Fall Newsletter: 1996, 2006 and 2016

The Blue Ribbon Foundation recently published its fall newsletter. It highlights the 2016 Iowa State Fair including the social painting class, Iowan of the Day winners, Fairgrounds 5K results and a thank you to our volunteers. The issue recaps the Corndog Kickoff, promotes upcoming internship opportunities and focuses on future renovation projects with Pioneer Hall and the Midway. In the donor profile section, West Bank is featured for their support. Also included is a shopping section with special State Fair merchandise for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure to read this newsletter and the other quarterly editions on our website. 

 

I get excited each time a newsletter is printed because it emphasizes the Foundation’s mission and our progress of preserving the Fairgrounds for future generations. I believe it is important to know where you have been in order to continue to grow for the future.  I decided to pull out the fall newsletters from 10 and 20 years ago to see what the Blue Ribbon Foundation was working on. 

 

The 2006 newsletter highlighted the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s relationship with Bill McNarney. Bill gave the Foundation its very first gift by volunteering his time to draw 15 of the Fairgrounds buildings. The Foundation used those images on note cards, post cards and sold prints. Bill passed away after the 2006 Iowa State Fair but left a wonderful legacy with the McNarney Prints. 

 

Ten years ago the Blue Ribbon Foundation celebrated the new Susan Knapp Amphitheater and groundbreaking for the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. Iowa businessman and philanthropist Bill Knapp continues to be a supporter of the Foundation. 

 

Fairgoers could order a copy of the 13th edition Iowa State Fair cookbook. (We are now selling our 18th edition!) Morris Grabau was featured in the donor profile. Today, Morris is still a member of the 1854 Society and continues to volunteer. 

 

The 1996 Iowa State Fair was filled with Blue Ribbon Foundation success. That year’s fall newsletter highlighted the christening of the renovated Ye Old Mill and the expanded Anne and Bill Riley stage. The Pella Plaza was created and the re-opening of the Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. 

 

William and Betty Andrus were showcased in the donor profile. A donation of $109,000 was given by the Iowa Bankers Association for improvements to the 4-H Building. Popular merchandise items 20 years ago included the Ye Old Mill lapel pin, a carousel ornament, t-shirts and hats. (How many people have a complete lapel pin collection?)

 

1996: 102 volunteers helped generate $31,500 during the Iowa State Fair. 

2006: 480 volunteers and $352,000 was raised in water and merchandise sales. 

2016: 600 volunteers and $736,000 was raised with merchandise, water and Fair Square sales.

 

Many things have changed in the last 20 years. New merchandise, new projects, new staff…the list could go on and on. One thing has remained the same - our dedicated volunteers and loyal donors. As the Blue Ribbon Foundation continues to grow over the next 20 years – we thank you for the continued support!