Holiday Gift Ideas

Are you making a list and checking it twice? The Blue Ribbon Foundation has unique and creative ways to give the person on your Christmas list the perfect gift. Whether you want an Iowa State Fair keepsake or to leave a lasting legacy, there are several ways to support the Foundation’s goal of raising funds to improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

State Fair Store: The Blue Ribbon Foundation manages the merchandise sold in the State Fair Store. Apparel, books, charms, collectibles, hats, and all sorts of fun Iowa State Fair souvenirs. The Foundation is now selling three different Holiday Gift Packages.

• #1 Holiday Gift Package - $20: This is for the State Fair foodie; this package includes a 2020 Barksdale's State Fair Chocolate Chip Cookie ornament and matching socks.
• #2 Holiday Gift Package - $27: This package is for the youngest Iowa State Fair fan in your family including the new Fairfield and Friends Ribbon Quest children's book and a Butter Cow stuffed animal.
• #3 Holiday Gift Package - $35: With an Iowa State Fair puzzle, Butter Cow socks and the brand new Butter Cow stocking hat - this gift will make any avid Fairgoer smile.

Each of these special merchandise packages includes $3 in savings. You can create your own holiday gift package by ordering some of the other fun Iowa State Fair souvenirs in the online State Fair Store.

Giving Programs: What about the person on your list that has everything? The Foundation’s various giving programs are the perfect way for the Fair lover in your life to have their name on a piece of the Fairgrounds. Check out the different options:

• Block by Block – Individual donor wall plaques create a quilt inside the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center to match the building’s exterior quilt blocks representing counties across Iowa.
• Building for the Future – A granite paver or engraved seat plaque at the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center.
• Buy a Brick – The most popular giving program, personalized engraved bricks placed in 15 different locations on the Fairgrounds.
• Courtyard of Celebration – Located on the east side of the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center, these pavers celebrate all things artistic on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
• Growing Our Future – Individual donor plaques add a beautiful display in the heart of the Fairgrounds along Ruan Plaza.
• Legacy Terrace – Tree plaques and granite pavers commemorate State Fair fans outside the Grandstand.
• Shine On – Add a plaque to the base of a lamp post. There are several new lamp posts along Jacobson Plaza.
• Spirit of Generosity –More like a piece of art, the panel is a representation of Iowa, demonstrating how independent pieces come together to create our great state and its Fair. Give a donation to recognize the 4-H’er in your Fair family.
• Trees for the Fair – With a personalized nameplate on a plaque in the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center or a plaque at the base of a tree, the inscription possibilities are endless.

When you donate to one or more of Blue Ribbon Foundation’s giving programs, you are investing in the success of the Iowa State Fair, Iowa’s most celebrated tradition.

Thank you and happy shopping!