Piecing it Together

There are a lot of different pieces that make up the Fair. Departments, staff, volunteers, exhibitors and attendees are all people who help piece together the Fair each year. As Fair time approaches (only 14 days now!) there are thousands of pieces that need to be put in place to make sure we’re ready on opening day.

Without a doubt, each day gets busier as we get closer to the Fair. The Corndog Kickoff was held just two and a half weeks ago and after we wrap up a few days following the event, it’s high speed into Fair mode. Everyone in the office has a mile long to-do list, myself included. One of my current projects: getting all of the giving programs in place, including bricks, pavers, benches, trees, and lamp posts!

One of the new giving programs this year is the donor wall, or Block by Block, in the new Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. All of the individual plaques are ordered and we are excited to see them installed in the form of barn quilts very soon!

I drove past the Jacobson Center today and took a couple of photos of the barn quilt designs being displayed on the exterior of the building. Crews are piecing it together block by block to make this amazing facility even more beautiful with the help of each of Iowa’s counties.  KCCI did a small story on the quilt block installation yesterday-click here to see the video footage.   

We are very excited to be debuting this exceptional new facility at this year’s Fair. We invite to you join us for opening ceremonies and the ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 12th at 9:30 a.m. at the Jacobson Center. While you’re there, be sure to check out your county’s quilt block on the outside of the building!

See you in two weeks for Non Stop Fun at the Iowa State Fair!