2021 Highlights

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation wants to celebrate this past year. We are thankful for so many things. Below are a few 2021 highlights that stick out in my mind.

January: Launched the 2021 T.A.G. Team. Thank you to the 100 donors that helped upgrade the lighting in the Agriculture Building. Did you miss joining the group? We already created the 2022 T.A.G. Team project - check it out.

February: Promoted the Corndog Checkoff as a way for Fairgoers to give a donation when filing their Iowa Taxes.

March: Collected all giving program donations and inscriptions. Welcomed the newest Blue Ribbon Foundation family member.

April: Held a T-Shirt Design Contest with awesome participation. The winning design was the most popular shirt sold during the Iowa State Fair. We want to continue this fun activity in 2022.

May: Welcomed Reegan, Kara, Megan and Gabby to our staff as interns. These ladies went above and beyond to help make the Blue Ribbon Foundation a success! Thank you!

June: Recruited, organized and scheduled 600 volunteers. Crews worked on the new Elwell Family Park. The Tractor Pull, Monster Trucks and Demolition Derby were fantastic additions to the 2021 Fair.

July: Hosted our annual Corndog Kickoff and raised an unbelievable $754,301 for future renovations to the Fairgrounds. The new murals were also completed.

August: Celebrated 10 Iowan of the Day winners at the Iowa State Fair. Generated more than $631,000 in fundraising with merchandise sales, water sales and BINGO!

September: Recovered from the Fair. Cleaned the office. Took a vacation. 

October: Crews continued to clean up the Iowa State Fairgrounds and prepare buildings for rentals. With livestock shows, weddings and corporate events - there was something happening every weekend on the Fairgrounds.

November: Peter and Meg attended the IAFE (International Association of Fairs & Expositions) Convention to learn and share ideas to improve the Foundation. And bring home our awards!

December: Sold and shipped State Fair merchandise for the holidays. Most popular items were the State Fair BBQ Sauce, Puzzle and the Butter Cow socks.

As the Blue Ribbon Foundation counts down to the New Year, there is so much to be excited about in 2022. With constructions projects and new fundraising opportunities, we are ready to continue improving the historic Fairgrounds.

There is one countdown that is always on my mind… only 240 days until the 2022 Iowa State Fair. There is plenty to do between now and August. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is grateful for every volunteer and donor that supports our work. We wish only the best to you and your family in 2022!