November 16, 2015
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is accepting applications for our
internship program. The description is only a brief overview of what an intern can accomplish during a summer with the Foundation.
Interns are tasked with managing multiple communication materials including writing newsletter articles, ENews messages, blog posts, and other social media. There is an opportunity to creatively design marketing materials, merchandise and promotional pieces. The interns will organize more than 400 volunteers, donor relation events, the Iowan of the Day program, Fairgrounds 5K, 1854 Society brunch, Woodcarver’s Auction, Fair Squares sales, and the list goes on.
If an intern has a special skill, we utilize it. If an intern wants to learn more about a specific aspect of our organization, we give them the tools to gain a better understanding while continuing to accomplish the Foundation’s overall goal. I can’t express enough how important the interns are to our organization. The work they do is just as important as our full-time staff. Any internship is an asset to a college student’s resume but I think working with the Blue Ribbon Foundation gives an even bigger step in the right direction toward starting a career. I may be a tiny bit partial to our internship program as a Foundation employee and past intern myself.
Below is what previous interns had to say about their experience with the Foundation:
"My summer at the Foundation gave me the experience needed to excel in the future. The people I met and projects I worked on were invaluable. Having a variety of large projects allowed me to take ownership of my work and collaborate with a close-knit and fun staff! When people ask me what I learned during my summer at the Foundation, I truthfully reply with, "what didn't I learn?" – Molly Schmitt, 2015
“The Iowa State Fair has always been a passion of mine. As an intern I was challenged to be creative and think outside the box. I was able to go "behind-the-scenes" and learn hands-on with the staff. It was a summer I will never forget.” Paris Schnepf, 2014
“My experience at the Blue Ribbon Foundation helped me grow both personally and professionally, all while having a blast and spending time at my favorite place, the Iowa State Fair. This internship is a great opportunity to just jump right in and take ownership of projects. Interning with the Foundation gives you the opportunity to learn and grow by doing. Now, I have a full time job in marketing and communications. The skills I learned at the Fair are all things I use on a daily basis whether it's presenting to a group, interacting with clients or day to day office work. On top of all of the experience I gained while interning with the Foundation, I made lifelong friends and continue to plan my summers around the Fair!” Maddie Boswell, 2012
“Interning for the Blue Ribbon Foundation was a great opportunity to prepare me for my professional life. Throughout the summer there are so many learning opportunities to take advantage of. Working with fellow interns and staff was fun and challenging. It was so important to work together like a well-oiled machine, and that is a skill you will take with you for the rest of your life.” Kristen Anderson, 2011
For more information about what we offer and how to apply, check our our
website. If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact me (
Drew@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or 515-262-3111 Ext. 375). We look forward to receiving your application and hopefully in person for an interview. Applications are due December 31...don't miss out on this great opportunity!
November 4, 2015
The Iowa State Fair is enjoyed by Iowans of all ages. One of the top reasons to attend the Fair is to spend time with your family. Each August, there are multigeneration campers that fill the campgrounds, family reunions and countless summer vacations spent at the Fair.
On any of the 11 days, you can see parents and grandparents following little Fairgoers around Little Hands on the Farm. Before a livestock show, the barns are buzzing with 4-Hers and their families preparing for the show ring. If you ask any family attending the Fair, they can rattle off their favorite food, meeting spot on the Fairgrounds and activity their family participates in every year.
For my family – it's pork chop on a stick, Pioneer Hall and watching entertainment on one of the free stages. One BRF staff member would say - Crescenti, riding around on the golf cart as she works and taking a ride down the Giant Slide. Another BRF staff member would say the Salad Bowl wraps, Iowa Craft Beer Tent and taking a family picture in front of the Butter Cow.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission is to make sure these memories and traditions stay intact. We are raising funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds for future generations.
Featured on the Foundation’s Planned Giving page on our website is an article about encouraging generosity in your grandchildren.
Much of what we teach our young grandchildren is accomplished by setting good examples. One of these examples may be showing them how to give back. It is the firsthand experience that leaves a lasting impression. Nurturing young children's natural inclination toward helping others can also build their self-esteem, reinforce the joys of giving, and teach the importance of community and financial responsibility.
When mentoring your grandchildren through the giving process, consider the following:
- Discuss the importance of giving and how good it feels to help others.
- Together, visit charities that you're considering supporting. This lets your grandchildren see firsthand whom they'll be benefiting.
- Help grandchildren learn about money with an allowance to be divided three ways: one to spend, one to save and one to be given to a charity of their choice.
- Allow them to choose an organization or program to benefit. You may be pleasantly surprised by the sensitivity of their selections.
- At regular intervals—perhaps yearly—discuss how their donations were used and ask if they wish to benefit the same charity or another one.
- Share your grandchildren's zeal by matching their gifts to their selected organizations.
If you or your grandchildren would like to support our work with a gift to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, we would love to chat with you about the various ways to give that will create a family legacy of philanthropy. (Copyright © The Stelter Company, All rights reserved.)
You can help the Blue Ribbon Foundation keep the Iowa State Fairgrounds beautiful for your future family. Thank you for your
donation and generosity that allows us to continue our shared mission.
October 28, 2015
Saturday is Halloween and the time of year we decorate with spider webs, carve pumpkins and pass out candy to Trick-or-Treaters on beggars’ night. Maybe you will visit a haunted house, watch a scary movie or attend a Halloween costume party.
As a kid, I remember planning my Halloween costume all month. My favorite year was the homemade clown outfit my grandma made. The costume was complete with a rainbow wig and face paint. As an adult, my creativity isn’t quite at the same level. I’m more focused on comfort. This year, I thought I could dress up as a Fairgoer!
I would need comfortable walking shoes (to trudge across the 445 acres that make up the Fairgrounds). I’d wear my State Fair t-shirt, visor and a fanny pack. I would definitely need to carry a map to find my favorite food-on-a-stick and the butter cow. I could have my bag filled with free stuff from the Varied Industries Building and first place contest ribbons.
The costume wouldn’t be complete with a “Fairgoer on a Stick”. The Blue Ribbon Foundation sold
selfie sticks this year (they are still available in the
State Fair Store). I may be slightly exaggerating the stereotypical Fairgoer but it sounds like fun to me especially since my days as a regular Fairgoer are over!
If you love the Iowa State Fair but costumes aren’t your thing, think about taking a drive around the Fairgrounds this weekend. With the excitement of the Fair in August, it is easy to miss how beautiful the Fairground’s landscape is. This time of year as the tree’s leaves are changing colors, the historic buildings really stand out. There won’t be the huge crowds, but you will most likely see some joggers, people walking their dogs, or for instance this weekend – people attending the alpaca show in the cattle barn.
As you cruise around the Fairgrounds, be sure to check out the construction projects underway. Crews continue to expand Ruan Plaza to the east and south. The paved pedestrian walkway will improve traffic flow on that section of the Fairgrounds. Construction of new public restrooms in the Youth Inn's auditorium has also started. You can see your donation and support of the Blue Ribbon Foundation at work.
Enjoy this weekend because once Halloween has passed, we head into the holiday season. Time seems to speed up as you prepare for cold weather, family gatherings, and last minute things to accomplish before 2016.
Dressing up as a Zombie for Halloween:
Fairgrounds in the Fall:
Ruan Plaza - phase two:
October 21, 2015
For the past 8 years, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has spent the fall promoting our annual Fairgrounds 5K race. Have you noticed the Fairgrounds 5K has been M.I.A. from the fall calendar? The Foundation is not holding our annual race this November because we had wonderful success moving the event to August!
Thank you to the participants, volunteers and sponsors for making the 9th annual Fairgrounds 5K, presented by West Bank, a success by raising $21,000 for the Blue Ribbon Foundation!
For the first time, the
Fairgrounds 5K was held during the Iowa State Fair. On the morning of Saturday, August 22nd, Fairgoers raced down the Grand Concourse, through the hills of the Campgrounds and along Rock Island. The 353 participants experienced the Iowa State Fair like never before. Food vendors, campers and livestock were on full display along this one of a kind adventure.
The 5K race route was a challenge for runners making their way up the campground hills but volunteers stationed around the route did an excellent job cheering them on. It was a great way to start the day at the Fair while helping raise money for the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Since the Fairgrounds 5K started in 2007, the event has raised $90,000 for improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Although the Fairgrounds 5K wasn’t a new event, it still felt like a new challenge by having it during the Fair. Listed are my top 5 moments from this year’s Fairgrounds 5K:
5. Major Blue Ribbon Foundation staff bonding at 5 a.m.
4. Being amazed as the race winner ran the route a second time after he finished.
3. Offering a chance for Fair-loving families to try a new activity together.
2. Watching other Fairgoers cheer as the runners finished the race.
1. Raising a record $21,000 for future Fairgrounds renovations!
As we look to the future, the Foundation wants to continue improving the event. The best improvements come from participant feedback. If you participated in the race, please
email me your comments or fill out this
online survey.
October 15, 2015
The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 228 divisions, 850 classes and over 10,600 entries. Today I'm highlighting the record 179 pies were entered at this year’s Fair.
There were competitions for the best fruit pie, cream pie, graham cracker crust pie and the list goes on and on. I’d be happy to sample the apple, blueberry or pumpkin pie but I’m not brave enough to try the gooseberry, mincemeat or sour cream raisin.
One contest took more than just talent in the kitchen. For the Pie Story competition, contestants were tasked to bake a pie and accompany it with a short story, either true or believable fiction, and tell it to the judges. The story could describe the pie’s origins, a secret recipe, the contestant’s relationship to the person who made it or even a kitchen disaster. Entries were judged on performance, humor, historical content, personal significance and the story’s connection to the pie. I would consider myselft a lousy baker, so I would definitely be more successful telling a creative story about a pie!
The Iowa State Fair wouldn’t be complete without the pie eating contest on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage. And don’t forget about the Methodist Church stand’s made-from-scratch pies. (They sell 1,200 slices each year.) Did you try the new Apple Pie On-A-Stick? I heard wonderful reviews.
Are you curious what pie has to do with the Blue Ribbon Foundation? I can give you 3 good reasons!
1.
During the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s annual
Corndog Kickoff fundraising event, we had 3 delicious pies in our silent and live auction. These pies were sold for a total of $6,000!
2.
The prize winning recipes from the 179 pies that were judged during the Fair, are listed in the Iowa State Fair Cookbook. The Foundation has the 15th, 16th and 17th editions for sale in the
State Fair Store. These cookbooks hold some amazing pie recipes from the 2008 – 2013 Fairs. (The 18th Edition Cookbook with recipes from the 2014/2015 Fairs will be available this summer.)
3. In my opinion pie can be a delicious way to finish a meal. It is a staple to have at special family gatherings during the holiday season. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a staple for the Iowa State Fair. With our donors’ support, the Foundation can help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds for future generations.
I didn’t mention a very popular pie contest. During this year’s Fair, more than 145 contestants tried their hand at hurling cow pies. Now that is something you can only experience at the Iowa State Fair!
A record 179 pies were entered in the Food Department.
The 2014 Iowa State Fair Queen helped auction off a pie during the Corndog Kickoff.
The 15th, 16th and 17th edition Iowa State Fair Cookbooks are avilable for sale.
Cow Chip Throwing Contest!
October 7, 2015
This week I updated the picture frames in my office with new photos. Pictures of my family at my mom’s retirement party this summer, attending a Twins game last month and tailgating for the Cyclones last weekend. I’m not a professional photographer but I did snap a few photos that highlight the Foundation’s success during the 2015 Iowa State Fair.
• Dedications: The Foundation dedicated the Bob & Deb Pulver Outdoor Arena and Reichardt Family Giant Slide before the Fair started.
• MidAmerican Energy Stage: Opening Ceremonies were held on the new stage. Thank you to MidAmerican Energy for supporting the Iowa State Fair.
• Fair Squares: For the 6th Fair, the Foundation sold Fair Squares. There was constantly a line.
•
Iowan of the Day: Each day, the Foundation honored an outstanding Iowan on the Bill Riley Stage.
•
1854 Society: The Foundation held a brunch for
1854 Society members.
• Outhouse Races: For the first year, the Blue Ribbon Foundation participated in the Outhouse Races. Thank you to our donors for helping earn a 3rd place finish. (Even in the rain.)
• Legislative Day: The Foundation hosted Iowa’s Legislators for lunch and a tour of the Fair.
• Horse Statue: Sticks painted the Foundation’s concrete horse that sat in front of the Administration Building.
•
Fairgrounds 5K: The 9th annual
Fairgrounds 5K was held the last Saturday of the Fair.
• Woodcarver’s Auction: The chainsaw artists’ woodcarvings were auctioned off on the last Sunday.
One bonus picture is of the 4 interns that joined our staff to make it all happen!
Do you know of a hard-working, motivated college student who loves the Fair and can see themselves in some of these pictures during the 2016 Fair? Make sure they are aware of the Foundation’s
internship opportunities.
I'll keep snapping photos this Fall, Winter and Spring. There will be lots of planning and picture taking before next summer!
September 28, 2015
With October just around the corner, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has finally gotten back to normal. That makes me think - what exactly is “normal”?
Is it normal that in the summer, as a staff we work 15+ hour days or run from one end of the Fairgrounds to the other? Is it normal to eat your lunch at 4 p.m. and supper at 10 p.m.?
The Iowa State Fair is officially 11 days but if you ask any staff member, you will learn our Fair starts as early as August 1. We eat lunch on the fly – answering emails, returning phone messages and radio calls. We sometimes sleep in our offices, only see family before 7 a.m. or after midnight, and practically devote every hour of the day to our job.
Why you ask? I’m sure each staff member has an explanation for why he/she chooses a career that overtakes their summer. Undeniably, it would be the same reason Fairgoers attend each year. We LOVE the Iowa State Fair.
Personally, I find working for the Blue Ribbon Foundation incredibly rewarding. I enjoy planning our fundraising events, engaging donors, and promoting our improvements to the Fairgrounds. Everyday I’m reminded that Iowans across the state have a special connection to the Fair. From family traditions, childhood memories, must-see exhibits and foods you have to eat - everyone has their own special State Fair story. Seeing the joy the Iowa State Fair brings people overwhelming outweighs the lack of sleep or not being able to have a “normal” summer.
Since the Fair, September was a month of clean-up and catch-up. Each day the office becomes a little more organized. October will be more wrap-up of the 2015 Fair. I’ll start organizing membership renewals, planning for the holiday party, and end of the year donations. Every fall, the Foundation does an evaluations. Are we reaching new potential donors? Are we doing enough for our current donors? What can we do next to improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds? This helps us grow as an organization and continue to be the best we can be.
The planning and preparation for events like the Corndog Kickoff, Iowa State Fair, Fairgrounds 5K (and everything in between) starts months in advance. Before long, it will be time for another “normal” summer!
A few staff snapshots:
Peter welcomed Fairgoers to the MidAmerican Energy stage during Opening Ceremonies.
Gina served orange juice during the 1854 Society Brunch.
Robin registered runners and pointed them in the correct direction for the Fairgrounds 5K.
Peter and I started the runners for the 5K race.
August 7, 2015
In case you didn’t know, the Iowa State Fair is less than a week away. Only five (FIVE!) days until we open the gates to welcome you all!
The Fair is the perfect place to make memories with all your friends and family. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be using your smart phone to snap a photo or two. Or hundreds. Have you ever found it difficult to fit everything you wanted in your shot? Sometimes your arms just aren’t long enough to get the entire giant slide in your selfie. It’s disappointing.
Don’t let that ruin your Fair photos this year. We have the solution to get the perfect shot. Pick up ‘Fairgoer on a Stick’. Sounds intimidating but it’s really just our awesome new selfie stick. You can pick it up at our booths in the Fair trailer and Varied Industries building.
Check out our intern sample photo below. I think it turned out pretty good!
See you soon!
-Anna
August 4, 2015
Wow! Where has the time gone? Only eight days and a few more hours until the Iowa State Fair! Our office is buzzing this week as final preparations are underway.
One of the biggest tasks we are focusing on is merchandise. If you are looking to support the renovation and preservation of the Iowa State Fairgrounds through the Blue Ribbon Foundation, then make sure you pick up your merchandise at this year’s Fair. We have general State Fair merchandise as well as merchandise with this year’s “Fair Tour” logo.
With such a large selection of merchandise, it can be hard to decide what to purchase. A few of my favorites for the year can be seen in the picture below. We have some awesome hats that I can’t wait to flaunt as the Fair approaches! We also have a cool slap koozie that wraps around cans to display this year’s theme. Don’t forget the Isabel Bloom Blue Ribbon piece, as well as the collectible piggy banks and bells.
There you have it, a few of my favorite Iowa State Fair merchandise items. Visit our various locations throughout the Fairgrounds during your visit or check out the online store starting September 7th to make additional purchases. See you for an unforgettable “Fair Tour” August 13th through the 23rd at the Iowa State Fair!
-Molly
August 1, 2015
Hi ya’ll! Guess what?!? There is only 11 days, 14 hours and 22 minutes until the 2015 Iowa State Fair! I hope you are getting excited, because I sure know that I am! Everything is definitely picking up here at the office. It’s been eventful week at the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Construction on the MidAmerican Energy Stage is moving right along and the stage looks amazing! Make sure you check it out when you visit the Fair this year. Acts like Vocal Trash, Sir Mix-A-Lot, the Village People and many others will be performing there.
Speaking of construction, this week we got the walkway to our office repaired, which was definitely needed. It was noisy and lots of people located around the office, but it looks great! And it’s just in time for us to test it out before the Fair.
We’ve also been receiving all of the new merchandise. We spent part of yesterday organizing everything so it’s ready to go! So make sure you stop by one of our merchandise booths to check out all of the cool things! We are located in the Agricultural Building, Cattle Barn, Museum Gift Shop, Varied Industries Building and our two trailers are on the Grand Concourse.
Today I am spending the day creating volunteer badges! Which reminds me…If you are still interested in volunteering at the 2015 Iowa State Fair, please give me a call! We still have plenty of shifts available and would love to have you! You can reach me at (515) 262-3111 ext. 379 or email me at Maggie@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.
Well, that’s all I have for now! Hope everyone has a great Saturday, and let the countdown to the 2015 Iowa State Fair begin!
-Maggie J.
The interns are excited, are you?
MidAmerican Energy Stage
