Creative Giving

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is dedicated to preserving Iowa State Fair traditions. Contributions to the Foundation help improve the beauty of the Fairgrounds and enable building renovations. We have unique and creative ways to make a donation, whether you want to leave a lasting legacy or be a part of this year's Fair. Gifts can take many forms and are welcome at every level.

 

Our most popular giving programs are the bricks, lamp posts, and trees. These programs have been around since the BRF started and are definitely favorites among Fair fans. I want to highlight a few of our other giving programs that are a perfect way to celebrate a State Fair memory, preserve a blue ribbon achievement or leave a personal legacy. 

 

The Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center features a donor wall inspired by the barn quilts that hang on the exterior of the building. These barn quilts represent Iowa’s heritage and strength in agriculture. For a donation to the Block by Block program, you can have your name on an individual block of the display. Also part of Jacobson is our Building for the Future program. There are granite pavers and seat plaques available for donors to display a special inscription. 

 

During the Fair, Grand Avenue becomes the busiest street on the Fairgrounds. It’s prime real estate for our Legacy Terrace giving program. Whether it is a cast-bronze plaque at the base of a tree or a granite paver – these things are sure to be noticed by all. 

 

I’d like to introduce our newest giving program: the Courtyard of Celebration. The renovation of the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center included a courtyard on the east side of the building. The courtyard was home to Art Attack during the 2014 Fair. It’s a great place to relax while your kids enjoy hands-on crafts and artistic activities. 

 

The Cultural Center’s courtyard features charcoal, concrete pavers ready for personalized engravings. With 8x8” and 8x16” pavers available – the unique design adds to the existing Cultural Center’s purpose of showcasing Iowa artists' work in fine arts, photography, creative arts and wood projects. 

 

If your favorite part of the Fair is the agricultural, art, food, entertainment, history or just the overall atmosphere of the Fair – you can support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s work to preserve and improve the Fairgrounds while leaving a personal touch.

 

My favorite part about managing the giving programs is seeing Fairgoers’ creativity with the inscriptions. There are plenty of inside jokes among families and friends that I wouldn’t mind hearing the story of what happened. First dates, favorite foods, and prize winning livestock – there are so many memories being captured across the Fairgrounds with our giving programs. From a child’s first Fair to a memorial for a 75 year camper, the Iowa State Fair is filled with things to reminiscence. The giving programs are a perfect way to preserve history and share your love for the Iowa State Fair.

 

The deadline to have a giving program in place by the 2015 Fair is March 31. Check out the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s website or email me with any questions.