Volunteer at the Iowa State Fair

Our many behind-the-scenes volunteers and their helpful smiles are what keep the Foundation’s tasks running smoothly at the Iowa State Fair. Each year, more than 650 Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteers donate their time and energy by helping sell merchandise and bottled water at the Foundation's many stands. Volunteers spent 5,254 hours volunteering at the 2024 Iowa State 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. The 2025 Iowa State Fair will take place from August 7-17. 

WHAT WE ASK

  • Responsibility options include:
    • Selling merchandise
    • Selling bottled water
    • Working the BINGO tent
    • Hospitality Tasks
  • All volunteers work 4 or 5 hour shifts.
  • Share your Iowa State Fair enthusiasm with Fairgoers.
  • Answer general questions about the Foundation's many fundraising programs.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE

  • One complimentary admission ticket per person for each day they work.
  • One complimentary parking pass (per person or per couple/pair working together) for each day they work.
  • Official Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteer T-shirt. 
  • A FUN experience!
  • Our gratitude!

Volunteers must be 16 years of age to volunteer individually or 12 years of age to volunteer with a parent or other adult. We ask that volunteers working merchandise sign up for a minimum of two shifts.

2025 Iowa State Fair Volunteer Sign Up Opens on Tuesday, May 20 

Please contact Meg Courter with any questions.

Meg Courter, Development Manager 
515-262-3111, ext. 370 
Meg@BlueRibbonFoundation.org

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Stay informed on Volunteer Opportunities: email or call Meg and ask to be placed on the Volunteer Interest list. You can review recent issues of the Foundation's volunteer-focused enewsletter, THE BUZZ, at the links shown below.

September 2024 THE BUZZ
January 2025 THE BUZZ