Blue Ribbon Blog

Work with Us!

The Blue Ribbon Foundation works year round to plan and prepare for the Iowa State Fair. Each summer, our office grows from a five-person to eight-person staff with the addition of three interns. We couldn’t have a successful Corndog Kickoff or Fair without their help. 

The Foundation’s internship program gives a hands-on opportunity to exercise organizational and administrative skills while obtaining significant experience in business, communication, event management, marketing and public relations. This is not your typical internship. Each intern will be a true member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team, working directly with staff, coordinating select projects, and making sure committed donors have a strong and lasting relationship with the Iowa State Fair.

A special thank you to the 2023 interns – Regan Freland, Faith Kuehl and Macy Loecke. 

Regan was a burst of energy in our office over the summer. She stayed busy organizing hospitality events and promoting the Corndog Kickoff, while providing key communication with current and potentially new donors. She brought her positive attitude and previous Fair experience (working Little Hands on the Farm and as a Dairy Cattle Night Line Girl) to our organization. Thank you, Regan, for your hard work. 

Faith 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! She helped promote the Back the Barns campaign, Corndog Kickoff auction, and we will never forget the day we placed engraved bricks – she was the victim of bird poop – sorry Faith! Thank you for spending your summer at the Foundation!

Macy spent her 11 days of the Iowa State Fair running between the Iowa of the Day presentation, stocking the merchandise booths and organizing the chainsaw woodcarvings. Macy always had a story to tell staff that would lighten the mood and make us laugh. Just what we needed on the hot July and August days. Thank you Macy! 

Each of these ladies was a key member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s staff. If you know a hard-working, motivated college student who loves the Iowa State Fair, make sure they are aware of the Foundation’s internship opportunities for 2024. 

Learn more about this program. Applications will be accepted until November 30. 

Iowans of the Day

The Blue Ribbon Foundation has been celebrating the hard work of volunteers across our state since 1997. Volunteering is an integral part of Iowans' lives. Volunteers have the ideas, knowledge and expertise needed to keep our communities moving forward. The Foundation proudly honors outstanding state-wide volunteers with the “Iowan of the Day” award during the Iowa State Fair. 

With the help of Cookies Food Products, the Foundation honored 10 Iowans with a special day of recognition. The winners were celebrated during a presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage and received $200 cash, use of a golf cart for the day, VIP parking, gate admission for four, hotel accommodations at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott, and four tickets to the evening Grandstand show.

Arilyan Steenblock – Panora 
As a junior in high school, Arilyan did her part to help with an issue many young women encounter at some point, finding themselves in need of a feminine hygiene product but not having one on hand. To help solve this issue, she started “Blessing Boxes”. These boxes are stocked with needed products in the girl’s bathroom at her school. Between using some of her own money to keep these boxes filled, and soliciting donations, Arilyan is determined to help with this on-going issue.

LaVerne Quass - Ankeny 
LaVerne is committed to giving back to his community. This is evident from his 20 years of volunteering for Life Serve Blood Center. LaVerne has transported blood to hospitals all over Iowa and into Nebraska as a volunteer driver. He continues to volunteer 25 hours a week at the age of 86.   He is also highly involved in his church. LaVerne is a loyal and helpful friend, graciously aiding his friends with their appointments and outings. 

Nelda Bartels – Lytton 
Nelda is known as the “energizer bunny”. She leads the designing of the face of her town; including the welcome signs as well as the plants she maintains each summer. Nelda continually volunteers to take photos for the annual Lytton Gala Days Celebration. She can be found attending local sporting events as one of the biggest fans. Nelda coordinates activities each year for the Sunday school kids. It’s safe to say that she loves her small town and the great state of Iowa.

John Keeney - Carlisle 
John has been the treasurer for the Warren County Agricultural Association for 15 years as well as a member of the Board of Directors. He has also served as the vice president on the Warren County Fair Association for 15 years. John is a member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a 4-H leader for 16 years along with his 18 years of serving on the Extension Council and Youth Committee. John is an inspiration for his service and dedication to many different organizations in his community. 

De Heaton – Corning 
De averages more than 30 hours a week serving her community through her work at the Corning Opera House as the Executive Director. She oversees maintenance of the building, writes grants and makes sure that entertainment is family friendly. De is a strong advocate for music education and experience. She facilitates many youth activities such as the children’s musical, “Tea Parties”, the annual Polar Express Celebration as well as planning educational activities for students on “early out” days. 

Emma Miller - Goodell 
At ten years old, Emma was with her grandmother at the local cemetery paying their respects to family and close friends by decorating headstones. Emma noticed there was a large tree limb on one of the gravestones. She called her grandpa and he brought tools to help her clean up and make repairs to the area. Emma took initiative and decided to continue this as a community service project. Throughout the last two years she can be found decorating, repairing or cleaning old grave sites in the cemetery. 

Ron Stutsman – Riverside   
Ron is the face of his community. He has served as Chairman of the Board for the Sharon Center United Methodist Church, President of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, and President of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. Ron makes himself (as well as his resources) available whenever needed to his community. He has served on the Hills Bank and Trust Board of Directors, President of Goodwill Industries of SE Iowa and is a member of the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce Board. 

Arleen Starman – Burlington 
After losing her husband when he was in hospice care, Arleen was called to help others going through the same thing. She understood what the families were feeling allowing her to help them in a way nobody else could. Arleen healed others as she healed herself through her 3,247 hours of volunteering with hospice over fifteen years. Arleen is well known and loved around her community because of her 27 years of being the middle school secretary. She makes it a point in her life to make everyone feel special.

Bev Michael - Cedar Falls 
Since 1994, the Sartori Memorial Hospital has recorded 6,250 volunteer hours that Bev has contributed. She has managed the gift shop, coordinated blood drives and chaired the teen volunteer committee. Bev has served as the president of the Hospital Auxiliary, held a seat on the Iowa Hospital Auxiliary Board and co-chaired the Sartori Festival of Trees fundraiser for a number of years. She volunteers with the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls Visitors and Tourism Bureau, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Waterloo Center of the Arts, and Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Elsie Van Beek – Maurice 
As a 15 year old, Elsie has a strong passion for recognizing and thanking veterans. She successfully raised $85,000 through selling cupcakes and soliciting donations to sponsor 83 veterans on an Honor Flight. The veterans had the opportunity to see Arlington National Cemetery along with other special memorials: a day they will never forget. Elsie volunteers with Wreaths across America, Midwest Honor Flight, Key Club (community service organization), Maurice Youth Group and is a junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit.

It's never too early to nominate a deserving person for next year's Iowan of the Day Award. 

Nominees must be residents of Iowa. Each nomination is evaluated on a number of things - including community involvement, volunteerism, personal achievements, and involvement with youth. Nominators should provide us with supplemental materials that emphasize these areas such as testimonials, photos, newspaper articles and letters of recommendation. Any information that shows our judges the greatness of your nominee is welcomed! 

Congratulations again to the 2023 Iowan of the Day winners!

Where to Find the Blue Ribbon Foundation at the Fair

Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair! Make sure to check out the several Blue Ribbon stands across the Fairgrounds! Whether you are looking to purchase merchandise, or need a refreshing bottle of water, we look forward to seeing your smiling faces at the BEST DAYS EVER. 

Merchandise

One way to remember and cherish the memories of the Iowa State Fair forever is through the purchase of Fair merchandise. Proceeds from these items go directly to the renovation and preservation of our beautiful Fairgrounds. Many new pieces can be purchased this year at the Fair! Some of these include:

• The 2023 pieces:
  
  •  Isabel Bloom sculpture (Pie)
  •  Pottery Piece (Serving Platter)
  • Iowa State Fair Sticks Plaque
  •  Charm (Bee)
  • 30^th anniversary ornament
  • Draft horse ornament
  • T-Shirt (Corn)
  • Lapel Pin (Elwell Family Park)  
• Hats
• Pillow cases
• Pajama pants
• Mugs
• Butter cow ornament
• Car coasters
• Shot glasses
• Pickle ball paddle set
• AND SO MUCH MORE!

Merchandise is sold daily at the Fair from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at six locations across the Fairgrounds. These include:

• Service Center (Main 'store')
• Cattle Barn
• Little Hands on the Farm
• Agriculture Building
• Varied Industries Building
• Museum (This location features $5 t-shirts from previous Fairs and other previous year’s merchandise alongside this year’s items!)

Be sure to check it out!

Water Bottle Sales

If you’ve visited the Iowa State Fair, you know those 11 days in August can be hot! Be sure to grab a few bottles of water from the seven Blue Ribbon Water Booths across the Fairgrounds! These booths can be found at the:  

• Service Center
• Cattle Barn
• Agriculture Building
• Riley Stage
• Little Hands on the Farm
• Heritage Village
• Thrill town

Water can be purchased daily for $3 a bottle from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Proceeds from your water purchase go directly to Fairground improvement projects.

BINGO!

Come out to the Grand Concourse on Wednesday, August 16 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 for a classic game of BINGO. For $1 a game, you have the chance to win half of the total earnings collected per game. The proceeds will go to support the Foundation’s mission. Celebrity guests will help call out the Bingo numbers throughout the day. These celebrities may include Fair Board members; so you won’t want to miss this fun opportunity!

Improvements to See

Thanks to many generous donors, the Iowa State Fair is constantly seeing renovations and improvements to help ensure the Fairgrounds keep its rich historical elements while also staying up to date. Take note of this year’s projects at the 2023 Iowa State Fair!

• Pioneer Hall
  
  • Crews have finished repairing each side of Pioneer Hall's exterior and have finished the project by rebuilding the main doors.
• Fairview Tap
  
  • Fairview Tap expanded its patio to provide more outside seating, allowing Fairgoers to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and view.
• Agriculture building
  
  • The north and east doors of the Agriculture Building have been replaced with proper craftsmanship to match its historic style.
• Back the Barns Campaign
  
  • Major work has started on the Sheep Barn's terra cotta tiles over entrances, renovations to restrooms and offices as well as restorations on the archways, column heads and east entrance murals.
• Public Safety Building
  
  • The Public Safety Building added a new two-story addition. The second phase of this project will include renovation of the existing space, scheduled to be completed in 2024.
• Elwell Family Park
  
  • Elwell Family Park upgraded to add permanent restrooms to the space. This will enhance the Fairgoer experience and create opportunities for more entertainment in the future!
• Craft Beer Tent
  
  • Thank you to the late Tim Mallicoat - Concrete Supply Inc., Sonny Hall - Absolute Group and the Iowa Concrete Paving Association for their efforts and generosity in donating and facilitating the beautiful new surface at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent for all Fairgoers to enjoy. Be sure to enjoy the new space at the 2023 Iowa State Fair!
• Alliant Energy Landing mural
  
  • Last year the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation received a generous $1 million contribution from Alliant Energy to build a new shelter on the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Thank you so much to Alliant Energy for their kind contribution. The shelter hosted many different events throughout the Fair last year and will continue to be used this Fair and throughout the entire year. One new improvement this year includes Alliant Energy's sponsorship of a mural.
  • The mural is painted on the retaining wall of the Alliant Energy Landing by local artist and Fair-lover James Navarro. Focusing on agriculture education, several panels will line the wall with different vignettes. Thank you so much to James Navarro for bringing his creativity to the Fairgrounds and to Alliant Energy for supporting the Fairground's improvements.

The Iowa State Fair holds high value to many people. That is what makes the continuous renovation efforts so special. Thank you to everyone involved who makes sure the Iowa State Fairgrounds can be enjoyed for many years to come!

Concrete Statue

• The 2023 Concrete Statue contest features a tractor. The Blue Ribbon Foundation partnered with Sticks to create the design this year. Our tractor will be available to purchase at the Woodcarvers' Auction on Sunday, August 20 at 3:30 PM in the Penningroth Media Center in the John & Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn.

Iowa Auctioneer Contest

The Iowa State Blue Ribbon Foundation is happy to announce we are collaborating with the Iowa Auctioneers Association for their annual auctioneer contest at the Fair. Auctioneers from across the Midwest will be putting their selling skills to the test in the Iowa Auctioneers Association Bid Calling Finals.

This event will take place on Tuesday, August 15, from 9 AM to 12 PM on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage. Iowa auctioneers will be auctioning off various items to the public, with all proceeds going to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Mark your calendar and grab a bidding number to enjoy this fast moving show!

Woodcarvers’ Auction

Come out and enjoy the thrill of watching Gary Keenan and T.J. Jenkins use chainsaws to carve masterpieces out of wood at the Iowa State Fair! With that, you also have the opportunity to take one of these unique carvings home. The Blue Ribbon Foundation hosts this auction as a hybrid with some items sold in person and others online.

In Person Live Auction:

• Final Sunday of the Fair - 3:30 PM
• Penningroth Media Center, John & Emily Putney Family Cattle Barn

Online Auction:

• Online bidding opens on the second Saturday of the Fair at 10 AM
• Closes on the final Sunday of the Fair at 5:30 PM

Fairgoers are invited to watch the wooden creations emerge as Keenan and Jenkins carve four times over the duration of the Fair at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM. This will take place between the First Church and Pioneer Hall.

There are many things to do and see at the 2023 Iowa State Fair that you won’t want to miss!

Corndog Kickoff Recap

It truly was a “night in paradise” at the William C. Knapp Varied Industries building on Saturday, July 8^th. With over 2,500 people in attendance, the 2023 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party made history, creating a new fundraising record of $1,006,590! 30 live and 273 silent auction packages were bid on at the event. These funds are used for the renovation and preservation of the beautiful Iowa State Fairgrounds.

As a first time Corndog Kickoff attendee, it was incredible to see the amount of people that are so passionate about the Iowa State Fair. I was able to take tickets at the entrance of the event; where I saw people’s faces beaming with excitement. I never once saw those smiles fade.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation wants to give the biggest thank you to everyone that made this year’s Corndog Kickoff a success! Volunteers, attendees, concessionaires, and many more help ensure the Fair will never lose its “shaker of salt.”

If you would like to access your photo from the event, click here. Thank you to Lauren Campbell Photography for taking photos at the event.