Blue Ribbon Blog

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.

Corndog Checkoff

March 12, 2014
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Once again, it's the yearly reminder that being an adult isn’t always much fun. It’s tax season. I encourage you to keep in mind one of your favorite summer traditions as you file your taxes.  
 
There are only 147 days until the Amazingly Amusing Iowa State Fair! Start thinking about the jaw dropping entertainment, fantastic exhibits, and delicious food on-a-stick! I hope you would agree that Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair
 
From now until the April 15 deadline, you can support the Blue Ribbon Foundation Corndog Checkoff campaign. Each year you are able to show your love for the Fair by checking off $1 (or more!) on your Iowa Tax Return to help preserve the allure of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.  
 
Look for the State Fairgrounds Renovation Checkoff on line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or on line 14 of Iowa Tax Form 1040A. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.  
 
Every dollar donated to the Checkoff is allocated to capital improvements. The Corndog Checkoff has raised more than $1.7 million, and has supplemented restoration projects from the Agricultural Building to Ye Old Mill.  In addition, funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms. 
 
This is a simple way to give to the Blue Ribbon Foundation.  Each donation helps keep our Fairgrounds one of the best across the nation. And let’s be honest, even thinking about the Iowa State Fair is way more enjoyable than taxes. 
 

Blue Ribbon Foundation in the News

March 5, 2014
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What's new with the Blue Ribbon Foundation in the month of March? Check out this recent interview with Elizabeth Klinge on Mediacom Newsleaders.

 

21 Years

February 26, 2014
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The Blue Ribbon Foundation was started in 1993 with a mission to renovate and preserve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The initial goal was to raise $6 million in two years and $30 million in ten years. With one individual’s leadership, the Blue Ribbon Foundation reached, and surpassed this goal. In 20 years, over $100 million has been raised thanks to the man behind the Foundation, John Putney. 
 
John’s belief was to show donors and Fairgoers that the Blue Ribbon Foundation would always do more than was expected. Next week will be John’s last as the Executive Director before his retirement.  I thought it would be nice to highlight some of John’s accomplishments over the last 21 years.
 
The first project included construction of the Service Center with a major gift from Firstar. Other major gifts and programs sparked projects around the grounds. Today more than 20 buildings have been constructed or renovated because of the Foundation’s efforts. 
 
Educating the Iowa Legislature and three governors about the importance of the Iowa State Fair to our great state was a primary focus. The process paid off with inclusion in the tax check-off, the ability to form a separate endowment and over $40 million in state appropriations for infrastructure projects. 
 
Every year during the State Fair, John hosted Iowa’s Senators and Representative for Legislative Day. John was involved in starting the Iowan of the Day program in 1997. The Foundation continues to receive the proceeds from the Woodcarver’s Auction on the last Sunday of the Fair. Merchandise sales began in 1993 in a small tent along Grand Avenue. By 2013, there were seven locations selling souvenirs and one selling Fair Squares. Together, merchandise, water and Fair Squares contribute over $500,000 annually to the Foundations fundraising efforts. 
 
With John’s innovative thinking behind the development of the giving programs, Iowans have been able to support the Foundation with bricks, benches, lamp posts, plaques and trees. Membership programs, like the 1854 Society, Concert Club, Jake’s Club and Fan Fair have also continued to be popular. 
 
The first Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing party was held in Pioneer Hall in July 1997. In 2001, the event was moved to a Saturday night and held in the Agriculture Building. The Varied Industries Building has now hosted the event since 2002. Initially the Kickoff took up 1/3 of the VI Building but grew to encompass more than ¾ of the building in 2013. The first Kickoff had an attendance of 400; 2013 saw nearly 1700. In 1997, the event raised $112,000. For 2013, funds raised totaled $346,000. 
 
There have always been ways for Fair-lovers to be involved  outside of the Fair. The Foundation hosted a Golf Outing from 1997 -2009 and held its first Fairgrounds 5K in 2007. 
 
Although my time working with John has been brief, I still feel incredibly  fortunate to have worked with such a passionate representative of the Iowa State Fair. I think the 14 full time staff, 52 interns and countless Fair employees who have worked for the Foundation under John’s leadership would agree. Thank you John for your hard work and dedication to the Iowa State Fair.   
 
 
 
 

Deadline Reminder

February 21, 2014
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This is your official reminder that the 2014 Fan Fair deadline is March 1
 
Do you love the Iowa State Fair? Do you enjoy live music during the summer? Are you looking for a way to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Fan Fair is the program for you. 
 
The Blue Ribbon Foundation's Fan Fair program is your chance to help restore the grounds of the nationally-acclaimed Iowa State Fair and purchase Grandstand concert tickets before the general public. For each $150 contribution made to the program, you become eligible to purchase 2 Grandstand show tickets during a special presale. (Purchasing tickets early gives you the chance to have better seats!) 
 
Thursday, August 7: Newsboys with special guest Matthew West 
Friday, August 8: Happy Together Tour – Starring the Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary U.S. Bonds, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, Gary Lewis & The Playboys
Tuesday, August 12: Florida Georgia Line
Thursday, August 14: Jake Owen & Eli Young Band with special guest The Cadillac Three
Friday, August 15: Chevelle and Halestorm
Saturday, August 16: Lady Antebellum with special guest Billy Currington
Sunday, August 17:  Foreigner with Styx
 
To qualify for this early ticket-buying privilege, your Fan Fair donation must be postmarked by March 1. Contributions received after the deadline will automatically be applied to the Fan Fair for the following year.
 
Sign up for Fan Fair online with our secure online order form. For more information, please email Drew or call 515-262-3111 Ext. 671. 
 
 

2014 Interns

February 19, 2014
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As I continue to get myself organized for this spring and summer, I keep finding little projects that will eventually need to be completed.  More than once, I’ve said to myself, “this would be a great project for the interns.” 
 
January was a month of intern interviews as we searched for three people to become part of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team for the 2014 Iowa State Fair. It was only three years ago that I came to the Foundation office for the first time, extremely nervous for my internship interview. Being on the opposite side of the table this year, I may or may not have been just as nervous.  
 
I was impressed with the talent level of the students that applied for the position. I enjoyed talking and learning more about each of the applicants we interviewed.  They were all very motivated and involved in a wide range of activities. Several students expressed how they were goal-oriented and dedicated to their work. Whether it was excelling in the classroom or serving as a leader within a campus organization, these students seemed up to the challenge of working for the Iowa State Fair. Each of the interviewees spoke of their individual experience with the Fair and how much it meant to them. It was a difficult decision to choose the best fit for our internship needs.  
 
We are pleased to welcome Emily Friedricks (Central), Paris Schnepf (Iowa) and Stephanie Boardman (UNI) to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.  Look for more information about all three of these ladies in our Spring newsletter and throughout the summer. These women will be busying organizing the Iowan of the Day program, coordinating all of the summer’s volunteers, planning special events, and of course “other duties as assigned” – meaning pretty much any and everything that helps make the Foundation a success. 
 
I will do my very best to help make their internship experience successful. I have a feeling; I will always remember my first group of interns as a full time staff member. I also get excited because I can guarantee, I will learn something from each one of them as well.  
 
Below is a picture from the 2013 Fair when a group of past interns got together. 

Iowa Beef Expo

February 12, 2014
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It’s another busy week on the Fairgrounds with the annual Iowa Beef Expo. Like most of this winter, it’s been a cold week and today it’s snowing. With all of the cattle, vehicles, livestock trailers and people on the grounds, it makes me wish it was warm like Fair time. August is still 6 months away, but I can feel the buzz in the air and I’m already getting excited for my first official Fair with the Blue Ribbon Foundation!

Thanks to our great volunteers, we have been selling merchandise in a booth inside the Cattle Barn for the Expo. The top selling item is the Iowa State Fair stocking hat. You can represent your favorite summer tradition in the cold weather with the official Iowa State Fair Beanie on sale for $5.

Also for the month of February, the Iowa State Fair 16th Edition Cookbook, filled with recipes to warm you up, is on sale for $12. All of the State Fair merchandise is available online or at the Blue Ribbon Foundation office.

Need to warm up? Try this Jalapeno Cheddar Crab and Lobster Soup recipe highlighted below:

  • 4 tbsp. butter                                     
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper                                
  • 2 jalapeno peppers
  • 1 white onion
  • 2 c. whole milk
  • 2 c. heavy cream
  • 3 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 c. chicken broth
  • 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 lb. lobster
  • 1 lb. crab

In large saucepan, melt butter, add peppers and onions. Sauté over medium heat about 3 minutes. In saucepan, bring milk and cream to slight boil; add cheese and simmer on low until cheese is melted. (Do not overcook.) Whisk in remaining ingredients except lobster and crab and stir until flour is incorporated. Add lobster and crab; heat through (less than 5 minutes.)

Whether you are a fan of the cold temperatures or not, this winter weather will be here for awhile. Try to enjoy these snowy days by checking out the Beef Expo or buying some of your favorite winter Fair merchandise. If you are sick of snow like me, you can always start a countdown until this year’s Fair (175 days).  

 

Love is in the Air

February 5, 2014
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It’s February and in my calendar, it’s the month of love.

In elementary school, I would give every student in my class a paper Valentine on February 14. My class would eat conversation hearts and chocolate kisses. If you were lucky, your parents might buy you the heart shaped box full of chocolates. If you were me, you would take a bite out of each piece, giving the ones with weird filling to your dad. Over the years, my love for the holiday has only continued. I am a proud graduate of Iowa State. Many fellow Iowa Staters should remember a tradition - walk silently around Lake LaVerne with your loved one, and you are destined to be together. (If you are all dying to know, I never completed this tradition.)

The Iowa State Fair is full of traditions, one of the many reasons I enjoy my job. Any romantic would agree: Ye Old Mill is the perfect place for sweethearts to sneak off and escape the hustle and bustle of the Fair. First constructed in 1921, Ye Old Mill has since been a favorite ride for dating couples at the Fair. Located next to the Midway on Grand Avenue, its 1,500-foot-long canal offers riders the chance to relax on a smooth boat ride.

This February 14, show your Valentine how much you love them and the Iowa State Fair with a brick from the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Sweetheart Lane, located in front of the Ye Old Mill, provides the opportunity for lovers to leave a declaration for millions to see.

There are 14 other locations to place a brick. Maybe you and your sweetheart fell in love showing cattle, performing on the Bill Riley Stage, or spending summer nights in the campgrounds. Roses, chocolates, and a romantic dinner is probably what your significant other is expecting this year. Why not surprise them with a personal inscription to celebrate a couple’s fond Fair memories while helping to preserve the Fairgrounds.

For more information about purchasing a sweetheart brick for Valentine’s Day, or for any other occasion, contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or order online. All brick orders must be received by March 31 in order to be placed prior to the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

 

Learning from the Past

January 29, 2014
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Traditionally, spring cleaning happens after the winter months. At the Blue Ribbon Foundation, spring will be the start to my busy season so I decided to clean my office closet this week. I started by reorganizing previous Corndog Kickoff binders. Sitting on the closet shelf were 17 years worth of notes, contracts, ideas, marketing materials, floor plans, sign-up sheets, etc. The shelf was overdue for a cleaning.

The very first Corndog Kickoff was held in Pioneer Hall in 1997. The 460 attendees bid on 20 live and 43 silent auction packages, and raised more than $67,000 for the Iowa State Fair. Every year the number of guests, supporters, auction packages, and overall excitement for the event increases!

Last year the Corndog Kickoff raised a record high of $416,000 for the renovation and preservation of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. More than 1,600 Iowa State Fair fans attended the 17th annual event. The Blue Ribbon Foundation auctioned off 31 live and 191 silent auction packages for totals of $140,450 and $46,045, respectively. Patron contributions also set a new record of $187,250. The remaining funds consisted of ticket and merchandise sales.

Unique to the Foundation’s fundraising event is that a new theme is created for each year. Previous staff members have gone above and beyond with their creativity.  Themes have consisted of camping, the Butter Cow, building renovations, food, and practically anything Fair related.

I attended my first Corndog Kickoff as an intern in 2011 and helped with the auction. The last two years I sold bandanas as part of the “Rags for Riches 50/50 raffle game”. When I took the job with the Foundation, I was confident in my ability to manage the Foundation’s communication efforts and the various giving programs. Event planning was new to me, but the Fairgrounds 5K was a nice small event to get me started. When it comes to the Corndog Kickoff, I get an entirely new kind of nervous. I am thankful for the experienced staff, supportive volunteers, and my predecessor’s excellent notes. So far, I have picked a theme for this year’s event and I have started brainstorming ideas. The event is still 164 days away, but I have invitations, tickets, volunteers, decorations, food, and centerpieces on my mind.

The 2014 Corndog Kickoff will be Saturday, July 12. If you are a regular attendee, I hope to see you again. If you are thinking about attending for the first time, I promise you won’t be disappointed! As I finish up organizing the previous year’s information, I will continue to learn about the past events to make this year’s Corndog Kickoff the best one yet.  

Below are a few pictures I found while cleaning today. 

John Putney, BRF Executive Director, promoting the very first Corndog Kickoff on the golf course during the Foundation’s 1997 golf outing.

Emily and John Putney at the 1999 Corndog Kickoff.

Volunteers, Margo and Chris Fox, standing by the spin wheel at the 2002 Corndog Kickoff.

Live Music

January 23, 2014
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I grew up in a musical family. Ever since I can remember, my father has been in some sort of band, playing the keyboards or bass guitar. I have two older sisters that were involved with marching band, choir, and concert band.  One was the high school drum major and the other is still a middle school musical director. Unfortunately my mother and I were not blessed with musical talent. However, over the years, I have become an outstanding audience member.

Last week, I went to the Jason Aldean concert at the Iowa Events Center. I sat in my “nose bleed” section seat and watched the first opening act - only recognizing his sole hit. Next was Florida Georgia Line, who did an excellent job of warming up the crowd for the main event. Jason Aldean did not disappoint! This was my second time seeing him in concert and I’d say it was even better than the first time around. Nothing beats hearing songs on the radio come to life on stage.

Seeing the country star in action got me geared up for the next concert on my calendar. It might be the complete opposite of country music, but I am very excited to see Hairball on January 31.  This will be my first concert at the Jacobson Exhibition Center on the Fairgrounds.  Guns n’ Roses, AC/DC and Journey might have been before my time, but nothing beats an 80’s rock show. Mark your calendar because tickets are still available for this Fairgrounds concert.

After next week, I don’t have any other concerts planned until the Fair in August. Seeing a show in the Grandstand is one of a kind. My very first concert was actually at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. I saw LeAnn Rimes in 1998. I knew every word to “One Way Ticket” and “Blue”. I think listening to music in an outside venue is the ultimate summer tradition.  

I’m sure soon enough, the Fair will start to announce the 2014 Grandstand lineup. Most nights of the Fair, I will be finishing up work while the concert is going on, but I know I will still enjoy the music and Fireworks.

Now is your chance to avoid the “nose bleed” seats for the 2014 Grandstand concerts at the Iowa State Fair. Members of the Foundation’s Fan Fair program are able to purchase Grandstand tickets before they go on sale to the general public. For each $150 contribution made to the Fan Fair program, you become eligible to purchase 2 show tickets during a special presale. The deadline to join Fan Fair is March 1.

If you are a fan of country, rock, hip hop, folk, the blues, or any other type of music – be sure to keep the Iowa State Fair in mind for live music this summer. 

Iowa State Fair History

January 17, 2014
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My office is once again starting to show more of my personality. This week, I added another picture on the wall. Not a typical piece of artwork but a black and white picture from a movie. This isn’t just a random movie but a scene from the very first State Fair movie filmed in 1933.

The film stars Janet Gaynor and Will Rogers. It is about a family that attends the Iowa State Fair. The father enters his boar, Blue Boy, in the hog contents while the mother enters the mincemeat competition. Their children find love with a newspaper reporter and a trapeze artist. The biggest questions of the film: Will everyone return home safe and happy or will hearts be broken?

Ever since I was little, I’ve enjoyed watching old movies. This version of State Fair is unique because some scenes were actually filmed at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

That got me thinking about the original Iowa State Fair and the history behind the event. The Iowa State Fair website gives details from the very beginning.  A few bizarre facts stuck out to me.

  • The first Iowa State Fair was held October 25 to 27, 1854 in Fairfield, Iowa
  • Chariot races were featured at the 1880 Fair.
  • In 1967 the Talent Search Champion was awarded a brand new Ford Mustang.

The Fairgrounds are full of history and the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s goal is to preserve that history for future generations. There are plenty of ways for you to help support the history of the Fair. The 1854 Society was created in commemoration of the Iowa State Fair sesquicentennial. Funds raised by the membership program helped renovate the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex.

Future 1854 Society donations will continue to make needed improvements. Museum goals for 2014 include getting new display cases and providing space to have artifacts safely behind glass. Other projects include getting more photos digitized for easier access and preservation.  There are 10,000+ slides that could be converted to digital to make it possible for the public to have better access to Fair history, both in person and on the web.

Are you a history buff? Want to test your knowledge?  The Foundation sells the official Iowa State Fair History book that details the evolution of the Fair since the beginning. Check out the State Fair Store.

Commemorating the past, celebrating the present or awaiting the future, the Blue Ribbon Foundation is doing its best to make the Iowa State Fair - “the best State Fair in our state”. (I know - not the same movie as my new picture, but still a good one.)

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