March 29, 2016
Today marks my second week in the office and I’m beginning to get in the swing of things. After reviewing previous intern’s summer materials, I realize I have a hefty work load in front of me and I’m ready to start crossing things off my list.
Being the public relations intern, I’m beginning to get the feel of the language the Blue Ribbon Foundation uses and have already conducted my first interview. Before I come up with a theme for my media kits to send out this summer, I have to update the mailing lists, which I have found to be the most time consuming part of my job.
No complaining here however, as this has been truly eye opening to how informed we are as Americans. Freedom of press is a wonderful thing.
Throughout this all I have been getting to know my coworkers, which has been my favorite part! I’m surrounded by people who are as passionate about the mission of the Blue Ribbon Foundation as myself and I look forward to this summer when I start working full time.
The visitors that come to the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s office is another aspect I look forward to, it breaks up the day and I enjoy the mix of personalities that come in. It’s interesting to see how the Iowa State Fair has positively influenced so many people.
Speaking of, it’s only 134 days until the Iowa State Fair and 101 days until the Corndog Kickoff, but hey, who’s counting?
-Audra
March 25, 2016
With all eyes on Chicago patiently waiting for the big game to tip off tonight, we are having a quiet day at the office. On the other hand, this week has been very busy. We have had the newest intern start, have had several mass mailings in gearing up for the Corndog Kickoff and many auction items coming in. I can’t give you all the details, but this year’s “Locally Grown” theme will showcase Iowa made products and is sure to create lasting memories for everyone in attendance.
As we get ready for the second auction committee meeting in early April, I can see how much work and passion is put into making the Corndog Kickoff possible. Seeing the hard work and dedication that the staff and our many volunteers have, helps make the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation a success.
We are currently accepting patron forms for the
20th Annual Corndog Kickoff as well. If you would like to attend the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party, please find our electronic and printable patron form at our
Patrons page. I look forward to seeing all of you in a few months at what is expected to be our best Corndog Kickoff yet.
If you have not found a program to participate in, there is still plenty of time before the March 31st deadline. Please find more information about all of the Foundation giving programs on our
Ways to Give page. The Foundation has many opportunities to show your support for the renovation and preservation efforts that help make the Iowa State Fair something that will stand the test of time!
-Marcus
A few photos from past years to build excitement about this year's Corndog Kickoff!
March 22, 2016
Hello, I'm Audra Kincart!
Growing up on a farm in southern Iowa, I am ecstatic to be serving this summer as the public relations intern for the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. From humble beginnings of gathering eggs and trotting through muddy cow lots, my days have transformed to late nights in the library and Cyclone basketball.
Having 12 mem
bers of my family pave the way before me, I bleed cardinal and gold and decided to attend Iowa State University. Through my love of reading I answered my calling to enter the wonderful world of communications and am a journalism major with minors in biology and agriculture business.
The Iowa State Fair holds a special place in my heart. I have been attending the Iowa State Fair since the third grade and have fond memories of sharing pork chops on a stick with my father and showing chickens. Framed above my bed is a caricature of me drawn at the state fair when I was nine years old and my high school graduation party included a compilation of all of the caricatures drawn since.
This summer I will be working on selecting the Iowan of the Day for all ten days of the fair as well as helping execute the Corndog Kickoff and the Woodcarver’s Auction during the fair. My first day in the office brought with it an overview of what this summer is to bring and I’m so excited to hit the ground running. The Iowa State Fair has given so much to me and I am so excited to be giving back to the fair.
March 17, 2016
As the staff here at the Blue Ribbon Foundation is supporting their favorite teams during the tip off of the NCAA Tournament, we are busy gearing up for some big things coming up. St. Patrick’s Day and the days leading up to today have been full of collecting donations for the Corndog Kickoff and finalizing brackets. This morning I was rushing to predict the big upsets and the putting the final touches on my bracket. Of course, I have the University of Northern Iowa winning it all. I am always hopeful to have my school win the tournament.
Over the last few days I have been receiving emails and phone calls from breweries, golf courses, patrons interested in the poker table and hunting outfitters interested in attending the Kickoff. It seems like there will be some great competition for our auction packages at this year’s
Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction. Not only will you have the opportunity to bid on some great new auction packages, but you’ll also have the opportunity to try some of your favorite Fair foods and activities at the Corndog Kickoff!
I think we are finally snow free here in Des Moines. Well, I hope so; I put my snow plow away and hung up my parka. Entering spring means many things; we are seeing the flowers bloom, the green coming back and realizing our taxes are due soon! I have not done my taxes yet and keep seeing the dates go by, getting closer and closer to the April 15th deadline. If you’re like me, and haven’t done your taxes, please remember to show your support for the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation by donating some of your tax return to the renovation efforts made possible by the
Corndog Checkoff. Your donation goes a long way, supporting many great things throughout the Fairgrounds. To find out more information about any of the things I have mentioned, please visit our
website.
-Marcus
Just a few things we will get to see very soon!
March 10, 2016
Half way through my last semester of college finds me in my eighth week of my internship. This last week has been full of Corndog Kickoff preparation and laying the ground work for the water program for the 2016 Iowa State Fair. I had my first Auction Committee meeting late last week and I got to meet some great volunteers! They were all very excited about the theme and the things to come at this year’s
Corndog Kickoff. Those Auction Committee members are just a few of the great volunteers and supporters that will make the 20th annual Corndog Kickoff one to remember!
I have been busy sending out initial emails to secure some great auction packages for this year. We have in the works a handmade replica of Harry Truman’s poker table that is sure to attract an avid poker player or two. We also have a rare 2016-17, and 2017-18
Iowa non-resident deer tag in our live auction. I have had the opportunity to explore avenues for patrons and donors to build a package around that as well. We are busy creating golfing and brewery tour packages throughout the state too.
As you may know, I have a vested interest in the continuation and success of the water program that the Foundation hosts. This year, I am able to get more involved in the ground work of the program. I have gone from a water crew member to an intern with a main project of organizing the pre-fair duties of the program. Overall, I am excited to see how the auction packages will pan out and I am greatly looking forward to the 2016 Iowa State Fair!
-Marcus
Live action at the 2015 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party
March 3, 2016
It’s never too early to start thinking about giant tenderloins and deep fried candy bars. The 2016 Iowa State Fair is only 160 days away! Maybe you are preparing to show livestock, dusting off your tap shoes or in the kitchen trying new recipes for an award winning pie. Yes, adults are just as excited as children for the spectacular August event. Your kids will have the opportunity to learn about Iowa’s agricultural, be entertained on any of the free stages, and maybe ride the ever so popular Sky Glider. This year, you can express your love for the Fair by making a donation on your Iowa Tax Return to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s efforts to renovate and preserve the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The Corndog Checkoff is a simple way to support the Iowa State Fair renovation efforts. Every dollar donated to the
Corndog Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The program has supplemented
renovation projects including the Youth Inn and Ruan Plaza. In addition, the funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.
The Corndog Checkoff, officially named
State Fair, can be found on line
57b of Iowa Tax Form 1040. It’s easy to checkoff a donation to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Please feel free to contact
Marcus with any questions or comments in regards to the Corndog Checkoff.
-Marcus
This is Iowa Tax Form 1040, highlighted is line 57b.
Youth Inn, mid renovation
Various Stages of Ruan Plaza renovation
February 25, 2016
There are many ways to support the renovation efforts that the Blue Ribbon Foundation undertakes each year for the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Show your support for the Foundation by becoming a member in some of our exclusive programs. These membership opportunities include Jake’s Club, Fan Fair and the 1854 Society.
Jake’s Club is a members-only VIP area hosted by the Foundation in the club level of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center during the 2016 Iowa State Fair. Included in this membership, is exclusive access to the
Jake’s Club area for two and admission to all of the evening shows in the Jacobson Center. With the membership, you have the option to purchase guest passes.
Download a membership brochure to join or renew Jake’s Club
online.
The
Fan Fair membership program provides easy access to exclusive Grandstand concert tickets presales. Donate
online or mail your 2016 Fan Fair
donation form to the Foundation to participate.
To celebrate the 150th year of the Iowa State Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation created the 1854 Society. This membership program provides opportunities for the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex to preserve the original pieces and history of the Fair. With the membership, you will receive many great benefits. Some of these include, an engraved granite paver outside of the museum, admission tickets for two each day of the Fair, VIP parking and many more exclusive perks. To assure the preservation of the historic Fairgrounds, you can renew your membership to the
1854 Society each year. Please use our
online order form or download our
full brochure to participate or renew.
These programs are just a few ways to show your love and support of the Fair throughout the year. With the memberships, you can see how your individual support can go a long way to preserve the historic Fairgrounds for generations to come. We currently have 138 members in the 1854 Society, and 67 members in Jake’s Club. Enroll today to gain exclusive access to these programs and contribute to the long lasting traditions of the Foundation.
To receive more information on these membership programs or any of our fundraising efforts, please call us at 1-800-450-3732 or use our
contact form.
-Marcus
February 18, 2016
Last week, my parents bought a camper. Now, I have never been one to enjoy not sleeping in my own bed, having a total of three minutes of water to shower with in the mornings, or ever overly fond of hotdogs, but I do enjoy other aspects of camping. Some would be, hanging out with my family, fishing, hiking, and seeing the country. My grandparents would always take us to Colorado or Texas as kids, and I miss those trips. My father and I have been working at the Fair in different capacities for many years. Every year, we see droves of people coming down from the campgrounds every morning to enjoy the Fair. Each year, my father questions why people would do that. Three days ago, he asked how hard it would be to secure a spot in the campgrounds for this next Fair. It is interesting how things change, isn’t it?
I told him that we should go on a few weekend trips first and then plan a trip to Colorado. After that, we can think about starting the process of finding a spot at the Fair. Little did I know that it takes a very long time to get one of the highly coveted spots in the campgrounds. I was talking with a few volunteers that camp here each year, and they said that they waited eight years to get a spot! It has to be worth it though.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Iowa State Fair have been working tirelessly to keep up the renovations and the addition of new spots for the growing demand. The Foundation has many programs that support those efforts, one being the Corndog Checkoff. As you file your state taxes this year, remember to “checkoff” a donation to the Corndog Checkoff. This capital improvement campaign allocates its funds to the renovation and preservation of the historic fairgrounds. The gifts go to many projects including the new Ruan Plaza phase and the last phase of the Youth Inn. This program has also paved the path for continued improvements to the campgrounds.
To find out more about the campgrounds, please visit Fairtime Camping. To find out more about the checkoff program, please visit Corndog Checkoff.
- Marcus
My parent's new camper
Iowa State Fair Campground Map
February 15, 2016
Throughout the year, Blue Ribbon Foundation supporters often stop by the office. Sometimes they need to buy a State Fair inspired gift, help with a special volunteer project or just stop by to say hello. Like our staff, these folks miss the warm summer temperatures in cold winter months and enjoy reminiscing about the fun of August.
Last week, a Foundation donor stopped by the office to share information about the Des Moines Historical Society. So many of our favorite Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteers are involved with other organizations across the state. I enjoy learning about other projects our donors are passionate about. An added bonus – this donor’s two passions are crossing paths.
The Des Moines Historical Society will hold an event to the general public about the history of the Iowa State Fair. The program titled,
Iowa State Fair History by Kathie Swift, will be Monday, February 22 at the Franklin Avenue Library starting at 6:30 pm. (
Click here for more details.)
The Blue Ribbon Foundation thrives on history. Our organization was created specifically to conduct a major capital campaign for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For 20 years, the Foundation has raised millions to keep the beautiful history alive for Fairgoers. The Fair is a tradition any Iowan can be proud of, and the Blue Ribbon Foundation is dedicated to continuing that legacy.
You can read about the history of the Iowa State Fair in more detail in the
Our State Fair history book. Chapters highlight how the State Fair was first started, entertainment, agriculture, the buildings, and much more. The book is for sale in the
State Fair Store.
The Iowa State Fair is an important part of Iowa’s heritage and culture and as the book states “it belongs to us all.” Thank you to the Fair-lovers that continue to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s work to keep the Iowa State Fairgrounds beautiful for years to come.
February 11, 2016
I was listening to Brad Paisley’s Water earlier today and was reminded of my time as a water crew member. The Blue Ribbon Foundation has the privilege of delivering all of the water sold at the Iowa State Fair each year. Last year, the Foundation experienced its highest water sales the Fair had ever seen. I was fortunate, alongside a great water crew to deliver all of that water to vendors and our stands. Many of you have donated your time, and effort into the water program at the Foundation. I would personally like to thank all of you for your hard work and commitment to build a better future for not only the Foundation but the Fair as well.
We have had volunteers selling our water at stands for over 20 years, many of them volunteering every day of the Fair. We could not have such a successful program without the continued help and support of all the volunteers. We have been fortunate enough to build a long lasting partnership between the Foundation and Crystal Clear Water. Since 1995 we have been selling the iconic green bottles, which are arguably the most recognizable part of the Fair. We are always looking for volunteers for the water program and any of our other programs as well.
Please make sure to refer to our Spring Newsletter for more information about volunteer signup for the water program. If you have volunteered in the past, please keep an eye out in early June for an reminder email as well. You can find out more about the water program and all of our other volunteer opportunities with the Foundation on our
website. Thank you for reading, and let’s keep the countdown going, 181 days left! That is exactly 6 months from now, I know you can’t wait!
If you get a few minutes, look that song up and let it remind you of another great day at the Fair and not a cold February day.
- Marcus
Some of our wonderful Foundation Volunteers!
Crystal Clear Water's Donor Profile
Being the public relations intern, I’m beginning to get the feel of the language the Blue Ribbon Foundation uses and have already conducted my first interview. Before I come up with a theme for my media kits to send out this summer, I have to update the mailing lists, which I have found to be the most time consuming part of my job.
bers of my family pave the way before me, I bleed cardinal and gold and decided to attend Iowa State University. Through my love of reading I answered my calling to enter the wonderful world of communications and am a journalism major with minors in biology and agriculture business.
