Fairgrounds in the Fall

With the 2018 Iowa State Fair a month behind us, it’s time to take a break. Just kidding!

Over the last month, staff have worked to clean up the Fairgrounds, tally results and share all of the wonderful moments captured at the 2018 Iowa State Fair. Departments will continue to meet this fall to discuss what worked well and what needs improved moving forward. Construction projects have already started and the 2019 Fair planning is underway.

The Fairgrounds are much quieter right now compared to August but there is always something happening inside the gates. The Fairgrounds will host the Quilt Show, Horse Shows, Flea Market and a Book Sale in the upcoming weeks. Have you ever considered renting a Fairgrounds' building for your next event?  Or maybe you'll plan to attend the Craft Show, Pet Expo or Cheerleading Championships. It's a busy place.

Earlier this month, the Blue Ribbon Foundation updated the online State Fair Store. The shopping experience is more user friendly and easier to navigate. Take a look to see if you missed any merchandise items during the Fair. Staff have been shipping Iowa State Fair souvenirs across the country. Merchandise can also be purchased at our office on the Fairgrounds. We are located in the Earth Home – up the hill, under the wind turbine, across from the Fun Forest. Our office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

What else has been happening this fall? Engraved bricks have been ordered and will be placed in the next month. Watch your mailboxes for the fall Newsletter in the next couple weeks. It will include a recap of the successful summer, feature special holiday merchandise, and highlight donations for future Fairgrounds improvement projects.

The fall is a great time to reflect on the chaos of summer. A lot of thank you cards have been written since the Fair ended. Thank you to the 500+ volunteers that donated their time during the Fair to sell merchandise, bottled water and Fair Squares. Thank you to the summer interns that joined our staff. We appreciated your help making the Fair a success. (College students: consider joining us next summer!) A very special thank you to the first time donors and longtime supporters for continuing to the help the Blue Ribbon Foundation improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

A few 2018 Iowa State Fair photos:

Savannah Keitzer, 2018 Donor Relations Intern, and Robin Taylor, BRF Assistant Director, took the golf cart to the Youth Inn and enjoyed an early morning breakfast.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation hosted a Bingo fundraiser along Grand Avenue. 

Peter Cownie, BRF Executive Director, promoted the Fair Squares on KCCI. 

Macy Evans, 2018 Public Relations Intern, showcased this fancy throne during the Woodcarver's Auction. 

This family purchased matching Iowa State Fair t-shirts. What a fun tradition!

There was a full Painting Class on the 3rd floor of the Cultural Center. It was the third year for this fundraiser.

Julianna Curtis, 2018 Volunteer Relations Intern, stopped for a quick picture with volunteers working in the State Fair Store. 

Blue Ribbon Foundation Staff: Meg Courter- Sponsorship Director, Drew Norton - Communications Manager and Robin Taylor - Assistant Director