2016 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 13 and August 14
September 13, 2016
The first Saturday and Sunday of the Iowa State Fair are huge attendance days with more than 211,000 people coming to the Fairgrounds. The Blue Ribbon Foundation prides itself on providing the very best customer service to the guests that are interacting with our merchandise, water and Fair Square booths.
Who is on the front-line representing the Foundation? Our one-of-a-kind volunteers. This year, our volunteers wore bright purple “Keep Calm, You’re at the Iowa State Fair” t-shirts. You could easily spot our helpers through the crowds, each with a smile on their face. These 600 dedicated Fairgoers gave more than 5,500 hours of their time to help with our mission to raise funds for future renovations.
Spread across the Fairgrounds we had volunteers selling merchandise and staffing water booths. The sweetest volunteer spot was definitely the Fair Square trailer, sticking the tasty rice krispy treats onto sticks. We can't forget the volunteers driving the 1854 Society golf cart shuttle or helping with the Fairgrounds 5K.
Our volunteers are not only helpful to customers but also knowledgeable about the Blue Ribbon Foundation. They share information on what improvements have been made and what projects will be next. I’ve even seen volunteers help donors find their engraved bricks. Volunteers are truly part of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team. More information about volunteer opportunities for the 2017 Iowa State Fair will be available in May.
The Foundation was pleased to honor Iowan of the Day winners Cheryl Wessels of Anita and Steve Smith of Algona. Cheryl is most noted in her community for making 3,000 dresses for the “Little Dresses for Africa” program. She continues to recruit the help of other communities to give to this organization that brings relief to distressed children in Africa. Steve Smtih is a member of the American Legion, Friends of the American Legion, Patriot Guard and the Civil Air Patrol and volunteers with “Hunting with Heroes,” a program that helps disabled veterans learn to hunt again.
On the first Sunday of the Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation hosted a brunch for our 1854 Society members. This set of donors absolutely loves the Iowa State Fair! Each supporter believes in the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s work and gives annually to help us continue to move forward.
The 1854 Society was created in commemoration of the Iowa State Fair sesquicentennial. Funds raised by the 1854 Society helped renovate the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex and donations continue to provide archival quality storage needed for proper preservation of the museum’s historic pieces.
With a $1,854 initial membership fee to join this exclusive fundraising group, you receive elite benefits including an engraved granite paver at the Museum, gate admission for 2 each day of the Fair, VIP parking, access to a Hospitality Suite, exclusive golf cart shuttle access, and more.
Throughout the Fair, I wish I had more time to chat with individual volunteers and donors. I love hearing their personal stories, memories, and why they are passionate about the Iowa State Fair. This bond Iowan’s share is more than just an event in August - it’s a treasured tradition that every Iowan can be proud of.
Stay tuned for more 2016 Iowa State Fair highlights.
Volunteers selling merchandise at a trailer on Grand Avenue.
Volunteers selling water in front of the Service Center.
Peter Cownie, Foundation Executive Director, and Audra Kincart, Summer Intern, honoring Cheryl Wessels of Anita.
Blue Ribbon Foundation staff, an Iowa State Fair Board Member, and friends celebrating Steve Smith of Algona.
1854 Society Brunch at the Farm Bureau Shelter House.