Spring Newsletter: 1997, 2007 and 2017

As the spring newsletter hits mailboxes, here is a brief flashback to what the Blue Ribbon Foundation was doing 10 and 20 years ago.

The 1997 spring newsletter announced the beginning of an amazing relationship. William Knapp gave his first donation to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, a $1 million gift to renovate the Varied Industries Building. Knapp wanted to give back in a way that the entire state of Iowa could benefit. “His gesture is invaluable and precious in the context in which it is given – a spirit of genuine appreciate for his state and her people,” said John Putney, Executive Director at the time of the donation.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation also received a $470,000 gift from the Penningroth Family from their willed estate. In the spring of 1997, construction projects included updates on the east side of the Horse Barn, Grandstand seating area and the interior of the Administration Building.

The first Corndog Kickoff was promoted for a Friday night in Pioneer Hall. The top item in the auction: the privilege of being first in line at the Iowa Pork Producers Tent! The 1997 donor profile highlighted Joyce Lock and Dee Witmack as co-chairs for the Corndog Kickoff. Readers got a sneak peek of the new campgrounds lapel pin and the pie dish pottery piece.

Jennifer Cannon, the Sponsorship Director at the time, wrote the editorial in the 2007 spring newsletter. She wrote about her personal experience with livestock. She went from living in an apartment in the city to a farm in the country. With the 2007 construction of the Animal Learning Center, kids from across the state would have the opportunity to experience the birth of baby animals and have a taste of living on a farm.

The State Fair museum was in the process of being updated with a new basement, an addition, new roof and windows. The building continues to hold Fair artifacts and memorabilia. Four interns were announced to join the staff in the summer months. The 2007 donor profile featured Barksdale’s Concessions. Joe Barksdale was the creator of the warm chocolate chip cookies in a cup. Equally important, Barksdale’s was a loyal contributor to the Foundation and still is today.

In the 2017 spring newsletter, Robin reflects on the Foundation’s 25 years of improvements across the Fairgrounds. Included is information about volunteering for the Corndog Kickoff and the Iowa State Fair. And as in previous years, we are excited to welcome summer interns to our team.

Donation opportunities include becoming a Corndog Kickoff patron, donating an auction item or participating in the Principal Charity Classic’s Birdies for Charity program. There is a update of current projects underway – the midway, west plaza expansion, east 33^rd street, stalling barn… the list goes on and on.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is successful because of its supporters – the donors, volunteers, and the Iowans that love the State Fair.  This 2017 spring newsletter highlights some of those people - Governor Branstad, the Iowan of the Day program and the donor profile: the Bohling family.

Check out the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s spring newsletter. You can also join our E-News mailing list to get the inside scoop on Blue Ribbon Foundation activities delivered right to your inbox every month.