Winter Blues

January 23, 2015
drewnorton's picture
By Drew Sniezek
The cold temperature and lack of sunshine can put a damper on anyone’s day. Even the Blue Ribbon Foundation office can suffer from those winter blues every once in a while. 
 
I put together a quick list - "5 Ways to Beat those Winter Blues: Iowa State Fair Style".
 
1. Take a cruise around the Fairgrounds. The gates are open to the public throughout the year and it’s a perfect opportunity to check out construction projects. The new MidAmerican Energy stage is coming along nicely. Crews are currently constructing the new restrooms. Renovations are continuing with the Youth Inn. Plans for more spring/summer projects are being finalized. 
 
2. Turn up the music. Tickets are on sale now for the upcoming Hairball concert in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center on Friday, January 30. Spend a night on the Fairgrounds with friends enjoying all your favorite hits from the 80s. It’s also a good time of year to start planning your State Fair concert schedule. Take advantage of the Foundation’s Fan Fair program. For a $150 donation, you can purchase two Grandstand concert tickets during a special presale. 
 
3. Get a jump start on your taxes. This year, all it takes is one little checkmark on your state tax form to help the Foundation continue to renovate and preserve the Fairgrounds’ beloved structures. The Corndog Checkoff has raised nearly $1.7 million, and has supplemented restoration projects from the Agricultural Building to Ye Old Mill. 
 
4. Make your own blue ribbon winning recipe! The Iowa State Fair Cookbook is filled with prize winning food from the 2012 and 2013 Fairs. Try a classic family favorite or new tasty treat from one of the Fair’s 226 food divisions and 883 classes. The recipes in the cookbook are the first place winners out of nearly 700 exhibitors and more than 9,800 entries.  Get your own copy of the 17th Edition Cookbook in the State Fair Store. 
 
5. Start the countdown. Only 201 days until the Iowa State Fair and (maybe even better) only 170 days until the Corndog Kickoff. Now is the time to think about attending the event, being a Kickoff Patron, or donating to the auction. If you are interested in volunteering on the Advisory or Auction committees, email me for more details. 
 
I hope this helps you get through the next few months. The Foundation is beating those winter blues by staying busy preparing for the summer.  We will be ready and hope you are too!