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.
The dirt is flying at the entrance of the Blue Ribbon Foundation! A new retaining wall and fence are being installed. The current wall, constructed of railroad ties was installed back in the 1980s.They were showing the passage of time, as all wood tends to do. With a wonderful donation from Lawn Ranger Lawn & Landscaping, the old railroad ties will be replaced with a sturdier landscaping block to support our foundation for many years to come!
Work started on Tuesday with the removal of the wooden fence and railroad ties. Next, they prepared the base, ensuring that the Blue Ribbon Foundation has a strong and sturdy foundation for the block wall. By the end of the week, the transformation was complete, awaiting only a new fence to finalize our office design. The new wall looks fantastic! When you enjoy the Fair this August, make sure to check it out!
Located in West Des Moines Lawn Ranger Lawn & Landscaping was established in 1998 by Mark Pedersen. Thank you, Lawn Ranger for your contribution in beautifying our Fairgrounds.
Do you like graphic design? Do you like to doodle? Do you love the Iowa State Fair? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to submit a T-shirt design to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s 2nd annual T-shirt Design Contest. If you come up with the winning design, you’ll see YOUR creativity emblazoned on T-shirts throughout the Fairgrounds!
The process is simple – create your design (or designs) and email it by May 1st to Infro@BlueRibbonFoundation.org with "T-shirt design contest" in the subject line. A selection committee will pick the top five designs and post them on the Foundation's Facebook and website for a public vote, May 10-17. The winning design will be announced on May 18th. Prizes will be awarded to the top three vote-getters.
First place – Your design is placed on a T-shirt and will be sold at the Iowa State Fair plus 2 T-shirts, 2 gate admission tickets, 2 Fair Play packs, 2 tickets to the Grandstand concert of your choice, $50 in food coupons, and parking for a select day at the Fair.
Second place - 2 gate admission tickets, $25 in food coupons and parking for a select day at the Fair.
Third place -2 gate admission tickets and $25 in food coupons.
Click here for a complete description of entry details and contest rules.
This is last year's winning design.
The deadline to file your taxes is right around the corner! When you file your Iowa state income tax return, don’t forget you can support the Iowa State Fair by participating in the Corndog Tax Checkoff. This is an easy way to show your love for the Fair while supporting capital improvements.
What do you love the most? The funnel cakes, Sky Glider rides, food on a stick, free entertainment, premier livestock events, expansive art exhibits or the country’s largest state fair food department? The Iowa State Fair has something for everyone to love. Turn that "State Fair Love" into future renovations of the historic Fairgrounds.
Look for “State Fair” on line 57b on Form 1040 and check off $1 (or more!) to help preservation efforts. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.
The Checkoff has raised more than $2 million since it started and has supplemented restoration projects from the Grandstand to Ye Old Mill. These donations have also helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.
Please join the Blue Ribbon Foundation and other Corndog Checkoff donors to ensure the future of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Thank you!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation offers many ways to support our mission of preserving and improving the Iowa State Fairgrounds. You can honor a friend, commemorate an important event or donate in memory of a loved one. In fact, there are nine unique Giving Programs.
Take a moment to think about your family’s State Fair memories and your special place on the Fairgrounds. Each family has their own Fair Favorites. You can capture these memories when you donate to one of the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Giving Programs. At the same time - you are investing in the future of the historic Fairgrounds.
Check out the Giving Program options:
Block by Block - This donor wall creates a quilt inside the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center to match the building’s exterior individual quilt blocks representing counties across Iowa.
Building for the Future – A granite paver or engraved seat plaque at the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center.
Buy a Brick - The most popular giving program, personalized engraved bricks grace 15 different locations on the Fairgrounds.
Courtyard of Celebration - Located on the east side of the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center, these pavers celebrate all things artistic on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Growing Our Future - The individual donor plaques add a beautiful display in the heart of the Fairgrounds along Ruan Plaza.
Legacy Terrace - Tree plaques and granite pavers commemorate State Fair fans outside the Grandstand.
Shine On - Add a plaque to the base of a lamp post. There are several new lamp posts along East 31st Street or Jacobson Plaza.
Spirit of Generosity – Brand New donor wall inside the recently renovated Bruce Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building.
Trees for the Fair - With a personalized nameplate on a plaque in the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center or a plaque at the base of a tree, the inscription possibilities are endless.
The deadline to have your brick, paver or plaque in place for the 2021 Iowa State Fair is March 31. Start brainstorming your creative inscriptions today!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is extra excited about hosting this year’s Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction after taking a year off. There is so much to do and see at the Iowa State Fair; this fundraising event will give you a little taste of what the 2021 August celebration will look like.
This year’s Corndog Kickoff will be Saturday, July 10 in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. The biggest and most important part of the Corndog Kickoff is the actual auction. Since the event started in 1997, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has been able to offer attendees many unique packages for bidding. Funds raised from the Corndog Kickoff go right back into Fairgrounds renovation projects – including those small bathroom upgrades, sidewalk repairs and even large scale improvements for Fairgoers.
This is where you come in! The Blue Ribbon Foundation would like your help to generate new ideas for one-of-kind packages and turn those ideas into reality. We are holding a Corndog Kickoff Auction Committee Information Meeting on Wednesday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.
If you love the Iowa State Fair and are comfortable talking to people, this would be an easy task for you. Robin Taylor, Blue Ribbon Foundation Assistant Director, will be holding the meeting to highlight more about the Corndog Kickoff Auction Committee. If you have the slightest interested in volunteering, you are encouraged to listen in. Robin will explain the committee and answer any of your questions.
If you have some spare time and wondering how to get involved in the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s fundraising efforts, this is a good place to start. The Corndog Kickoff couldn’t happen without individuals who volunteer. We hope you find volunteering with us a rewarding experience.
Please email Robin at Robin@BlueRibbonFoundation.org for more details about the Corndog Kickoff Auction Committee Information Meeting.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation created the T.A.G. Team to bring like-minded, Fair-loving individuals together to make the Iowa State Fairgrounds an even better place. It was a simple concept; Together we can Accomplish our Goals. In 2020, T.A.G. Team members supported the renovation of the east restroom in the Livestock Pavilion.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is once again looking for 100 donors who want to make an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds by tackling a smaller renovation project. This year, we are shining the spotlight on the Agriculture Building.
Money raised from the 2021 T.A.G. Team will be used to upgrade 96 lights on the Agriculture Building’s first level, under the balcony. The high efficient, LED lighting will be energy saving. The new fixtures will be dimmable, making it possible to adjust lighting needs for rentals outside of the Iowa State Fair, like corporate events or weddings.
Originally constructed in 1904, the Agriculture Building was one of the first buildings resulting from the major effort to convert the Fairgrounds from wood frame to permanent buildings of brick and stone. The building was renovated in 1995 including a new roof, new windows and doors, in addition to brick and mortar work. The Agriculture Building is one of the best remaining examples of exposition-style architecture in the world.
The facility is now home to the famous Butter Cow as well as the Fair’s vegetable and fruit competitions. Fairgoers can see a variety of floral displays, interesting exhibits or grab an egg-on-a-stick to go.
For a $250 donation, only 100 donors will be accepted into this unique group. Your name will be listed as a key player in the renovation project and you will receive a commemorative pin to denote your membership in the 2021 T.A.G. Team.
We welcome your participation in our T.A.G. Team so Together we can Accomplish our Goals. Join Today.
Blue Ribbon Foundation donors have been responsible for large-scale improvement projects across the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Let’s look back at the Cattle Barn.
The John and Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn, covering 154,000 square feet with room to hold 1,600 head of cattle, is one of the most commanding structures on the Fairgrounds. The brick building was constructed in two major stages, in 1914 and 1920, uniting the original north and south barns and adding the sale ring.
Many improvements have been made to the Cattle Barn over the years. Updates included a new roof, new concrete floor in the foyer area and both the north and south ends of the west side were extended 35 feet to the sidewalk creating annexes used throughout the year.
Something small (that might seem insignificant but is essential) was recently updated. Earlier this year, crews upgraded the dozen Cattle Barn restroom hand dryers. Yes, it sounds simple but having functioning, hygienic and energy-efficient hand dryers are an improvement to any restroom experience.
The Fairgrounds is hosting the Iowa Beef Expo this week. With the extra cold temperatures, the Blue Ribbon Foundation knows the new hand dryers will be used and appreciated by all attendees.
The Foundation will continue to support smaller projects across the Fairgrounds this year. We hope you join our mission!
Iowans across the state can cultivate a vibrant future by investing in today's youth. The Iowa State Fair is dedicated to investing in the next generation of farmers, innovators and leaders. The Blue Ribbon Foundation raises funds to maintain the top-notch facilities on the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds - providing an environment for youth to be successful.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation has been able to offer the Corndog Tax Checkoff as a way for Iowans to financially support our efforts. While completing your Iowa State Tax Return, simply give a donation on line 57b of Iowa's 1040 tax form.
This action provides a reliable source of funding for future renovations, building enhancements and maintenance. Your donation will be deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.
Participating in the Corndog Checkoff is a simple way Iowans can support the Blue Ribbon Foundation. The Foundation is determined to maintain the beautiful Iowa State Fairgrounds and help grow the next group of Fair lovers.
Thank you for your loyalty to our great Iowa State Fair and ensuring the Fair will be a grand tradition for future generations.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation traditionally starts our year by thanking donors. It’s our goal to thank supporters throughout the year but we take extra pride in flipping the calendar and recognizing what our organization is most grateful for – you!
Listed in each Winter Newsletter is the Roll of Donors. All gifts of any size are important to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Each dollar donated has factored into our accomplishments over time. This list includes donations made to our general renovation fund as well as contributions to our endowment since 1993.
Making an appearance in each of the newsletters is also information about the Corndog Tax Checkoff. The program provides an easy way to contribute through a tax-deductible donation on your Iowa return. When completing your 2020 taxes, look for “State Fair” on Line 57b on Iowa Form 1040.
What’s new with the Blue Ribbon Foundation as we start 2021?
So, what was happening 10 years ago?
And what was happening 20 years ago?
Programs have developed, new projects have advanced and things have changed over the years. Nevertheless, the loyalty of Blue Ribbon Foundation donors continues to grow. Thank you for your support!
As Iowans hunker down to endure more of the winter season over the next couple of months, the Blue Ribbon Foundation thought everyone could use some ideas for indoor activities. Here are some “Beat the Winter Blues – Blue Ribbon Foundation Style”.
Engraved Brick Donation: Get the entire family involved to come up with a unique and creative inscription for an engraved brick on the Fairgrounds. Does your family ride the Ye Old Mill every year? Commemorate the experience with your own brick. I can see it now…
SMITH FAMILY
TUNNEL OF LOVE
TRADITION
Iowa State Fair Games: What better way to spend an evening indoors than playing a game.
New Recipes: Who feels like trying something new in the kitchen? Take advice from experts and their blue ribbon winning recipes in the 20th Edition of the Iowa State Fair Cookbook.
Read a New Book: Take time this winter to learn more about your favorite summertime event. There is a history book with details, interesting stories and lots of photos from past Fairs. You can also learn about the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s history as an organization in the book, A Great State Fair - The Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Revival of the Iowa State Fair.
If you are like me, dreaming of summertime keeps you motivated in the winter. Does your summer To-Do List, include any Blue Ribbon Foundation related activities?
Winter in Iowa can be a beautiful time of year but we are thankful it's only one of the seasons. Join the Blue Ribbon Foundation as we count down the days to the Iowa State Fair – less than 200 days to go!
