Iowa State Fair History

November 18, 2014
drewnorton's picture
With the chilly temperatures upon us, I’ve spent my day thinking about the warm sunshine of next summer. I’m in the very early stages of planning the 2015 Corndog Kickoff. The Blue Ribbon Foundation staff will meet next week for our first brainstorming session for the July 11th event. Today I looked for inspiration in the Iowa State Fair History Book – Our State Fair, Iowa’s Blue Ribbon Story.
 
The book is filled with information since the Fair’s beginning in 1854. It starts with a section titled “A Grand Tradition” that highlights how the Fair started with details of the ups and downs along the way. 
 
The next section, “Chasing the Blue Ribbon”, is filled with the competitions and stories of Iowans across the state competing in their favorite contest. From beautiful babies to the ugliest cake – there was something for everyone to participate in.  
 
The section titled “What A Lineup!” shows pictures of famous stars that have performed on the Grandstand. I’m guessing it may cause a few: “Hey, I saw that band way back when they first started at the Iowa State Fair!”  
 
The heart of the Iowa State Fair is the undoubtedly the agriculture. The section of the book “The Ag-Extravaganza of Iowa” does an excellent job of summarizing the importance of what makes Iowa one-of-a-kind. 
 
There is a section of the book devoted to the “Super Structures” on the Fairgrounds. I found this section the most interesting because it involves so much of the Foundation’s work. It gives the history of the very first structure - Pioneer Hall. Today so many of the buildings have improved but also maintained the history and beauty of the original design. 
 
The final section is titled “Meet you at the Fair” and shows pictures of Fair-Goers enjoying the food and sharing personal stories of their experience. It also highlights Fair staff over the years and the State Fair Board. 
 
The Iowa State Fair is an important part of Iowa’s heritage and as the book states “it belongs to us all.” Thank you to the Fair-lovers that continue to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s work to keep the Iowa State Fairgrounds beautiful for years to come. 
 
Side Note: The History Book would make a great holiday gift and is for sale in the State Fair Store for $20. 
 
There was one short article in the book that especially caught my eye. 
 
“In 1939, actress (and redhead) Susan Hayward came to the State Fair to help judge the Queen of the Redheads contest, which lasted four days. Twenty-five women participated in the finals in front of the Grandstand. Six of them were awarded official movie screen tests; Queen Margaret Leeper of Waterloo received a free trip to Hollywood where she was Miss Hayward’s guest.”
 
As a proud redhead myself, I wouldn’t mind seeing this competition come back!