2024 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 17 and 18
The final two days of the Iowa State Fair are a whirlwind. One might think it slows down toward the end of the Iowa State Fair…think again! The Blue Ribbon Foundation celebrated our final Iowan of the Day winner:
Kendall Pals, Algona: Kendall, former Algona Chief of Police, dedicated 41 years of service to law enforcement. He initiated a program for officers to read to young students, promoting positive relationships with the community. Post-retirement, Kendall remains actively involved in volunteer work, serving on various committees and organizations to give back to his community. He volunteers on election days, helps out at local community events, provides assistance to the people of Haiti, and supports veterans through "Moving Veterans Forward" of North Central Iowa by collecting and distributing furniture and household items.
The Iowan of the Day program is coordinated by the Public Relations intern. This year, Chloe Hamaker, did a wonderful job organizing everything from start to finish. She promoted the program and was the main point of contact for each winner. Chloe wrote press releases, speeches and made sure each winner enjoyed their special day at the Iowa State Fair.
Chloe was also busy managing the Woodcarvers’ Auction. On the final Sunday, the Woodcarvers’ Auction raised $78,146. Some items were sold in-person and others online. All proceeds from the auction are dedicated to Our Fair’s Future, the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s endowment fund. A special thank you to Chainsaw Artists - Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins and Clint Henik for producing such outstanding pieces of art.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation also participated in the concrete statue contest and placed 1st in the professional category! Thank you to Sticks, Inc. for painting our bushel basket of corn. It was beautiful and sold at the Woodcarvers’ Auction for $3,000.
Thank you to everyone that purchased a raffle ticket for the luxury vacation in Turks & Caicos. The raffle raised $19,050 toward our mission. The winner was drawn on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.
Did you catch the new glass blowing exhibit in Heritage Village? Spectators got the chance to watch the glassblowing process from start to finish. It was fun and interactive way to learn about one of the oldest professions. Thank you to Hot Glass Academy for donating pieces to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. They will be auctioned off at the Corndog Kickoff.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation hopes you enjoyed the combination of large-scale projects and smaller improvements that enhanced the Iowa State Fairgrounds this year. Your support allows us to preserve the Fairgrounds' rich history. It’s exciting to think about the positive changes ahead.
Some of the upcoming projects include: addition of sod around the new bathhouse in the campgrounds, William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building kitchen/concession stand remodel; Agriculture Building roof; new staircase exiting the courtyard of the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center; Administration Building carpet; repave Thrill Ville entrance and hard surface behind the Elwell Family Food Center; new dirt for the Jacobson Center; and a sidewalk on the west side of Riley Stage.
Thank you to those donors that have joined the Back the Barns fundraising campaign. These individuals are committed to supporting the renovation of the historic, early 20th-century animal barns ensuring that generations of Fairgoers will continue the cherished tradition of showing their livestock at the Iowa State Fair. Please consider joining!
Thank you for attending the 2024 Iowa State Fair. The Blue Ribbon Foundation knows that memories were made, traditions continued and fun was had by all. Thank you to the staff, interns, volunteers and donors that make the greatest event in our state possible! Cheers!
(Let the countdown to the 2025 Iowa State Fair – “Fair Sweet Fair” begin…308 days!)
