September 20, 2016
By the time Monday of the Fair arrived, the Blue Ribbon Foundation staff could finally take a breath. We’ve made it through the first four busiest days!
Instead of running around to check on Fair Squares, merchandise or water sales – I could briskly walk! It was all hands on deck to run the Foundation’s water program. The Blue Ribbon Foundation sold water to concessionaires in addition to Fairgoers at our water stands. An average Fairgoer might not realize that by buying a bottle of water, they are supporting our cause. The history of the relationship between the Fair and those unique green Mt. Valley Spring Water bottles started in 1995. Crystal Clear began selling water on the Fairgrounds in a small booth along Grand Avenue. In 1997, the Blue Ribbon Foundation and Crystal Clear Water formed a partnership and the water sales became a fundraiser.
Each staff member, intern and summer staffer have developed a routine by Monday. By having a handle on your specific role, there is time for a little fun. On Tuesday afternoon, the Blue Ribbon Foundation participated in the Outhouse Races. During the race, teams pushed the outhouses down the street, completed a set of obstacles and raced back to the starting point. Thank you to Stivers Ford Lincoln of Waukee for building our outhouse. And an even bigger thank you for the donors that represented the Foundation in the event.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation honored another 3 individuals as
Iowan of the Day winners. Curt Schwanebeck is known as a Knoxville jewel and helped to reopen the local theatre. He helps with the Community Easter Egg Hunt, makes dolls for children in hospitals and organizes community fun fairs. Curt is also involved in his church and volunteers at the Science Center of Iowa.
Richard Vorthmann of Treynor has served 35 years as a township trustee and clerk, co-chairman of the Treynor school reorganization committee and helped build the first tanker truck for the local fire department. Richard has also been involved in his church and served as the president of the Town and Country Club. Richard has been instrumental in overseeing the Treynor Can Kennel, a can redemption center that has raised more than $135,000 for local youth programs.
Edna Schrandt of Decorah has served more than 40 years as a 4-H leader and volunteer for Pony Express Riders of Iowa, an organization that raises money for Camp Sunnyside. Edna has also volunteered over 25 years with United Way and has been recognized for her contributions through several awards.
Each Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation trys to find new and creative ways to engage donors. As far as creativity goes – we knocked it out of the park this year with the first ever social painting class. Missy Sharer-Pieters of Messy Missy’s Painting Studio & Gallery in Marshalltown instructed groups of Fairgoers to paint their own personal canvas with Iowa State Fair inspired art.
With 230 participants throughout the 11 days, Fairgoers showed off their talents while supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission. The total proceeds of $5,200 were dedicated to
Our Fair’s Future, the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s endowment fund. As the endowment grows, it will provide a reliable source of funding for future renovations and maintenance improvements to the Fairgrounds, ensuring the Fair will be a grand tradition for generations to come.
As the Fair continued through the week, it became even more important to try some of the new foods. I ate the Ice Cream Nachos, Not Your Mamma’s Taco, and the Pride of Iowa Wrap. All were incredibly delicious. It brings a new meaning to the word “teamwork” when you are splitting a massive breakfast quesadilla or cheese curds with your coworkers.
Stay tuned for more 2016 Iowa State Fair highlights.
Water crew members kept the water ice cold
Blue Ribbon Foundation Outhouse Race
Huge crowds on Grand Avenue for the Outhouse Race
Curt Schwanebeck - Knoxville, IA
Richard Vorthmann - Treynor, IA
Edna Schrandt - Decorah, IA
The first painting class was held on Expo Hill
The painting class was moved to the Youth Inn because of quick drying paint
Interns, Francesca and Audra enjoying Pork Chops on a Stick
My favorite tenderloin stand on the Fairgrounds
September 13, 2016
The first Saturday and Sunday of the Iowa State Fair are huge attendance days with more than 211,000 people coming to the Fairgrounds. The Blue Ribbon Foundation prides itself on providing the very best customer service to the guests that are interacting with our merchandise, water and Fair Square booths.
Who is on the front-line representing the Foundation? Our one-of-a-kind
volunteers. This year, our volunteers wore bright purple “Keep Calm, You’re at the Iowa State Fair” t-shirts. You could easily spot our helpers through the crowds, each with a smile on their face. These 600 dedicated Fairgoers gave more than 5,500 hours of their time to help with our mission to raise funds for future renovations.
Spread across the Fairgrounds we had volunteers selling merchandise and staffing water booths. The sweetest volunteer spot was definitely the Fair Square trailer, sticking the tasty rice krispy treats onto sticks. We can't forget the volunteers driving the 1854 Society golf cart shuttle or helping with the Fairgrounds 5K.
Our volunteers are not only helpful to customers but also knowledgeable about the Blue Ribbon Foundation. They share information on what improvements have been made and what projects will be next. I’ve even seen volunteers help donors find their engraved bricks. Volunteers are truly part of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team. More information about volunteer opportunities for the 2017 Iowa State Fair will be available in May.
The Foundation was pleased to honor
Iowan of the Day winners Cheryl Wessels of Anita and Steve Smith of Algona. Cheryl is most noted in her community for making 3,000 dresses for the “Little Dresses for Africa” program. She continues to recruit the help of other communities to give to this organization that brings relief to distressed children in Africa. Steve Smtih is a member of the American Legion, Friends of the American Legion, Patriot Guard and the Civil Air Patrol and volunteers with “Hunting with Heroes,” a program that helps disabled veterans learn to hunt again.
On the first Sunday of the Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation hosted a brunch for our
1854 Society members. This set of donors absolutely loves the Iowa State Fair! Each supporter believes in the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s work and gives annually to help us continue to move forward.
The 1854 Society was created in commemoration of the Iowa State Fair sesquicentennial. Funds raised by the 1854 Society helped renovate the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex and donations continue to provide archival quality storage needed for proper preservation of the museum’s historic pieces.
With a $1,854 initial membership fee to join this exclusive fundraising group, you receive elite benefits including an engraved granite paver at the Museum, gate admission for 2 each day of the Fair, VIP parking, access to a Hospitality Suite, exclusive golf cart shuttle access, and more.
Throughout the Fair, I wish I had more time to chat with individual volunteers and donors. I love hearing their personal stories, memories, and why they are passionate about the Iowa State Fair. This bond Iowan’s share is more than just an event in August - it’s a treasured tradition that every Iowan can be proud of.
Stay tuned for more 2016 Iowa State Fair highlights.
Volunteers selling merchandise at a trailer on Grand Avenue.
Volunteers selling water in front of the Service Center.
Peter Cownie, Foundation Executive Director, and Audra Kincart, Summer Intern, honoring Cheryl Wessels of Anita.
Blue Ribbon Foundation staff, an Iowa State Fair Board Member, and friends celebrating Steve Smith of Algona.
1854 Society Brunch at the Farm Bureau Shelter House.
September 7, 2016
The first day of the Fair is filled with mixed emotions – excitement, nervousness, and your adrenalin is pumping as a staff member.
We kicked off the day with Opening Ceremonies held in the updated Oman Family Youth Inn. This three phase/three year renovation project included a replaced roof, air conditioning, remolded bathrooms and new mattress for the bunk beds. New entrances with extended walkways were added, updated fire alarm systems were installed and the building is now fully handicap accessible because of the elevators.
To finish the project the windows were replaced, improvements were made to the main floor stage area and an enhanced kitchen facility was added. New landscaping and a paved parking lot completed the north side of the building.
In addition to the generous gift from the Oman family, the Iowa Legislature appropriated a total of $3.15 million to this renovation. The Blue Ribbon Foundation also received a $25,000 grant from Prairie Meadows through its Community Betterment Grant Program. It takes support from the entire state to keep buildings like the Youth Inn available for future FFA and 4-H’ers.
During the first day, we honored Iowan of the Day, Randy Duncan. Randy is a Des Moines native who attended the University of Iowa on a football scholarship. Randy led the Hawkeyes to a Rose Bowl victory in 1959 against California, was placed second for the Heisman trophy and broke a school record formerly held by Nile Kinnick. Described as humble, Randy raised a family and practiced as a lawyer in Des Moines. In 2012, Randy was diagnosed with brain cancer with less than a year to survive. Four years later, Randy is still fighting and serving as an inspiration for others.
To cap off the first day of the Fair, crowds gathered at the MidAmerican Energy Stage for “Symphony on a Stick”, a performance by the Des Moines Symphony.
On Friday of the Iowa State Fair our merchandise booths were hopping! The Blue Ribbon Foundation sold t-shirts, hats, and official State Fair collectibles as a fundraiser. Each year Fairgoers collect the Christmas ornament, pottery piece and State Fair plaque. The 18th Edition Cookbook was for sale this year and I wonder how many cookbook enthusiasts have the entire collection. Check out the online State Fair Store for leftover merchandise available for sale. Although we don’t have an official store throughout the year, you can purchase merchandise at our office on the Fairgrounds.
For me, the first two days of the Iowa State Fair are the longest days yet go by the fastest. Despite the rain, hot and humid weather - the Fairgrounds were full of people. My first food item was a crescenti sandwich – one of my favorites. As I developed my routine for the 11 day event, most of the time I was on the move.
Stay tuned for more 2016 Iowa State Fair highlights.
Opening Ceremonies at the Youth Inn.
Randy Duncan's family and friends honoring him as Iowan of the Day.
Crowd watching the "Symphony on a Stick" performance.
Fairgoers shopping for merchandise.
August 31, 2016
Simply put… the month of August flew by. As I look back at the craziness of the 2016 Iowa State Fair, most of the month feels like a blur. In the upcoming weeks, I plan on recapping special moments of the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s 2016 Fair experience.
First and foremost – I want to say THANK YOU to everyone that helps make the Iowa State Fair and the Blue Ribbon Foundation a success!
Thank you to my fellow Iowa State Fair and Blue Ribbon Foundation staff members. Each employee has an important role in making the 11 day event not only happen but an incredible success. Each department works the entire year to make their role perfect. Working together as a team, we make the Iowa State Fair one of the best!
Thank you to our summer interns and part time staff. Each intern individually completes projects that add to the successful summer. I look forward to seeing where each of them ends up after finishing college and starting their own careers.
A huge thank you to the 400+ volunteers for giving your time to help make our organization’s fundraising efforts possible. With 7 merchandise booths and 6 water stands, our volunteers work from morning until night every day of the Fair.
Thank you to the generous donors for believing in the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission and supporting our work. The renovations across the Fairgrounds would not be possible without the passion of Fairgoers that want to see the Iowa State Fair stay in tip top condition for future generations. All donations – small and large are valued and greatly appreciated.
And a personal thank you to my friends and family. Sometimes I wonder why I choose to have such a crazy job in the summer. They completely understand that I “disappear” during the month of August. This massive event can also cause a bit of stress at times but my family’s love and support reminds me that I have the best job!
As much as I’ll miss the action of the Iowa State Fair – I’m looking forward to September.
Kelsey and Audra, summer interns, checking in volunteers for a shift.
The water crew - keeping our booths loaded with water.
My biggest Fair supporter!
August 2, 2016
There are eight days until the Iowa State Fair and the Fair looks like it could start tomorrow! It’s amazing to see all of the food stands when I have become so used to seeing the grounds empty.
As others begin to set up, I’m seeing all of my hard work this summer begin to wrap up. I’m approaching the ends of my to-do lists and will make my daily Fair schedule this afternoon! What seemed so far away in May arrived in the blink of an eye.
One of my favorite wrapping up projects is writing the speeches for our Iowans of the Day. The award presentation takes place daily at 2:30 p.m. at the Anne and Billy Riley Stage. Be sure to make time in your daily Fair schedules to hear all about these outstanding Iowans who make their communities a better place to live.
One of my other wrapping up projects includes sending the registration packets for Fairgrounds 5K participants! There is still plenty of time to register before the race on Saturday, August 20. Registration is $40 and includes a Fair admission ticket, $5 in Fair food coupons, a Fairgrounds 5K t-shirt and a free Fair Square coupon.
August has always been one of my favorite months with my birthday and the start of a new school year. This year I have those events to look forward to as well as enjoying eleven days of the most wonderful time of the year. I hope you are all as excited for August 11-21 as I am!
-Audra
July 28, 2016
We are just days away from the Iowa State Fair but who is counting? It is amazing to see the work around the Fairgrounds being done. Yesterday as the interns and I took our lunch on the bleachers of MidAmerican Energy Stage, it came to my attention that we as Fair staff are not the only ones that get to enjoy the preparation of what I call the greatest time of the year. There were two mothers that brought their kids to the park outside our office and had a picnic on the MidAmerican Energy stage, how cool! Every day we see at least one family, if not three or four that utilize the park. The Fairgrounds are more than just a piece of land; it’s a gathering ground for the Des Moines Metro community year-round.
Every day the interns always talk about how we can’t believe the Fair is already here. We have been gearing up for this time since we started, which seems like yesterday! Calls are being made quite frequently to confirm last minute details, mail is being sent, volunteers are confirming their schedules and Iowans of the Day have been selected. The office has been busy to say the least.
I have been to the Iowa State Fair for the duration of the Fair for the past 14 years and every year it amazes me the new attractions I discover. This year I have been told I get to attend the outhouse races and potentially participate in the celebrity goat milking contest. That’s what I get for raising goats, being put on the spot at a contest in front of a crowd. Needless to say, I think it will be an unforgettable Fair! The newest attraction I am most excited for is the painting class that is going to be offered on Expo Hill. Messy Missy’s has put together seven phenomenal paintings that represent different aspects of the Iowa State Fair. Check out our website for a full schedule of the different painting times. Also be sure to check out our website to register for the 10th annual Fairgrounds 5K, you won’t want to miss out on the fun!
(Outhouse Races 2015)
(2 of the 7 paintings)
Francesca
July 27, 2016
The last few days the other interns and I have taken our lunch to the “Original and Famous” Bud Tent. The tent’s not full of people yet, but from an empty picnic table in the shade we can watch the great Iowa State Fair take shape. Just in our daily half hour breaks we’ve seen the propane tanks get installed on Rock Island, the red fencing go in for the Big Boar and Super Bull, and many people staring at their phones playing Pokemon Go.
The Foundation specifically is having fun as our merchandise starts to trickle in! At the Corndog Kickoff my dad was the winner of a silent auction package including a souvenir pennant from the 1958 Iowa State Fair. While we don’t have any pennants, maybe in 60 years someone will bid on our 2016 items as a reminder of simpler times. I specifically have my eye on a quarter zip sweatshirt, and maybe starting my own charm bracelet. I’ve seen how special the charms are to so many Fairgoers, and the Rooster charm for this year is pretty cute! Pictured are a couple of our available hats, bell, piggy bank, and Isabel Bloom Corn sculpture. These are just a few of the great souvenirs that will be available for this year’s Fair.
We are happy to take orders over the phone for the 2016 pottery piece, Mortar & Pestle, and 2016 Sticks plaque “Giant Slide!” All other 2016 merchandise will be available at the Fair. If you need to continue your collection of lapel pins, charms, t-shirts or any other memorabilia, please come see us at one of our seven merchandise booths August 11th through the 21st!
-Kelsey
July 26, 2016
It’s already been one week since we’ve chosen our Iowans of the Day, and I’m so excited to meet each and every one of them at the Iowa State Fair! This year’s line-up includes outstanding Iowans who have contributed to their individual communities in diverse ways.
Our northern Iowa winners have truly done it all. Together, their list of accomplishments includes publishing 850 articles and six books about the history of Iowa’s Great Lakes, creating the Sturgis Falls Celebration, being a 4H leader for 40 years and organizing an annual celebration on the 4th of July for the community and veterans to enjoy.
Our other hometown heroes are equally as impressive. Their accomplishments include making 3,000 dresses for children in Africa, reopening the community’s closed theatre, being the previous national president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, helping to build a new Fairgrounds and dedicating their life to teaching the community about horticulture.
These individuals will be recognized with their own day at the Fair. He or she will be recognized on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage and presented as an Iowan of the Day daily at 2:30 p.m. Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, they will each receive a cash prize, Grandstand and Iowa State Fair admission tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart.
I am pleased to present the 2016 Iowans of the Day:
Randy Duncan of Des Moines – Thursday, August 11
Aubrey LaFoy of Arnolds Park – Friday, August 12
Cheryl Wessels of Anita – Saturday, August 13
Steve Smith of Algona – Sunday, August 14
Curt Schwanebeck of Knoxville – Monday, August 15
Richard Vorthmann of Treynor – Tuesday, August 16
Edna Schrandt of Decorah – Wednesday, August 17
Willard Larsen of Camanche – Thursday, August 18
Bob Clark of West Des Moines – Friday, August 19
Rosemary Beach of Cedar Falls – Saturday, August 20
Thank you to all of those who submitted an application, it’s because of you that this great program is able to continue. As a reminder, applications are reviewed for three years. Find out more about this year’s Iowans of the Day at the Iowa State Fair August 11-21!
-Audra
July 25, 2016
Each year the Iowa State Fairgrounds is dotted with hand-painted sculptures that resemble a Fair time favorite. The last few have included a horse, an ice cream cone, the state of Iowa and a pig. This year’s Fair time favorite statue is the branding box or logo of the Iowa State Fair. For the last few years the
Blue Ribbon Foundation has had its own statue in front of the Administration Building. This year we partnered with Sticks Inc. on a design for the Foundation’s branding box statue.
Each year the Special Events department opens a contest up to the public. Fairgoers can submit a design and then paint the design on the statue to represent their family, hometown or favorite Fair memory. The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s statue this year will be named “Building a Blue Ribbon Future”, and has your favorite Fair elements.
The Foundation’s branding box statue will be auctioned off at the Woodcarver’s auction on Sunday, August 21st at 3 p.m. in the Penningroth Media Center located in the in
John and Emily Putney Cattle Barn. Along with the Foundation’s statue, the
Woodcarver’s Auction will highlight the great carvings the woodcarver’s worked on during this year’s Iowa State Fair. Each day the two woodcarvers create many different carvings showcasing their craft to Fairgoers. This is your opportunity to own one of those carvings, or the “Building a Blue Ribbon Future” statue.
- Marcus
2016 Blue Ribbon Foundation's "Building a Blue Ribbon Future" Statue
July 21, 2016
In twenty days, the gates of the Iowa State Fairgrounds will be flooded with people from all over the country; people that are excited to see what the 2016 Iowa State Fair has to offer. As people around the Fairgrounds have been working tirelessly around the clock to get this place looking fabulous, I know it’s going to be just as great as every other year.
All my years attending the Fair have been the basic; show up, show my livestock, camp and maybe walk around a day or two. I can honestly say I didn’t realize how much work actually goes into making an event this large run. I didn’t fully appreciate the wonderful place where I end my summer every year. We never show enough gratitude for the people working behind the scenes to make sure WE, as fairgoers, have an enjoyable time.
The Oman Family Youth Inn, just days away from being ready for the Fair, has an exciting addition this year. The concrete crews have been working exceptionally hard this week to make sure a big piece of the puzzle gets done, the pouring of the lot north of the building. Due to the large amounts of rain we have received in Des Moines earlier this week, they have had to be very flexible and patient. We are fortunate enough to have had sunny weather two days in a row now so the lot should be poured soon! The opening ceremonies will be held at the Oman Family Youth Inn on August 11th at 9:00 am. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend so be sure to come see the new parking lot plus the remodeled inside of the “Hilton on the Hilltop.”
Can’t wait to see you all at the great Iowa State Fair!
-Francesca
