Iowans of the Day Selected for 2019 Iowa State Fair

This summer my main task has been publicizing and organizing the Iowan of the Day program. The Blue Ribbon Foundation began the Iowan of the Day program in 1997 to honor Iowans who have truly made a difference in their communities. It has been so fun receiving many nominations of truly deserving Iowans. I have gotten to read through them and take notes, and I am blown away by the amount of time and effort nominated individuals put into their communities for other people. A passion for volunteerism is a remarkable quality to have and I aspire to be like these nominees. This year, the judges reviewed dozens of nominations and selected those who demonstrate integrity, Iowa pride, hard work and dedication to their area. 

Each winner will have a day of recognition at the Iowa State Fair. He or she will be recognized on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage and presented as an Iowan of the Day. Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, each will receive a cash prize, Grandstand and Iowa State Fair admission tickets, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, VIP parking, and a goodie bag.

The 2019 Iowan of the Day recipients are:

Jody Reynolds of Des Moines – Thursday, August 8th
Carol Jebens of Delhi – Friday, August 9th
Buffi Honeck of State Center – Saturday, August 10th
Aaron Van Beek of Sioux Center – Sunday, August 11th
Kelsey Bumsted of Solon – Monday, August 12th
Warren Van Dyke of Greene – Tuesday, August 13th
Richard McClure of Sidney – Wednesday, August 14th
Pat and Nancy Corkrean of Winterset – Thursday, August 15th
Vicki Lage of Perry – Friday, August 16th
Mary (Kimberly) Rueter of DeWitt – Saturday, August 17th

Thank you to all the nominators who submitted worthy Iowans to be recognized. Please remember that all nominations will be considered for three years after your submission and you can always send in additional information!

Make the Iowan of the Day presentation a part of your #FairFavorites this year August 8-14 at 2:00 and the 15-17 at 1:00 at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage!

 (Pictured is a 2018 Iowan of the Day, Brenda Lee Larkey.) 

- Gabrielle Gerke, PR Intern