Looking for a fun, interactive way to get involved in the Iowa State Fair? Become a volunteer! Our volunteers are a vital part of keeping the Foundation's operations running smoothly at the Fair. By utilizing volunteers, merchandise and water sales are more profitable, which allows the Foundation to dedicate more funds toward the Fairground's renovation projects rather than to expenses. Whether it's a family tradition or your first time at the Fair, your helpful smile and dedication are key to our success.
The volunteer portal is now open for the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Click here to sign up. This website will take you through the sign-up process by entering your contact information and selecting a volunteer time slot.
There are many different opportunities such as selling bottled water, working BINGO, and selling merchandise. Once you have finished the sign-up process by selecting your shifts and signing the waiver, you will receive a confirmation email.
Can't make it to the Fair this year? Don't worry there are other volunteer opportunities that are just as important! We need a few more volunteers to help monitor the silent auction at our annual Corndog Kickoff, on Saturday, July 12th. Below is a description of duties:
Silent Auction Supervisor and Checkout (5:30 pm – 10 pm)
- WHILE TABLES ARE OPEN
- Watch over the Silent Auction packages and direct guests.
- Make sure auction items stay with the correct packages.
- Interact with bidders, encourage bidding and explain package details based on the information provided.
- ONCE TABLES CLOSE AT 8:30 PM
- Grab the ropes and stands from under the tables and set up a roped-in space around all four sides of the table.
- Direct guests to get in line so the process remains orderly and help them find packages they won by confirming each purchase on cell phone or printed receipts.
- Notes on the receipt will indicate which packages have items or boxes underneath the table. If you need more, extras will be available to use.
- Don’t give the jewelry stands or easels used to display the items to the winning bidders.
- Instruct buyers to show their digital or printed receipts to volunteers at the exits when they leave.
- When it appears that most guests have retrieved their packages, please move all remaining packages to a central location – closest to the large south bay door.
- Contact Meg or Robin with special needs/requests.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Foundation's largest fundraising event of the year, please contact Meg Courter at Meg@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or 515-262-3111 Ext. 370.
Volunteering with the Blue Ribbon Foundation is a FUN experience! (Which is why we have dozens of past volunteers returning year after year.) Please join us and play a crucial role in advancing our mission.
-Maya Bruening, Sponsor Relations Intern
