Time Flies When You're Havin' Fun
June 2, 2016
The saying “time flies when you’re having fun” definitely has a meaning this summer. When working on my projects at the Foundation, I tell myself I have plenty of time, but in reality the summer is going by quickly. We are down to 36 days until the Corndog Kickoff and 69 days until the great Iowa State Fair. It seems like yesterday I was walking in the front doors of our earth home office and we had 95 days until the Fair. Although I have gotten a number of things done since I’ve been here, it puts in perspective just how fast days can go by when you are working toward a great summer filled with awesome events.
Since 1997, the Foundation has been holding the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party. This is a fun-filled pre-Fair celebration that offers a live and silent auction, Fair food favorites, Sky Glider rides, and fireworks. This is the largest fundraiser that the Blue Ribbon Foundation hosts and since 1997 has helped raise over $4.4 million to put towards renovations of the beloved Iowa State Fairgrounds. In 2005 I got the opportunity to attend this great event and I can tell you I am thrilled to be a member of the team that makes it all possible. We have over 230 silent auction and almost 30 live auction packages this year for the 20th annual celebration. All hands are on deck this week at the office proofing materials and putting final pieces together for the event.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the door the night of the event. Until June 30th tickets are $75 each and after that they bump up to $100. You will not want to miss this unique opportunity to share in our “Locally Grown” traditions before the fair starts.
Speaking of upcoming events on the Fairgrounds, the Iowa Pork Producers and National Pork Board have been working hard to prepare for the World Pork Expo which starts next week. Be sure to swing by and check out this incredible event filled with thousands of people, great food and top-of-the-line hogs.
(Early days of the Corndog Kickoff held in Pioneer Hall)
-Francesca