pottery pieces, a few other specialty items are include in the online auction.
Thank you in advance for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation through the pottery auction. These donations go toward continued improvements on the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking for college students to join our staff as interns next year. We plan to hire three spring semester/summer interns to help prepare for the 2023 Corndog Kickoff and Iowa State Fair.
DISCLAIMER: This is not your typical internship!
Each intern will become a true member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team, having direct responsibility for integral Foundation programs with the goal of making sure committed donors have a strong and lasting relationship with the Iowa State Fair. The Foundation would not be successful without the help of our interns. Since the program started in 1993, the positions have adjusted to fit the growing needs of the Foundation. Below is an outline of the current positions.
An important aspect to the Foundation’s internship is that each student is able to utilize their existing skills when completing a project. Interns work independently and have the opportunity to take ownership of a specific task. At the same time, we challenge our interns to expand their skills by completing projects they might not have a previous knowledge of. (As a staff, we do our best to prepare students for the real world working environment.)
There is a wide range of tasks each intern will complete including social media, marketing initiatives, organization of fundraising auction, designing merchandise and other event materials. An intern will organize the Woodcarvers’ Auction, create event invitations and advertising materials.
Previous interns are currently working at: Amazon, American Royal, Caesar Entertainment, Dotdash Meredith, Farm Credit Services of America, Flynn Wright, Freeman, Heritage House-A WesleyLife Community, Jeid Studio, Lessing-Flynn, Mahaska Soil & Water Conservation District, Office of the Governor, PDM Precast Inc, PepsiCo, Realtor - Misty SOLDwisch, Two Rivers Marketing, UnityPoint Health, Windsor Valley Dairy…the list goes on and on.
After graduation, some interns completed graduate school, moved across the country or stayed in Iowa to start their career. There are several previous interns that now volunteer with the Foundation or have other connections to the Iowa State Fair – sponsors, exhibitors or just avid Fairgoers!
If you know of a college student looking for an internship, encourage them to apply - Internship Information. (Applications will be accepted until November 30.)
P.S. Two former interns are now full-time Blue Ribbon Foundation staff members!
The last weekend of the Iowa State Fair is bittersweet. It’s a mix of exhaustion, more hustle and a little bit melancholy that it’s all almost over.
Our final Iowan of the Day was on Saturday. (The Fair is months away but it’s never too early to think about nominating the outstanding volunteer in your community. You can celebrate your hometown hero in a special way at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.)
Jeannine Liljedahl – Essex: For 20 years, Jeannine has volunteered with the Community Food Pantry. She is the co-founder and director of the Little Red Wagon where meals are delivered to homebound residents. She manages approximately 100 volunteers and serves up to 2,000 meals every year. Jeannine assists her community by serving as a board member for Southview Village for low rent housing, is an active Foundation member and gift shop volunteer at the Shenandoah Medical Center, and is a part of PEO, the Shenandoah Book Club and the Essex Study and Service Club.
On Saturday, August 20 the Fairgrounds welcomed the largest crowd in history – 128,298! We know some of those Fairgoers attended the demolition derby in the Elwell Family Park. Crowds enjoyed the further enhancements to the space. The grandstand increased by 1,000 seats, while a roof and a press box were added to the structure. The Elwell Family Park also hosted a truck & tractor pull and short course motorsport racing throughout the Fair.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation participated in the concrete statue contest and placed 3rd in the professional category. Twenty-six entries from various artists were entered in the contest. Artists had the task of painting a traditional barn. Thank you to Sticks for painting our barn. It was beautiful and sold at the Woodcarvers’ Auction for $11,000.
On Sunday, August 21 the Woodcarvers’ Auction raised a new fundraising record of $79,137. All proceeds from the auction are dedicated to Our Fair’s Future, the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s endowment fund. A special thank you to Chainsaw Artists - Gary Keenan and T.J. Jenkins for producing such outstanding pieces of art.
During the Woodcarvers’ Auction, Peter Cownie (Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director) and Gary Slater (Iowa State Fair CEO and Fair Manager) announced an upcoming improvement project. Over the next several years, the livestock barns will undergo a historic $25 million renovation. The Cattle, Horse, Sheep and Swine barns will be renovated from top to bottom with updated roofing, flooring, lighting, restrooms, and offices. Each barn will have additional upgrades for specific needs.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation received a $5 million donation from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation to begin the renovation project. Iowa Select Farms and Jeff & Deb Hansen have committed $2 million specifically for the Swine barn portion of the renovation. The Foundation will also receive $12 million from the state’s “Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.” All Iowans are welcome to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s fundraising efforts needed to complete the project. Make your donation online today.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a small buy mighty team. Thank you to the interns, volunteers and the other Iowa State Fair staff that help make our organization run smoothly. The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission to preserve and improve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds wouldn’t be possible with the support of our donors.
THANK YOU for attending the Iowa State Fair and for buying a t-shirt, bottle of water or an engraved brick. The list of creative ways to support our organization is endless. Every donation of any size is important.
Thank you for trusting the Blue Ribbon Foundation to make the needed improvements to YOUR beloved Iowa State Fairgrounds ensuring your family will enjoy the tradition for many years.
Days 7, 8 and 9 of the Iowa State Fair seem like a blur! It’s over the halfway point, and the Blue Ribbon Foundation is ready to finish with a busy weekend. Each day is something new and exciting. Although the Foundation staff have been enjoying the Iowa State Fair for several days, it’s always someone’s first visit and we want to make sure it’s just as special as those who have attended every day.
The three Iowan of the Day winners:
Kathy Jo Porter – Waterloo: Passion is what drives Kathy Jo to work endless hours. In 2015, Kathy Jo launched Kaden’s Kloset and has worked tirelessly to help care for children in foster care or adoptive situations by providing them with essential items. She serves an average of 400+ children every year. Recently, Kathy Jo launched the Kaden’s Kloset Christmas Wonderland where each child in the Waterloo foster care system receives clothing and a few special gifts for the holiday.
Bonnie Wood – Pocahontas: Bonnie has devoted her time to community projects and organizations including the Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce, Pocahontas Women’s Club, volunteering at the Rialto Theatre and leading Main Street Stitchers. Bonnie saw an opportunity for enhancements to her community through the Elbert Park Improvement project, adding a new playground and trail to the town. Through her work, she has been described as a “catalyst volunteer” because of her positivity, organization and passion for the Pocahontas community.
Amy Ryan - Forest City: Amy has volunteered as a Race Director for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation coordinating 5K remembrance runs for firefighters and veterans. She has helped raise $75,000 for the Foundation. Amy also puts together care packages for the military, every year. She brought Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Forest City and now every child in town receives a free book to read each month. Amy volunteers using the app “Be My Eyes”, allowing her to video chat and provide visual assistance to blind and low vision people in her community.
Playing BINGO on the Grand Concourse is one of our favorite activities for the Wednesday of the Fair. This year, 4,000 Fairgoers played 81 games of BINGO raising $4,054! This is a record in the 4th year the Foundation has hosted the fundraiser.
On Thursday, the Blue Ribbon Foundation welcomed Iowa Legislators to the Fairgrounds. Approximately 175 legislators and their families enjoyed the Iowa State Fair. The Foundation utilized the new Alliant Energy Landing. Just another example of the brand new space being used for special events.
The Maytag Family Theatres received some upgrades this summer and is home to the new Kitchen. The Kitchen demonstration area showcased 5 sessions each day to full crowds. Sessions included wine mixology, cooking with honey, how to construct a wedding cake, hot chocolate bombs and even a play dough/slime demonstration.
Did you happen to see this lovely young woman running between the Iowa of the Day presentation, stocking the merchandise booths, organizing the chainsaw woodcarvings or maybe eating plenty of Barksdale’s Chocolate Chip cookies? This would be our Public Relations Summer Intern, Brooklin Border. Not just for 11 days, but all summer long -she worked hard to support our mission. Brooklin took ownership of her specific projects and did an amazing job representing the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Thank you.
Laura, Kenna and Brooklin will be a tough group of interns to replace next summer. If you know of a college student that might be interested in the Blue Ribbon Foundation's internship program, have them apply. The deadline is November 30.
Stay tuned for more 2022 Iowa State Fair highlights.
The first Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the Iowa State Fair slightly slow down for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. After the first weekend, staff are in a good routine - getting work accomplished and enjoying the great Iowa State Fair.
The 2022 Iowan of the Day winners were some of the most inspiring people in our state.
Doug Sienknecht – Gladbrook (August 14): Doug always finds time to help those in his community. He is active in his church serving as Board President, on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, organizes Vacation Bible School and led a group of young adults on a mission trip. Active in the Lincoln AMVETS and Auxiliary, Doug is the Chairman of the Avenue of Flags Committee and is a member of the Gladbrook American Legion. He volunteers to give veterans rides to doctor appointments. Doug has also volunteered at the Iowa State Fair selling water.
Emerson Bendickson - Panora (August 15): At age 6, Emerson noticed other students were not getting milk with their snack because extra milk wasn’t covered under the free/reduced meal plan. She took it upon herself to raise money to provide milk for her classmates that had to go without. Emerson collected pop cans and with the help of her parents, started a GoFundMe page. The Panora community supported Emerson’s project. She raised enough money to provide extra milk for the students in need for the rest of the school year.
Janet and Dave Ritchie – Knoxville (August 16): This hardworking duo has made a lasting impact on the individuals in their community. Janet has been a 4-H leader, member of the Daughters of Union Veterans, the Lions Club and Iowa State Rabbit Breeders Association. Dave is a Vietnam Veteran and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3519 serving as the All-State Quarter Master. He has supported the county cemetery with maintenance and preservation. Janet and Dave are members of their church quilting group and have served on the Marion County Historical Society Board of Directors.
On the first Sunday of the Iowa State Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation hosts a brunch to celebrate some of our most loyal donors. This year’s event was held in the new Alliant Energy Landing!
The Alliant Energy Landing is located east of the Livestock Pavilion. This new structure doubled the size of the previous shelter house. The Alliant Energy Landing was used by the Blue Ribbon Foundation and was rented to other businesses to use all 11 days of the Iowa State Fair. It will continue to be rented this fall and next spring. Thank you to Alliant Energy for the $1 million donation that created this beautiful space that will be enjoyed by Fairgoers for future generations.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation sold official souvenirs in the State Fair Store located in the Robert and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center and five other locations across the Fairgrounds. Raising $513,812, Fairgoers bought their favorite t-shirts and collectibles to commemorate their visit to the Fair.
Fun Facts: The Foundation sold 1,724 stuffed animals not including the stuffed Butter Cows (810 of those)! We also sold 3,686 postcards. You can buy any leftover merchandise in the Online State Fair Store.
The Foundation does find time to incorporate some fun into the long working hours. Staff participated in the Outhouse Races. The group received a 1st place trophy for best costume with their “Bacon Memories” Iowa State Fair t-shirts. Cheers to Peter Cownie (BRF Executive Director) and Kenna Smith (Donor Relations Intern) for running down the Grand Concourse!
Kenna Smith was an incredible addition to our staff over the summer. She stayed busy organizing hospitality events and promoting the Corndog Kickoff, while providing key communications with current and potentially new donors. (She may or may not have also shoveled mulch like a trooper!) Thank you Kenna!
Stay tuned for more 2022 Iowa State Fair highlights.
The 2022 Iowa State Fair was one for the books! Thank you to the Blue Ribbon Foundation supporters, volunteers, interns, summer staff, Fair staff - the list goes on and on. The next few weeks I’ll highlight the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s incredible 2022 Iowa State Fair.
The first 10 days of the Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation honors our “Iowan of the Day" winners. These volunteers go above and beyond to make their individual communities a better place to live.
Kristin Swift - Bondurant (August 11): Kristin has a passion for education in her community. She works tirelessly to help the students in her school district through her work as President and Treasurer of the Parent-Teacher organization. Her work ethic is not only seen in the school community but shines through her volunteer tutor work at church, serving as soccer club treasurer and helping to bring foreign exchange students to Iowa as Chair of the American Field Services organization.
Deborah Whitaker – Keokuk (August 12): Deborah created the organization Veggies for Vets. The organization supplies garden seeds, plants and more so our veterans can have fresh, healthy food to grow on their own. Deborah has spent countless hours providing produce to veterans and will continue to support those that have served our country.
Barb Westercamp - Cedar Rapids (August 13): Barb has been the local coordinator and a national advocate for Reading is Fundamental for 15 years and has been a Reading is Fun volunteer coordinator for 10 years. Barb has been involved with the Iowa Character Counts program, organized the Veterans of Foreign Wars youth essay contest, assisted with scholarships for the American Legion, served as coach for National History Day and has coordinated a Civility Workshop.
On opening day of the Iowa State Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation helped launch the new book “Baking Blue Ribbons” in the Elwell Family Food Center. Highlighting the history, stories, and recipes from the very first Fair in 1854 through 2021, the book “Baking Blue Ribbons” showcases what it means to be part of the Iowa State Fair Food Department. Authors, Kay Fenton Smith and Carol McGarvey, spoke about the adventure of writing the book and how the proceeds will benefit the Food Department for years to come.
Fairgoers could enjoy a new sculpture on the Fairgrounds in front of the Agriculture Building. The art is a tribute to the Butter Cow Sculptor for over 46 years, Norma "Duffy" Lyon. This bronze statue is one of three placed in Iowa. Thanks to BJ Baker and his wife, Tiffany, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is now home to one of these special statues.
Volunteers are extremely important to our organization ALL 11 days of the Iowa State Fair. Thank you to nearly 600 volunteers who spent 5,050 hours ensuring that the 2022 Iowa State Fair was a success. Your valuable time spent raising funds to support the mission of the Blue Ribbon Foundation was much appreciated.
In addition to our volunteers, and full time staff – the Blue Ribbon Foundation relies on our summer interns to make our organization successful. The 2022 Business Relations Intern, Laura Noehren, did an incredible job assisting the Sponsorship Director this year by… organizing signage, concert tickets, moving in/out coordination, tracking payments, mapping out space and so, so much more! Thank you Laura!
Stay tuned for more 2022 Iowa State Fair highlights!
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is proud to announce an upcoming improvement project on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Over the next several years, the livestock barns will undergo a historic $25 million renovation.
The livestock barns represent Iowa’s agriculture heritage at the Iowa State Fair. The barns serve as the premier facilities for 4-H and FFA youth to showcase their hard work and skills every August. The current Cattle, Horse, Sheep and Swine barns have not been renovated at this scale in the century since they were originally built and are in dire need of renovation.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation received a $5 million donation from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation to begin the renovation project. Iowa Select Farms and Jeff & Deb Hansen have committed $2 million specifically for the Swine barn portion of the renovation. The Foundation will also receive $12 million from the state’s “Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.” All Iowans are welcome to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s fundraising efforts needed to complete the project.
“The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is extremely grateful to the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation, Iowa Select Farms, Jeff & Deb Hansen, Governor Reynolds, and the Iowa Legislature for this generous support, which will enhance millions of Fairgoers’ experience for years to come,” said Peter Cownie, Executive Director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. “Simply put, these gifts allow us to continue preserving the history of the Iowa State Fair, while improving the grounds and the facilities for your children, your grandchildren and all Fairgoers. Thank you.”
The renovations will commence following the 2022 Iowa State Fair. The structures will be renovated from top to bottom with updated roofing, flooring, lighting, restrooms, and offices. Each barn will have additional upgrades for specific needs.
“The generosity of Iowans has been instrumental in making this great institution what it is today,” said Gary Slater, Iowa State Fair CEO and Fair Manager. “The Iowa State Fair has a legacy of high quality livestock and premier livestock shows. The historic barn renovations will give generations of Fairgoers the opportunity to continue the timeless tradition of showing livestock at the Iowa State Fair.”
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $195 million, through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.
For more information, please contact the Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371, Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or visit www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org.