Reminiscing the Past & Looking to the Future

The end of December is always the best time to look back at the previous year. Personally and professionally I have had many changes in 2013. This past year’s State Fair theme was “Happiness Is” and I think it describes my last 12 months perfectly. In the summer I moved to Des Moines and I am extremely happy to be living closer to my family. (Living 4 hours from home was too much for me.) In the last year, I have met new friends that I hope to have for many years to come. The biggest highlight for 2013 was my new job.  I am happy to come to work everyday and do a job that I enjoy.

For instance, today I kept busy reading internship applications for the upcoming spring and summer. The Foundation has received several high quality candidates. In the next couple of weeks, we will interview and hire our crucial additional staff. I am so excited to give three college students the opportunity to grow and gain the experience that is needed to start in the workforce. There is no doubt that my internship experience landed me my current role with the Foundation.

In the past year, the Foundation had another successful Corndog Kickoff by raising $416,000. In the beginning of August, the Foundation welcomed a new Executive Director, Peter Cownie. The 11 days of the Fair were filled with merchandise/water sales, celebrating Iowans and keeping the Butter Cow secure. Throughout the year, continued renovations and improvements were made across the Fairgrounds. The November 5K Run was a fun way to cap off the year.

As we look back on 2013, the Foundation would like to thank each and every Fair-lover for making this year such a success. We are honored to have fantastic donors, volunteers, supporters, and friends. We couldn’t do it without each and every one of you.

Over the next few months, I will be busy with membership program renewals, giving program donations, Corndog Kickoff planning, and preparing for the 2014 Iowa State Fair. I know the year will go fast. The 2014 Iowa State Fair theme is Amazing Amusing. I hope 2014 will be the most amazing and amusing year for you!

Happy New Year!

A few highlights from 2013: