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.

If you hear the sound of chainsaws at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, you’re likely listening to Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins, and Clint Henik carving their crowd-favorite woodcarvings on Expo Hill.…

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Happy Monday! 

Only 16 days until the Iowa State Fair! With the Fair only a little over two weeks away I wanted to highlight some new things to look out for this year. Below are a few things I’m most excited about.

  • New Variety Star Playground in the Fun Forest 
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Ever since I was little, food has always been one of my favorite parts of the Fair. I remember walking around in my little pink crocs, carrying a turkey leg the size of my head!

Many of you have probably seen that the Fair has posted this year’s list of new foods. I don’t know about you,…

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The Blue Ribbon Foundation cooked up significant fundraising success at the 2025 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party this past…

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Corndog Kickoff Connoisseurs,

 

Is anyone as excited about the Corndog…

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Faithful Fairgoers,

If you’ve considered nominating an outstanding Iowan in your community for the Iowan of the Day Award, now is the time to make their State Fair dreams…

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Blue Ribbon Family,

Do you have a friend who has made a positive difference in your community? Is there someone in your neighborhood working to make our state a better…

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Happy Wednesday!

I don’t know about you, but I love to dress up. Growing up, that was one of my favorite activities. It’s really cool that being an intern at the Fair, I have an even wider array of options to choose from to unleash my inner supermodel!

 

Check…

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