2025 Iowa State Fair Recap: August 7, 8, 9
The 2025 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. Over the next few weeks we’ll highlight the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s incredible 2025 Iowa State Fair because it truly was a Fair Sweet Fair.
Despite the rainy start on the first day, Fairgoers were ready to play for Opening Ceremonies! The new Variety Star Playground, a joint project of the Blue Ribbon Foundation and Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa, was a welcoming space where kids and adults of all abilities could laugh and explore. The new space is about connection, inclusion and plenty of fun! Thank you to the Hagerman family for joining us.
You’ll find the Blue Ribbon Foundation staff on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage the first 10 days of the Iowa State Fair at noon honoring our “Iowan of the Day” winners. These volunteers go above and beyond to make their individual communities a better place to live. Thanks to Speed Herrig with Cookies Food Products for sponsoring the program.
Brenda DeVore – Promise City (August 7): In 2008, Brenda was elected Mayor of Promise City as a write-in candidate and continues to serve in that role today. That year, she also joined the Prairie Trails Museum Board in Corydon and was named Director shortly after. Under her leadership, the museum has undergone three major expansions and now thrives as a hub for local history, education and events. Brenda secures grants, creates family-friendly programs and plans annual Fourth of July celebrations and fall festivals at the museum. Additionally, she publishes the Wayne County Historical Society newsletter. Most recently, Brenda coordinated the 2024 Wayne County mastodon dig in a region north of Lineville. The team of archaeologists, scholars and volunteers uncovered the well-preserved remains of a mastodon from thousands of years ago. Brenda has led efforts to ensure the mastodon returns to the Prairie Trails Museum in 2026.
Emily Grell – Danbury (August 8): As an incoming high school senior, Emily has made a deep impact in the lives of fellow Danbury community members and youth attending camps she helps lead. These camps have included the 4-H Camp of Discovery, Schoenstatt Girls Youth Camp, Monona Extension camps and Marian Camp. Emily is an active member of the Danbury Catholic Church, where she goes above and beyond to share her faith and compassion with others. Emily is also a member of her local Mapleton Starspinner 4-H Club, serving as secretary and participating on the Monona County Council. In addition to her community involvement, Emily has served as captain of the high school cross country and track teams and helps plan children's activities at the local library.
Barb Runneberg – Algona (August 9): Barb holds the position of Quality and Performance Excellence Director at Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. However, Barb's devotion to her community extends beyond her work in healthcare. In 2019, she began volunteering as a member of the Algona Police Reserves. In her current role as President of the Reserve Unit, Barb leads the "Cops for Kids" program, which partners area youth with Algona Police Department officers for a day of holiday shopping. Additionally, Barb volunteers her time to serve with Rotary, Sharing Active Independent Lives and her church. Her empathetic and solution-oriented approach to helping others continues to inspire community members near and far.
Volunteers are extremely important to our organization all 11 days of the Iowa State Fair. Thank you to nearly 670 volunteers who spent 5,280 hours ensuring that the 2025 Iowa State Fair was a success. Your valuable time spent raising funds to support the mission of the Blue Ribbon Foundation was much appreciated. Watch this Highlight Video.
In addition to amazing volunteers helping throughout the Fairgrounds, the Foundation is fortunate to have a special volunteer working inside our office. For the past few years, Tracy Forbes has been an invaluable volunteer for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. During the Iowa State Fair, while our full-time staff and interns are stationed on the Fairgrounds, Tracy takes charge of managing our office. She personally welcomes and assists every current and prospective donor who walks through our doors, ensuring they feel appreciated and valued by our organization. Tracy’s dedication goes far beyond Fair week—she generously gives her time before and after the event to help us prepare and wrap up. Her commitment and care make a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for everything she does. Thank you, Tracy!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation was proud to host a special celebration for donors supporting our Backs the Barns fundraising campaign. This event recognized the 145 generous individuals who have committed to preserving the future of youth in agriculture by backing the renovation of the historic livestock barns. Thanks to their support, the first phase of improvements to the Horse Barn is now complete, with additional upgrades planned for this fall. Prior to next year’s Fair, an electric substation building will be constructed outside of the Cattle Barn. In the Swine Barn, the west restrooms will be remodeled and brand-new restrooms will be constructed on the east side of the Barn. We invite you to join this meaningful effort as we continue to honor and preserve the long-standing tradition of showing livestock at the Iowa State Fair.
Another highlight of the 2025 Iowa State Fair was the record-breaking crowds filling the Grandstand for unforgettable nights of music and memories. Who attended the Megan Moroney concert? Maybe you and 16,371 of your closest friends? If Iowa State Fair Grandstand concerts are your favorite part of the Fair, experience the best seats in the house with the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Concert Club program!
Concert Club is your exclusive opportunity to enjoy premium seating in the Grandstand during the Iowa State Fair, while supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission. Whether you're treating clients, family, friends, or yourself, this program gives you access to 11 nights of incredible entertainment at the Fair. For an annual contribution, you'll secure four “season” tickets to each Grandstand concert, along with four gate admission tickets and a VIP parking pass for each day of the Fair. Please note that concert ticket prices are not included, and membership requires the purchase of four tickets per Grandstand concert. Contact Drew for more details.
Stay tuned for more 2025 Iowa State Fair highlights.