Newsletter Comparison - Fall 2019, Fall 2009, Fall 1999

October 21, 2019
drewnorton's picture

There is no doubt the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation has grown over the years. Just look at the different programs highlighted in previous fall newsletters:

Merchandise & Water Sales:

  • 1999: $120,000
  • 2009: $310,000
  • 2019: $431,930

Woodcarver’s Auction:

  • 1999: $42,000
  • 2009: $33,405
  • 2019: $65,300

Number of Volunteers:

  • 1999: 164 Volunteers
  • 2009: 422 Volunteers
  • 2019: 600 Volunteers

Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party:

  • 1999: $114,000 (Exciting package had backstage passes to meet Reba McEntire.)
  • 2009: $230,000 (Auction included round-trip airline tickets and passes to Disney World.)
  • 2019: $514,300 (Exciting item was a camping spot including the use of a Winnebago.)

Popular Merchandise Item:

  • 1999: John Deere 4010 tractor and Bean Pot Pottery Piece
  • 2009: Iowa State Fair watch and the 13th Edition of the Cookbook
  • 2019: Butter Cow Socks and two-sided Iowa State Fair Puzzle

Fall 1999 Newsletter Highlights: The new Hy-Vee Fun Forest was completed in time for the 1999 Iowa State Fair.  This park area with playground equipment is still utilized by children of all ages during the Iowa State Fair and throughout the year. The Cattle Barn renovation was near completion with new roof, cattle stalls, new offices and restrooms. The north and south annex were each expanded at this time.

During the 1999 Iowa State Fair, the Foundation participated in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show. The Donor Profile highlighted two special volunteers Betty Lou Smith and Jeanne Wheeler. Robin (Lage) Taylor joined the staff – we just celebrated her 20th anniversary!

Fall 2009 Newsletter Highlights:  Staff were preparing for the Fairgrounds 5K and promoting new giving programs in the Jacobson Exhibition Center. The Elwell Family Food Center opened its doors for the first time. Joy Eden was highlighted in the Donor Profile section. Joy volunteered at the Corndog Kickoff, sold water/merchandise at the Fair, helped at the payout table at the Woodcarver’s Auction and as a camper; she was the top name of the “Volunteer Stand-By List”.

Fall 2019 Newsletter Highlights: The 2019 Iowa State Fair was a huge success with the canvas painting class, BINGO and Woodcarver’s Auction.  Staff are planning the second annual Halfway to the Fair Happy Hour Fundraiser in February. Corteva Agriscience is highlighted in the Donor Profile. The company’s support of the 4-H Building renovation will help develop new classroom space in the building.

What traditions are still going strong? A few items are highlighted in each of the newsletters. From the very beginning, the Foundation has honored outstanding volunteers from across the state. Each newsletter highlights the Iowan of the Day winners. 

The Foundation is also still hiring interns to join our staff in the summer.  Over the years, the responsibilities have adjusted to fit the needed projects, but hardworking students can gain valuable experience to jump-start their careers after college.

Volunteers are essential for the Foundation operations. Even 20 years ago, these dedicated Fair-lovers gave their time and promoted our work to other Fairgoers.

Looking back at old newsletters, we are able to see how much our organization has grown since it started. I predict that the Blue Ribbon Foundation will only continue to grow in the next 10 and 20 years. I hope Fairgoers will support our mission and watch as we help make the Iowa State Fairgrounds even better.