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.
Projects on the Iowa State Fairgrounds always come with a tight timeline. All improvements must be completed within a single year, and with more than 350 events hosted annually (outside of the Fair itself) scheduling can be a challenge. Every project is carefully planned, and let’s be honest,…
MoreWe’re Hiring Interns!
Are you ready to help plan Iowa’s biggest celebration, welcoming over 1 million guests each August? How about organizing a fundraising event that brings in more than $800,000 for Fairgrounds improvements? Can you picture yourself coordinating…
More2025 Iowa State Fair Recap: August 13, 14 & 15
Days 7, 8, and 9 of the Iowa State Fair fly by in a blur! Now past the halfway mark, the Blue Ribbon Foundation gears up for a busy final weekend. Each day brings something new and exciting. While the Foundation staff has…
More2025 Iowa State Fair Recap: August 10, 11, 12
The first Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday brought a slight slowdown for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. However, after the opening weekend, the staff settled into a solid routine, efficiently getting work done while enjoying the…
More2025 Iowa State Fair Recap: August 7, 8, 9
The 2025 Iowa State Fair was one for the books! Thank you to the Blue Ribbon Foundation supporters, volunteers, interns, summer staff, Fair staff - the list goes on and on. Over the next few weeks we’ll highlight the Blue Ribbon…
MoreWith less than a week away from the sweetest Fair around, let’s look ahead to all the things this year’s Iowa State Fair has in store.
… More
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to announce the recipients of the Iowan of the…
MoreHappy Monday and less than two weeks until the Iowa State Fair!
Are you looking for a way to unleash your creativity in a cool setting during the Iowa State Fair? You can do just that with our morning or afternoon painting classes held in the Oman Family Youth Inn.
The Blue…
MoreIf you hear the sound of chainsaws at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, you’re likely listening to Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins, and Clint Henik carving their crowd-favorite woodcarvings on Expo Hill.…
More