Fall Activities

October 11, 2016
drewnorton's picture
The Iowa State Fairgrounds are visited by more than a million people during 11 days in August. So what happens the other 354 days of the year?  
 
Immediately following the Iowa State Fair, the Fairgrounds hosted horse shows, a flea market, a swap meet, an RV show, 5K run, craft show, fundraisers and weddings. Each weekend in the month of October is the same. The barns and buildings across the grounds are booked. It’s amazing that because our facilities are in top notch condition, they can be utilized year round. 
 
One of my favorite fall activities is watching football. This past weekend, I went to a Minnesota Vikings football game in their new stadium in Minneapolis. The facility was incredible. It was a beautiful fall afternoon - the sun was shining and allowed natural light inside the stadium though the glass walls and roof. The structure had an industrial design, incorporated technology, and didn’t skip the “wow” factor!  I would guess the stadium will be used for more than just football games throughout the year. 
 
The Iowa State Fairgrounds have a unique situation. Not only have we added new structures but have also update historic buildings. Each building on the 445 acres plays an important role. Encapsulating Fair memories, traditions and Iowa’s agricultural heritage while also representing the growth for the future.  As the renovaton and construction project “wish list” continues to expand – we are thankful for our donors that support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission.  
 
This fall, the Blue Ribbon Foundation staff continues to create notes about the positives of the 2016 Fair and ways to improve for 2017. The fall newsletter with updates will be mailed next week. The online State Fair Store has been updated with leftover merchandise from August. One popular item this fall has been the quarter zip shirts. The long sleeve shirt is gray and black with "Iowa State Fair" embroidered in the left chest. The ladies fit is accented with pink and the men’s is accented with neon green. 
 
Over the next few weeks, I will promote our internship program for the spring and summer. You can help us spread the word to area college students that love the Fair and want to be part of the fundraising action. Soon we’ll start planning for our annual holiday party, membership program renewals and end of year giving.
 
With 300 days until the next Iowa State Fair - the Foundation won’t have trouble staying busy! 
 
The calendar of events of the Iowa State Fairgrounds for the month of October. 
 
Leaves are starting to change color across the Fairgrounds. 
 
The Vikings new stadium. 
 
 
Men's Quarter Zip Shirt
Ladies Quarter Zip Shirt