2016 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 20 and 21

October 4, 2016
drewnorton's picture
Blue Ribbon Foundation staff kicked off the final weekend of the Iowa State Fair with an early morning on Saturday, August 20…4:30 am early! As we prepared for the 10th annual Fairgrounds 5K starting at 7 am – there was something unique about watching the sun rise on the Fairgrounds.  It’s quiet and calm, unlike any other time.  Despite the rain, 293 Fairgoers participated in the race. The route led runners up the hills of the campgrounds, around the iconic buildings and alongside food concessionaires - it gave participants a new perspective of the Fairgrounds. With the help of our sponsor, West Bank, volunteers and participants, the Foundation raised $19,220. 
 
On Saturday afternoon, the Foundation honored our 10th and final Iowan of the Day. Although many people may not know Rosemary Beach by name, they may be familiar with the event she started in 1976. Thanks to Rosemary, Cedar Falls has hosted the Sturgis Falls Celebration for the past 41 years where thousands of Cedar Valley residents and visitors pour into Cedar Falls every spring. Rosemary is involved in much more outside of the Sturgis Falls Celebration. She serves as the retired director of the Cedar Falls Historical Society and volunteers for the Cedar Falls Community Theatre, the Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau, the Cedar Falls Questers and the Cedar Falls Representative Citizen Committee. 
 
One special event took place on the final Sunday of the Fair – the Woodcarver’s Auction. Fairgoers watched A.J. Lutter and Gary Kennan’s masterpieces unfold four times a day during the Fair. This year the woodcarving pair sculpted 40 items including big foot, Herky, Cy and even a cobra.  As tradition, the Grand and Reserve Champion Meats including ham, bacon and dried beef are also sold during the auction. 
 
Again this year, the Blue Ribbon Foundation participated in the sculpture painting contest. Our 3rd place “Building a Blue Ribbon Future” sculpture designed by Sticks sold for $1000 during the auction.  The Woodcarver’s Auction was a complete success with proceeds totaling $38,300 for Fairgrounds renovations. To date, the auction has raised a total of $689,000.
 
Looking back at the long days the staff and interns worked during the Fair is unbelievable. I want to personally thank each of the interns for stepping up to the challenge of joining our staff. This is not your typical internship. Each intern becomes a true member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team. Each is directly responsible for making sure committed donors have a strong and lasting relationship with the Iowa State Fair. As a previous intern myself – the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s internship program is an incredible learning opportunity, hard work and so much fun! 
 
The last day of the Iowa State Fair is bittersweet. I’m exhausted after 11 straight days of working practically nonstop to make sure every aspect of the Fair is successful. I’m proud of myself and the entire Iowa State Fair team for executing an event that more than a million people attended. The Iowa State Fair is so special because it only comes once a year for a short number of days.    
 
As the 2016 Iowa State Fair becomes a memory – I look forward to August. Over the next 300 days, we’ll plan the fun, food, entertainment and with the 2017 theme “Nothing Compares to State Fair Thrills” – we won’t disappoint!
 
Fairgrounds 5K on Saturday, August 20
 
Rosemary Beach of Cedar Falls
 
Cy and Herky woodcarvings
 
Crowd for Woodcarver's Auction
 
“Building a Blue Ribbon Future” sculpture
 
 
(After each Fair - I struggle to find pictures of the full time staff. Try again next year!)
Quick selfie with Robin
 
Gina posing at a selfie station
 
Peter making annoucements at the Woodcarver's Auction with the auctioneer, Al Conover.