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.

Look Stylish at the 2022 Iowa State Fair!

July 1, 2022
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Iowa State Fair t-shirts are now on sale on our website! Pick from the several various styles, designs and colors including the top six winning designs from the t-shirt contest. There are adult, youth, toddler and infant sizes available.

Select one of the designs, place your order, and get your purchase delivered to your home. The website will remain open for orders through August 29, 2022!

 

Keep in mind while ordering:

*If your order is placed between July 1st and July 17th, your order will be delivered directly to you by the end of July. (You will receive BEFORE the 2022 Iowa State Fair).

*If your order is placed between July 18th and July 31st, your order will be delivered directly to you by the beginning of August. (You will receive BEFORE the 2022 Iowa State Fair).

*If your order is placed between August 1st and August 29th, your order will be delivered directly to you by the beginning of September (You will receive AFTER the 2022 Iowa State Fair).

 

Don’t forget, profits from the store directly benefit the Foundation’s goal of preserving and restoring the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. So, order your favorite shirt today and look stylish at the 2022 Iowa State Fair! Thank you for shopping and supporting the Iowa State Fair.

 

  • Brooklin Border, Public Relations Intern  

Below are some of the designs for shirts, see our website for more colors, styles and design options!

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Summer 2022 Newsletter Flashback

June 29, 2022
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Summer is flying by here at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. With the Kickoff just over a week away and Fair preparations in full swing, it can be hard to pause or truly consider how all the work impacts the Fair. The 2022 Summer Newsletter is set to hit mailboxes this week, and can be a good reason to look back, and see just how far the Fair has come. Today, we looked back to 2002 and 2012 to see what the Blue Ribbon Foundation was up to 10 and 20 years ago.

In 2002, the Blue Ribbon Foundation was busy settling into their new home on the Fairgrounds. While settling in, construction was underway at the Legacy Terrace, which was constructed in 3 phases, much like how the multi-phase project at Elwell Family Park is being constructed today!

“The Legacy Terrace offers Fair-goers the opportunity to leave a legacy at the Iowa State Fair,” said then Executive Director John Putney.

The Legacy Terrace is still a part of giving program options today. There are 3 different options for donations and recognitions at the Legacy Terrace, including granite pavers, cast-bronze plaques at the bases of the trees in the area, and plaques on limestone blocks. The Legacy Terrace is a popular spot to relax and people watch on the Grand Concourse.

The 6th annual Corndog Kickoff was also quickly approaching 20 years ago. The newsletter highlighted 5 unique packages that ranged from VIP concert tickets to see Alicia Keys at the Grandstand to getting to help sculpt the Butter Cow for the 2002 Fair.

Fast forward ten years to 2012, and yet again we see a flurry of activity at the Blue Ribbon Foundation and on the Fairgrounds. Construction was in full swing up at Expo Hill, to add lighting, benches and a new staircase to the area. The Cultural Center had elevators installed and the parking lot next to the 4-H Building was paved after being flooded in years prior.

Much like this year, the summer newsletter highlighted new merchandise offerings for the 2012 season. There was the 2012 pottery piece (the compost pot for those who collect), 2 Sticks plaques (Fairlicious and Little Squeakers), the 2012 Lapel Pin (Cultural Center), the 2012 charms (lemonade and logo), the 2012 ornament (Pepsi Clock), and the 16th edition of the Iowa State Fair Cookbook. Some things at the Blue Ribbon Foundation do not change. This year we will offer the 2022 editions of all of these items! There will be the Water Carafe pottery piece, 1 Sticks Plaque called Iowa State Fair Peeps, a Lapel Pin featuring the Cattle Barn, a camper charm and 2022 logo charm, a Fairfield ornament and the 21st edition of the Iowa State Fair Cookbook. Call us at (515) 262-3111 ext. 371 to place your orders for pottery, Sticks plaques or the 21st edition cookbook today! All other items will be available at the Iowa State Fair August 11-21.

As the years go by, the projects that are completed because of Fair supporters continue to grow in both number and magnitude. This year, we are proud to continue work on the Elwell Family Park, the Alliant Energy Landing, the Kitchen, and the Pioneer Hall exterior. We cannot wait to look back in 10 years on the progress that was made this year, in 2022. What kind of projects and restorations might the Fair be doing in 2032? Only time will tell.

- Laura Noehren, Business Relations Intern

Project Updates

June 27, 2022
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Lots of progress has been made since my last project update in May. With the Fair less than two months away, these renovations will be complete and ready to welcome all Fairgoers in August!

Elwell Family Park: Get ready for exciting entertainment in Elwell Family Park this year. Short course UTV and ATV motorsport racing will join the Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pulls for the 2022 Fair. Phase two of the project includes additional bleachers, a press box and covered seating, ready to welcome the crowds. Buy your tickets here.

  

 

Alliant Energy Landing: Be sure to check out the Alliant Energy Landing, located east of the Livestock Pavilion. It will be rented to families, organizations and businesses to use during the 2022 Iowa State Fair and throughout the fall, spring and summer. A special thank you to Insight Wealth Group for donating $20,000 to update the furniture inside the Alliant Energy Landing.

  

 

  • Kenna Smith, Donor Relations Intern

Now on sale: Baking Blue Ribbons and the 21st Edition Cookbook!

June 24, 2022
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Food competitions at the Iowa State Fair have been a long standing tradition for 168 years. Since the very first Fair in 1854, thousands of baking extraordinaires, grill masters and food lovers have entered food competitions. There are nearly 900 classes of food competitions for anyone to participate in and each year the winning recipes are showcased at the Fair. This is a Fair-favorite tradition for many food lovers!

 

We are so excited that this year is a cookbook year. The cookbooks feature the winning entries recipes from the past two Fairs and the 21st Edition is finally available! This year’s cookbook features award winning recipes from the 2021 Iowa State Fair and a few retro recipes. The first cookbook was printed in 1983 and since then, a new one is printed and sold every other year at the Iowa State Fair. The 21st Edition Iowa State Fair Cookbook is now for sale on our website. You don’t want to miss out on these delicious recipes, so order yours now!

 

In addition, for the first time in State Fair history, there are two new cookbooks in one year! Kay Fenton Smith and Carol McGarvey are writing the book, Baking Blue Ribbons, highlighting the history, stories, and recipes from the very first Fair in 1854 through 2021. This book showcases what it means to be a part of the Midwest culinary experience. These stories have helped shape the Food Department at the Fair throughout the years. Baking Blue Ribbons is also now available to purchase on our website. Please note that Baking Blue Ribbons will not ship until mid-August.

 

Both of the books will be sold at the 2022 Iowa State Fair. Proceeds from the 21st Edition Cookbook will go toward current projects the Blue Ribbon Foundation is working on and proceeds from Baking Blue Ribbons will benefit the Food Department at the Iowa State Fair.

 

Now is your chance to get the first look at our newest books and learn about the history and Fair-favorite recipes from the Iowa State Fair. Order yours today!

 

- Brooklin Border, Public Relations Intern

Exciting Additions to the 2022 Iowa State Fair Merchandise Lineup!

June 22, 2022
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Are you a Fair merchandise collector? Looking for a gift for a fellow Fair lover? We have something special for you! The 2022 Iowa State Fair pottery and plaques are now available to order.

POTTERY: WATER CARAFE: $45

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited to partner with Central Academy Potters of the Des Moines Public Schools to produce the 27th piece in the Iowa State Fair’s pottery series. These students designed the unique piece with the cobalt blue embellishments and creamy clay body and an updated embossed “Iowa State Fair” stamp.

The design at the base of the vessel has 3 variations in floral and geometric patterns. The carafe stands 9” tall and 4” wide with a pouring rim and slim neck for a comfortable hold. Each was hand thrown by a team of 9 high school students. They have been meeting every Sunday for 6 hours this spring and summer creating the pieces! These students not only perfected their pottery throwing but also learned key business skills in producing and selling their artwork.

       

IOWA STATE FAIR PLAQUE: CHICKS: $115

Watching chicks hatch in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center has become a favorite pastime for many families. The Iowa State Fair also hosts poultry shows, ladies chicken calling contests and has provided demonstrations on giving your chicken a bath.  This 7”x7” limited-edition wood plaque, created by Sticks, celebrates all “Iowa State Fair Peeps.”

Both of these pieces will be available during the 2022 Iowa State Fair in the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center. You can order ahead by mailing in the order form on our Summer Newsletter, or by calling 515-262-3111 Ext. 371. Online ordering is not available. For your convenience, your order may be shipped for an additional $10 following the Fair if you are unable to pick it up. Don’t wait! Call today to order these beautiful pieces of art!

- Kenna Smith, Donor Relations Intern

Volunteer at the Iowa State Fair!

June 20, 2022
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If you have attended the Iowa State Fair on a hot and sunny day (like many days of the Fair are), odds are pretty high that you stopped and bought a bottle of water at a water stand on the Fairgrounds. The person who sold you that bottle of water was a Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteer. The work of the Blue Ribbon Foundation is not possible without the countless volunteers that help during the Iowa State Fair.

Even if you have not bought a bottle of water on the Fairgrounds, you may have interacted with a Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteer. Volunteers also run the merchandise booths around the Fairgrounds, selling Fair-goers everything from T-shirts to mugs to charm bracelets.

We are looking for a few more volunteers to work a shift during the Fair! Each shift is 4 hours long, and will be either at a water stand or merchandise booth. These locations are spread out around the Fairgrounds, with spots everywhere from on the Grand Concourse to inside the Cattle Barn to outside Little Hands on the Farm. There are indoor positions and outdoor positions, no matter what you prefer you will be able to choose the perfect shift for you. Volunteer alone, or sign up with a friend! Many volunteers come back year after year, making many friends along the way.

In thanks for your time, you will receive complimentary parking and admission to the Fair for the day you volunteer, as well as a volunteer t-shirt you can wear during your shift. In addition, there will be a catered volunteer reception in July where you will receive your t-shirt, parking pass and admissions ticket. The reception also serves as training, so you will learn what you need to know before the Fair!

All of the sales made at these booths go directly to the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. The proceeds grow because of the gift of your time to the Fair. Without you, the Blue Ribbon Foundation would not be as successful as it is!

Spots are filling up quickly, so if you are interested in volunteering, make sure to sign up soon! You can sign up by clicking this link here. If you have any questions, reach out to Meg at (515) 262-3111 ext. 370 or Meg@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

-Laura Noehren, Business Relations Intern

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An Early Taste of Fair Food Favorites

June 17, 2022
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Recent blogs have been highlighting the amazing items featured in the live and silent auctions. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time to talk about the “food grazing” part of the 2022 Corndog Kickoff!

We have so many wonderful concessionaires that are preparing to serve you an early taste of Fair Food favorites. Don’t worry, the interns have been tasked with scanning for poisoned apples and watching for Goldilocks so she doesn’t steal the delicious food!

 

Here is sneak peak of what will be served this year:

Applishus – Sliced Carmel Apples

The Bacon Box – Bacon Balls & Creamsicles

Barksdale’s State Fair Cookies – Cookies

Beattie’s Melon Patch – Fruit Cups

Beef Promotions of Iowa – Hot Beef Sundaes

Brewer Meats – Smoked Turkey Drums

Campbell’s Concessions – Corndogs & Pineapple Whip

Carter’s Cotton Candy & Sno Cones – Cotton Candy

Crystal Clear Water – Bottled Water

Dawghouse Concessions – Pickledawgs

Hardenbrook Concessions – Grilling Services

Iowa Pork Producers Association – Pork Chop on a Stick

Jalapeno Pete’s – Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls

JR’s Southpork Ranch – Bacon S’mores on a Stick & Buffalo Sliders

Kemps – Ice Cream Sandwiches

La Cocina – Quesadillas & Street Tacos

McConnell Concessions Inc. – Root Beer Floats

Pepsi – Pop

Schuler’s Popcorn & Cotton Candy – Sno Cones

The Rib Shack – Bacon, Brisket Mac & Cheese

Turkey Time Concessions – Kettle Korn & Smoothies

 

I don’t know about you, but that just made me very hungry.

 

The Corndog Kickoff will not only feature Fair Foods. Some other Fair vendors will be in attendance too!

Buff City Soap will be back to serve free soap samples, as they have done in past years. Make sure to stop by their table and grab one for yourself.

Altoona Lions Club will feature a Spin Art activity for all attendees to enjoy. Get creative and bring out your artistic abilities with this fun and interactive display.

Storybook Adventures will create “Our Own Fairy Tale”, featuring fairytale characters to bring this event to life! Be on the lookout for the characters we all know and love. I heard that Cinderella might make an appearance!

Buy your tickets now for $100 before they increase to $125 on July 1. You can also become a patron for early access and reserve a table. We look forward to seeing you there!

  

- Kenna Smith, Donor Relations Intern

The Trip of a Lifetime!

June 15, 2022
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Looking for your next getaway? Look no further than one of our amazing Corndog Kickoff auction items. Imagine yourself lounging on the beach or swimming in a private pool, with all of your closest friends and family. This could be you, if you are the lucky winner of a stay at Castillo Del Mar!

Located in Manzanillo, Mexico on the West Coast, this 7 night stay for up to 12 guests is straight out of a dream. The private villa is a short 30 minute ride from the Manzanillo Airport, and is located in a private, gated neighborhood. You will have access to a private beach as well as a private pool (with a waterfall of course)! Additionally, you will get to enjoy meals prepared by a private gourmet chef and will have a cleaning staff, house manager and personal driver. All of your needs will be catered to during your once in a lifetime vacation opportunity.

The villa is also full of five-star amenities. With open layouts and outdoor living areas, every second of this trip is about to be the vacation of your dreams. Every room has ocean views and all rooms are complete with King or Queen sized beds, and individually controlled air conditioners. This villa is the type of accommodation you dream about. Don’t believe us? Check out the photos at the end of this post. We have a feeling they may persuade you.

No matter your definition of the perfect vacation, your personal house manager will help you schedule excursions and activities to make your dream vacation even more well, dreamy. Try out jet skiing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling or scuba diving. Maybe you and your guests will have a day full of adventure and zip line! Or, take a walk through the neighborhood to the tennis club. Or, if you are the simply pleased type, spend your days hanging out on the beach on by the pool and soaking up the sun. Manzanillo has +350 days of sun per year, so no matter when you choose to go, you’re bound to enjoy some sunshine. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you’ll be talking about this trip for years to come.

Sound like a perfect fit? Make sure to get your tickets or become a patron for the Corndog Kickoff on July 9th to have your chance to bid on this luxury prize. If you would like to learn more about becoming a patron or getting your tickets, give us a call at (515) 262-3111 ext. 371 and we will be happy to help you. We look forward to seeing everyone on July 9th for the Corndog Kickoff!

 

- Laura Noehren. Business Relations Intern

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Nominate Someone for Iowan of the Day at the 2022 Iowa State Fair!

June 13, 2022
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For 25 years, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies BBQ Food Products have honored outstanding Iowans across our state through the Iowan of the Day program. More than 250 Iowans have been celebrated with 10 individuals recognized at the Iowa State Fair each year. Now, we are seeking your help in finding and recognizing these individuals for 2022.

The Iowan of the Day program is looking for individuals who volunteer and make a difference in their communities. These individuals are hard workers, dependable, responsible, respectful, generous, humble, caring, kind, loyal and truly love their community and the state of Iowa. Volunteering is the price we pay for the space we occupy and there are thousands of programs across the state that are dedicated to supporting individuals. These programs would not be possible without the volunteers who give so much of their time.

These people help others without expecting anything in return and are hardly recognized for their efforts – not because they don’t deserve it but because they don’t need the recognition to do what needs to be done. However, the Blue Ribbon Foundation believes they do deserve celebration and what better place to be recognized than at the Iowa State Fair.

If you know someone in your community with these qualities and has a passion for helping others, nominate them for Iowan of the Day at the 2022 Iowa State Fair. Nominees must currently reside in Iowa. In your nominations, tell us about your nominee and all the amazing qualities they possess. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.

 

10 Iowans are selected to represent our state at the Iowa State Fair through the Iowan of the Day Program. Each of the winners earn a special day of recognition and will receive several prizes including:

  • An introduction on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage
  • Four Iowa State Fair Admission Tickets
  • Four Grandstand Show Tickets on their day of recognition
  • Privilege to use the Iowan of the Day golf cart on their day of recognition
  • VIP Parking
  • Accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown
  • $200

During the winners’ introduction on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage, thousands of Fairgoers will hear about the amazing contributions they have made to their community and why they are deserving of this special recognition. All nominations are due July 1, 2022.

 

Please, show us the outstanding citizens, hometown heroes, shining stars and amazing individuals in your community and nominate them today.

- Brooklin Border, Public Relations Intern

One Month Until the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction!

June 10, 2022
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The 25th annual Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party is coming up! Saturday, July 9, Fair-lovers are invited to take part in a night of auction bidding, food, and fun. There will be both a live and silent auction for attendees to participate in.

We are so grateful for all of the donations we have received so far and cannot wait to auction off these unique packages. Some exciting silent auction items we have include:

 

A Pellet Grill

Kick your taste buds into a new dimension with a Green Mountain Daniel Boone Prime Plus Wi-Fi Pellet Grill.

• The 12V direct power design provides better temp control, greater pellet fuel economy and faster startups. With a 13.5” peaked lid and 458 square inches of grill space, this workhorse can cook anything from a dozen racks of ribs to a small whole hog!

• Plus, you can control and monitor your grill from your couch or on-the-go with GMG Smart Control.

Donated by Prairie Ag Supply

 

Bo Knows

Bo Jackson is the only professional athlete in history to be named an All-Star in both baseball and football.

• If you are a Bo fan you’ll want to have this Auburn football autographed by one of their most celebrated athletes, Bo Jackson of course.

Donated by Chris Hammer

 

Let's Go Surfin' Now – Red

When the Beach Boys performed in the Grandstand last year, they wanted two surfboards as props. When they were done, they autographed them!

• This red and blue surfboard has all the Beach Boys’ signatures, including John Stamos.

 

All silent auction items will be available for viewing on the platform GiveSmart on July 7. Bidding starts at 10 a.m. July 8 and closes July 9 at 8:30 p.m. Some exciting live auction items we have include:

 

20/20 Vision

If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, LASIK surgery may offer the vision you want without the constraints of glasses or contacts.

• Wolfe Eye Clinic will perform a bilateral LASIK procedure in either their West Des Moines or Cedar Rapids clinics.

• You’ll receive your initial evaluation appointment at any Wolfe Clinic main office; pre- and post- operative medications and drops, the procedure and LASIK-related follow-up visits for one year and enhancement within two years post-op, if necessary.

Donated by Wolfe Eye Clinic

 

Prime Camping

Attending every day of the Iowa State Fair is a piece of cake when you are camped right outside the gates!

• Winnebago is providing a move in ready RV for the duration of the Fair.

• Two admission wristbands, allowing for 11 days of entry, are included as is a parking pass for your campsite. You’ll also have several tickets to ride the Sky Glider, Ye Old Mill and the Giant Slide.

• Commemorate your 2022 Iowa State Fair with an old-fashioned 8” x 10” portrait for two people. You can select a matted or poster format. Valid only at the 2022 Iowa State Fair.

• A pillow constructed using an Iowa State Fair t-shirt.

Donated by Winnebago Industries, Karen Brockelsby, Old Time Portraits and the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation

 

Boo!

Test your paranormal courage by exploring or staying overnight in several of Iowa’s most haunted places. All of these locations have had multiple documented spirit experiences!

• Bentonsport − Built in 1846 as a hotel for steamboat travelers, the Mason House Inn has served as an inn, Civil War hospital, boarding house, a tuberculosis hospital, a home, a museum and now a B & B. With this history, there are bound to be some ghosts! Enjoy a night’s stay for two on the second floor of the main house, breakfast and maybe a spirit or two. Reservations required. Expires 12/17/22. Not valid during festivals and events.

• Farrar – Ever feel like school was never-ending? Well there are a few ghosts at the old Farrar Elementary school that truly attest to that feeling. See if you can connect with one with an overnight stay at the haunted school. The stay is good for up to six people any Sunday through Thursday. Expires July 31, 2023.

• Strawberry Point – Built in 1903, enjoy an overnight stay at the historic Franklin Hotel.

• Malvern – Featured on Paranormal Lockdown, Malvern Manor has lots of visitors – living and ghostly. Enjoy a day tour of the Malvern Manor for you and 10 guests plus an overnight stay.

• Villisca – Visit one of the most infamous and haunted sites in Iowa, the Villisca Ax Murder House. Eight people were slain here in 1912 and it’s said their spirits remain. Will you see them? Six people can take an afternoon tour, Tuesday - Sunday, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. No reservations needed.

• Be ready for these ghostly adventures with three Iowa ghost hunting books, an EVP recorder and an EMF detector.

• Since you have a few overnights, a Halloween themed quilted blanket might be nice to cuddle into – or pull over your head.

• This trip will take you all over Iowa. Here’s $200 in Casey’s gift cards for gas.

Donated by the Farrar Haunted School, The Franklin Hotel, Malvern Manor, Mason House, Villisca Murder House, Gene & Danyell Klein & Casey’s

 

The live auction will take place at the event, July 9, and bidding starts at 8 p.m.

If you want your chance to win some of these amazing items, consider purchasing a ticket and attending the 25th annual Corndog Kickoff! Tickets cost $100 and will increase to $125 July 1.

 

If you are interested in participating in the silent auction, make an account on GiveSmart! GiveSmart is the platform we use for the auction and anyone can create an account with their name and card information. You will be able to see auction items and bid in real time. It is really easy to use and helps us keep track of who is bidding on what. Bidding will stop at 8:30 p.m. and you will be able to pay for your items and pick them up at the auction.

 

It's easy to join and take part in the auction fun. The Corndog Kickoff hosts over 2,000 attendees each year and has raised over $7.2 million for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. You don’t want to miss out on this event, buy your ticket today!

- Brooklin Border, Public Relations Intern

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