2016 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 18 and 19

As the Iowa State Fair continued into the final weekend, the Blue Ribbon Foundation rolled through Thursday and Friday with our daily activities and some exciting additions.

On the second Thursday, the Blue Ribbon Foundation hosted Legislative Appreciation Day. It’s a day for our state’s senators and representatives to enjoy the sights of the Fair and our chance to thank each of them for the continued support. Following lunch, the Legislators took a tour of the Fairgrounds to see the renovations and progress the Foundation is making to preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation was proud to honor two outstanding individuals on Thursday and Friday. With an award presentation on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, the crowds gathered to watch the talent show were also able to learn about special Iowans and the Foundation’s work.

Willard Larsen of Camanche was a history teacher and athletic coach for 33 years. He is a member of the Camanche High School Hall of Fame committee and active in his church. Willard is a Master Gardener, serves on the Master Gardener’s advisory board, co-chairman of three gardening events and chairs the Clinton County Fair Vegetable Contest. Willard educates area youth about horticulture through programs like Enviro Kids and Plant Partners.

In 1950, Bob Clark of West Des Moines became the chapter president of the Des Moines Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) and nine years later became the national president. Since then, Bob has volunteered with the American Heart Association for 48 years and served executive roles for the Principal Charity Classic, United Way and the Drake Relays. Even at 90 years old, Bob continues to volunteer and encourages those around him to do the same.

One of my favorite things to see on the second Friday of the Fair is the Clydesdale and Percheron Horse Shows. I’m still amazed at the size of these animals. It’s awesome to hear the click clock of hooves on the pavement outside of the horse barn and watch the 6 horse hitch competitors prepare. Each day of the Fair, a popular place to watch the horse shows is in Jake’s Club, the second floor VIP area of the Jacobson Exhibition Center.

The Club features a full bar as well as a variety of food options. Balcony box seating is available in addition to comfortable couches. I’m sure the 75 current members would agree that Jake’s Club is a prime location to bring guests and entertain clients. The Iowa State Fair paid tribute to Richard Jacobson inside the atrium of the Exhibition Center with a beautiful display of Mr. Jacobson’s memorabilia and a showcase of his philanthropic life.

On the second Thursday and Friday of the Fair, sales at the Fair Square trailer were booming! This year, in addition to the original and peanut butter, a new flavor – salted caramel was added to the mix. These tasty treats are sold for $2.50 and as a fundraiser generated $36,000 for the Foundation. A special thank you to our volunteers for sticking/serving each dessert on a stick and to the Fairgoers for eating them up!

Stay tuned for more 2016 Iowa State Fair highlights.  

Peter annoucing the names of Legislators

Willard Larsen of Camanche 

Bob Clark of West Des Moines 

Fair Square volunteers

Fair Square Trailer

Memorial for Richard Jacobson