2016 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 11 and 12

September 7, 2016
drewnorton's picture

The first day of the Fair is filled with mixed emotions – excitement, nervousness, and your adrenalin is pumping as a staff member.

We kicked off the day with Opening Ceremonies held in the updated Oman Family Youth Inn. This three phase/three year renovation project included a replaced roof, air conditioning, remolded bathrooms and new mattress for the bunk beds.  New entrances with extended walkways were added, updated fire alarm systems were installed and the building is now fully handicap accessible because of the elevators. 

To finish the project the windows were replaced, improvements were made to the main floor stage area and an enhanced kitchen facility was added. New landscaping and a paved parking lot completed the north side of the building.

In addition to the generous gift from the Oman family, the Iowa Legislature appropriated a total of $3.15 million to this renovation. The Blue Ribbon Foundation also received a $25,000 grant from Prairie Meadows through its Community Betterment Grant Program. It takes support from the entire state to keep buildings like the Youth Inn available for future FFA and 4-H’ers.

During the first day, we honored Iowan of the Day, Randy Duncan. Randy is a Des Moines native who attended the University of Iowa on a football scholarship. Randy led the Hawkeyes to a Rose Bowl victory in 1959 against California, was placed second for the Heisman trophy and broke a school record formerly held by Nile Kinnick.  Described as humble, Randy raised a family and practiced as a lawyer in Des Moines. In 2012, Randy was diagnosed with brain cancer with less than a year to survive. Four years later, Randy is still fighting and serving as an inspiration for others.

To cap off the first day of the Fair, crowds gathered at the MidAmerican Energy Stage for “Symphony on a Stick”, a performance by the Des Moines Symphony.

On Friday of the Iowa State Fair our merchandise booths were hopping! The Blue Ribbon Foundation sold t-shirts, hats, and official State Fair collectibles as a fundraiser.  Each year Fairgoers collect the Christmas ornament, pottery piece and State Fair plaque. The 18th Edition Cookbook was for sale this year and I wonder how many cookbook enthusiasts have the entire collection. Check out the online State Fair Store for leftover merchandise available for sale. Although we don’t have an official store throughout the year, you can purchase merchandise at our office on the Fairgrounds.

For me, the first two days of the Iowa State Fair are the longest days yet go by the fastest. Despite the rain, hot and humid weather - the Fairgrounds were full of people. My first food item was a crescenti sandwich – one of my favorites. As I developed my routine for the 11 day event, most of the time I was on the move.

Stay tuned for more 2016 Iowa State Fair highlights.  

 

Opening Ceremonies at the Youth Inn.

Randy Duncan's family and friends honoring him as Iowan of the Day.

Crowd watching the "Symphony on a Stick" performance. 

Fairgoers shopping for merchandise.