November Calendar

It is the first day of November and a beautiful 72 degrees outside. I love this weather!

Yesterday I was able to finish laying the engraved bricks. With inscriptions of “1^st State Fair” and “Food Family & Fun Traditions”, the engraved bricks are just one of the many ways to commemorate your love of the Iowa State Fair. There were also several “In Memory of” bricks. Families celebrate loved ones by honoring their memory on the Fairgrounds.

Engraved bricks will be placed again in the summer. Check out the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s website for a complete list of giving programs. This is the perfect was to show your love of the Iowa State Fair while supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission.  Side note: Engraved bricks would make excellent Christmas presents for any Fairgoers on your list.

This week my computer’s hard drive malfunctioned. Fortunately all of the information is saved, but I am without my computer until the problem is fixed. I’ve moved my work to a summer intern’s desk. It’s the same desk I sat at when I was an intern five years ago. Each year the internship program continues to grow and develop with each student that fills the position. I’m excited to see more applications this month.

As I look ahead to the weeks of November, the calendar is filling up. The Foundation will start making plans for our annual Holiday Party, organize our end-of-year giving efforts and have the first brainstorming session about the 2017 Corndog Kickoff. (Save the date for July 8!)

This fall, the Fan Fair program is back in action for 2017. Once again, for each $150 contribution made to the Fan Fair program, you become eligible to purchase 2 Grandstand show tickets during a special presale. I’m excited to hear who will be taking the stage in August.

In only 9 shorts days, I will take a personal vacation to Orlando. I’m excited for a change of scenery even with this gorgeous weather. At the end of the month - Peter, Gina and other State Fair staff will attend the International Association of Fairs & Expositions Convention is Las Vegas.  The Annual Convention is the largest event serving fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Convention attendees network and learn from each other and top professionals during the intensive four days of workshops, special seminars, round table discussions, and social events.

Just a reminder, the Fairgrounds are open year round to the public. Feel free to swing through the grounds to see changing leaves on the trees or current construction projects. Don’t forget to stop by our office to say hello.