Welcome to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s blog!
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to raise funds for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Since our inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $200 million through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.
Please follow our blog to learn more about our organization.
The year 2020 might be remembered as one of the most chaotic and heartbreaking. People, businesses and special events, like the Iowa State Fair, all suffered. In all honesty, it was the worst year many of us have ever experienced.
However, in trying to keep a positive attitude – the Blue Ribbon Foundation did have a few things to celebrate this year.
Online Benefit Auction: When we realized we wouldn’t be able to gather at the normal Corndog Kickoff, the Blue Ribbon Foundation created the first (and hopefully last) "No Fair - I Do Care!" Benefit Auction.
Donors rallied behind the Foundation by donating exciting auction packages that displayed talents and highlighted many businesses. Supporters embraced the new technology and did their bidding online. The auction generation $65,560 for Fairgrounds renovations. Whether you won a package or not, your participation and support made a difference. Thank you.
“Big Challenges, Bigger Vision” Fundraising Campaign: It’s easy to get overwhelmed looking at the Iowa State Fair’s To-Do List. There are constant improvements that need to be done to keep the grounds functioning. Maintaining the buildings, barns and streets within the 445 acres is a challenge.
With this unique fundraising campaign, the Blue Ribbon Foundation took time to reflect on our mission, goals and vision for the future. Donors joined us in raising more than $50,000 for needed projects to keep the Fairgrounds moving in the right direction. Thank you.
Iowa State Fair Souvenirs: When you can’t visit the Iowa State Fair, bring the Fair home to you. And that’s just what donors did! I can imagine Fair families, staying home, putting together the Iowa State Fair puzzle or playing the State Fair game. All while wearing their matching chocolate chip cookie socks and Butter Cow Stocking Hats.
Shipping thousands of packages across the country kept staff busy this summer and holiday season. We enjoyed the challenge of turning our office into a mini Amazon warehouse. All while knowing we were putting smiles on faces - the kind of smiles only the Iowa State Fair can create.
So what is the Blue Ribbon Foundation most thankful for in 2020? Hands down - our donors!
The Foundation was flooded with support throughout the year. In addition to monetary contributions, donors reached out to share their favorite Iowa State Fair memories. With the disappointment of the cancelation, also came excitement about the future. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.
Soon we will be able to look back, reflect on what we learned in 2020 and be thankful for the years to come. Thank you for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation and believing in our mission to keep the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds a special place for today’s Fair lover and the next generation. Happy New Year!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation sells the official Iowa State Fair souvenirs as a fundraiser for our organization. In a normal year, we would set up six stands across the Fairgrounds and provide Fairgoers with t-shirts, hats, and all sorts of merchandise to commemorate their visit to the event.
True Iowa State Fair fans take pride in their State Fair collectibles and the Foundation knew they wouldn’t want a year missing in the collection. With 2020 charms, lapel pins, ornaments, and all sorts of goodies – Iowans purchased items in the online State Fair Store.
Most of the summer and this holiday season, I’ve felt like an Amazon worker. I developed quite the system for downloading orders, gathering merchandise, boxing and creating shipping labels. (A big shout-out to ISF employee, Kenny, for making countless trips to the post office to deliver packages!)
I’d say Iowans are our main customers but these packages are not just staying within the state. In 2020, I have shipped merchandise to 38 states across the country!
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, and Wisconsin
WOW! If we didn’t need proof before…the Iowa State Fair is truly loved by so many. I wonder how many of these supporters are original Iowans that have moved or outsiders that love our event so much they could not go without their annual souvenir.
Thank you for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation with your purchases through the online State Fair Store. Staff are already working on fun and creative merchandise for 2021. Enjoy your little piece of the Iowa State Fair throughout the year – we’ll see you in August!
Let's not forget the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair is a great celebration, a salute to the state’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement.
It is the true heartbeat of the Midwest, unequaled and unduplicated. (Just in case we needed a reminder.)
Over the past 160 years the Iowa State Fair has grown, reflecting the development and growth of our great state. What will the next 160 years hold?
You can help determine these future developments by supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission to improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Work is still needed on many buildings as we look forward to what the future will bring.
Join the Blue Ribbon Foundation's "Big Challenges - Bigger Vision" Fundraising Campaign. This growing base of donors leads our charge to renovate and preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. A gift of $25, $50, or $100 will secure Iowa State Fair family traditions for the next generation. Donate Today.
Thank you!
Help the Blue Ribbon Foundation keep the stories of past Fair-lovers alive and ready for a grand future by participating in our “Big Challenges– Bigger Vision” fundraising campaign. Join your Fair story with ours in support of the Foundation’s mission to renovate and repair the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
All contributions are valuable and make an impact! Look at what 27 years of support has done already! Donations have helped with small projects like repairing sidewalks, adding air-conditioning or replacing a broken light fixture. These same donations have also helped support large-scale renovations and construction of new buildings such as the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and the newly renovated Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building.
2020 Renovations:
Upcoming Projects:
Thank you to the following donors that are taking on the challenge and sharing our vision for the future! The Blue Ribbon Foundation will continue the “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” fundraising campaign through the end of 2020. Please consider joining our mission. Donate Today - Thank you!
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.
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:
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!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking forward and making plans for 2021. With ideas in motion for next summer's Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Iowa State Fair, we are going to need help! In addition to our full time staff and volunteers – we would like interns to join our team.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation will offer its internship program for college students. These internships provide a hands-on opportunity to apply organizational, administrative and creative skills while obtaining significant experience in business, communication, marketing, event planning and sponsorship management.
This is not your typical internship. Each intern will be a true member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team, working directly with staff, coordinating select projects, and making sure committed donors have a strong and lasting relationship with the Iowa State Fair.
The four internship positions are outlined below.
If you know a hard-working, motivated college student who loves the Fair, make sure they are aware of the Foundation’s internship opportunities for 2021. The deadline to apply is November 30.
Do you recognize any of our previous interns?
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is now selling three different Holiday Gift Packages, perfect for the Iowa State Fair lover in your life.
#1 Holiday Gift Package - $20: This is for the State Fair foodie; this package includes a 2020 Barksdale 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. It includes 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.
Merchandise purchased in the State Fair Store goes directly toward the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission of renovating and preserving the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Thank you.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation sure missed the Butter Cow this summer. Yes, we celebrated our favorite Iowa State Fair icon with the adorable stuffed Butter Cow, funny Butter Cow Security Hat and cozy Butter Cow socks but this famous part of the Fair has a unique history. How much do you know about the Iowa State Fair Butter Cow?
In 1911, J.K. Daniels sculpted the Fair's first butter cow and was succeeded by J.E. Wallace of Florida. In 1957, Earl Frank Dutt of Illinois took over the sculpting duties. Norma “Duffy” Lyon of Toledo, Iowa, began sculpting in 1960, becoming the first woman to sculpt the Fair's butter beauties. In 2006, after 15 years of apprenticing with Duffy, Sarah Pratt of West Des Moines became the Fair's fifth butter sculptor. Only five people have had the job in more than 100 years, now that’s impressive!
The world-famous Butter Cow is located in the Agriculture Building. It starts with a wood, metal, wire and steel mesh frame and about 600 lbs. of low moisture, pure cream Iowa butter. Once inside the 40-degree cooler, layers of butter are applied until a life-size butter cow emerges - measuring about 5-1/2-ft high and 8-ft long. Each year, much of the butter is recycled and can be reused for up to 10 years. (I have personally smelled inside the cooler and it has a “unique” odor.)
In addition to the Butter Cow, a companion sculpture also graces the Agriculture Building coolers.
Companion Sculptures by Year:
When you order official Iowa State Fair merchandise in the online State Fair Store, you keep the spirit of the Butter Cow alive year round while also supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission.
The Iowa State Fair has faced many challenges throughout its history – competing fairs, war, economic hardship, and deteriorating buildings are just a few. But you, our Fair family, have never given up on the Iowa State Fair; forever encouraging us to continue, to improve, and to think of the future. In honor of all of those who have helped make our Fair the best in the nation, the Blue Ribbon Foundation created the “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” fundraising campaign.
It is a big challenge! The Iowa State Fairgrounds spans 445 acres with more than 40 buildings, some of which were constructed in the early 1900’s. Mix in a million visitors and Iowa’s weather, and the amount of wear and tear adds up quickly. The Fairgrounds requires constant maintenance to keep these great historic structures in top-notch condition.
Our vision is to have a Fairgrounds that is not only a showcase for the Iowa State Fair but one that draws people in every day of the year. We want visitors to find the Fairgrounds an attractive, user-friendly location for year round events. Maintaining our infrastructure is all part of the service and pride the Fairgrounds brings to the east side, the metro area and to the state of Iowa. Yet there are many areas of the Fairgrounds that still need attention. Restrooms that need upgrading, barns needing repairs and countless other projects to keep our beloved Fairgrounds in the best condition possible.
We have a shared vision and the Blue Ribbon Foundation will strive to continue improving the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds so it will be the envy of the nation - now and for future generations. Thank you for being an essential part of our story.
Thank you to the following donors that are taking on the challenge and sharing our vision for the future! The Blue Ribbon Foundation will continue the “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” fundraising campaign throughout 2020. Please consider joining our mission. Thank you.
Read the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s fall newsletter to stay up to date. This issue includes a recap of what our organization was able to accomplish this summer. Robin Taylor outlines how we turned lemons into lemonade. “This unique summer has shown us how much we have to appreciate.”
A special shout out to two area businesses that supported the Foundation in unique ways. Community Choice Credit Union donated $5,952.50 to the Blue Ribbon Foundation this summer by selling unique physical distancing Butter Cow shirts. The Aveda Institute Des Moines held a Salon Blue Ribbon Community Fundraising Event in August and donated $1,269 to the Foundation.
The fall newsletter highlights the “No Fair – I Do Care” Benefit Auction and the ongoing “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” Fundraising Campaign. Thank you to the donors that have supported both of these initiatives.
Staff spend the majority of August and September shipping out Iowa State Fair souvenirs! With more than 1000 packages mailed, Fair-lovers all over the country could celebrate their favorite summertime tradition. 2020 ornaments, lapel pins and other collectibles were mailed all across Iowa and 31 other states:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, Wisconsin
It's never too early to start some holiday shopping. Check out the online State Fair Store to get the Fairgoer in your life the perfect gift.
The recently renovated Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Building, includes an expansion to the west. The space holds new classrooms and an atrium. More like a piece of art, the new "Spirit of Generosity" donor wall 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.
The newsletter also includes information on our upcoming internships, planned giving opportunities and a history on the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s relationship with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Thank you for reading the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s quarterly newsletter.
