Fall Newsletter: 2024, 2014, 2004, 1994

As the fall newsletter hits mailboxes, here is an update on what the Blue Ribbon Foundation is doing today and a brief flashback as to what was happening 10, 20 and 30 years ago.

What’s happening at the Blue Ribbon Foundation this fall? 

  • We are continuing to celebrate the success of the 2024 Iowa State Fair and Corndog Kickoff.
  • Thank you to the 647 volunteers that gave the gift of their time to sell merchandise and water during the Fair.
  • Included in the newsletter are the 10 outstanding Iowan of the Day winners. The program is still going strong since 1997.
  • Highlighted are unique merchandise items: socks, puzzle, and tea towels. (Never too early to start your holiday shopping.)
  • Save the dates for the upcoming Online Souvenir Auction: November 14 – 17. This is your chance to own a special Iowa State Fair collectible. 
  • Crews have continued to work this fall on the Livestock Barn Renovation. 
  • Ernie and Paula Barnes are featured in the Donor Profile story. Ernie and Paula have supported our organization since the very beginning. Thank you for your active roles with the Iowa State Fair. 
  • Read the complete newsletter.

What was the Blue Ribbon Foundation doing 10 years ago?

  • The giant American Gothic statue was finishing up its temporary installation on the Fairgrounds in front of Pella Plaza. 
  • Fun merchandise items for 2014: American Gothic T-Shirt, Butter Cow Ear Buds, and an engraved picture frame. 
  • 440 volunteers sold merchandise and bottles of water across the Fairgrounds. 
  • The Woodcarvers’ Auction was highlighted in the Donor Profile story. The 2014 event raised $37,915 for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. It was and still is a “must attend” event for Fairgoers. 
  • Staff was preparing for the 8th annual Fairgrounds 5K set to take place in November. 
  • The Youth Inn's restrooms were updated with more renovations on the way.

What was the Blue Ribbon Foundation doing 20 years ago?

  • The Blue Ribbon Foundation helped celebrate the Iowa State Fair’s Sesquicentennial (150 years)!
  • The Richard L. Easter Museum Complex and Jacobson Hall completed the first phase of construction. 
  • The Woodcarvers’ Auction raised $34,830.
  • 400 Fair lovers volunteered their time with the Foundation during the 2004 Iowa State Fair. 
  • Sue Hale was featured in the Donor Profile for her dedication as a volunteer with the Blue Ribbon Foundation. She served on the Corndog Kickoff Auction Committee and was the chair of the event. 
  • The 1854 Society made its debut. Thank you to the original 65 members. And thank you to the 34 members that joined in 2004 and are still members today. 
  • Special merchandise items included a tractor, blanket, and a brick tile.

What was the Blue Ribbon Foundation doing 30 years ago?

  • Concessionaires, exhibitors and even 4-H clubs were choosing to support the newly created Blue Ribbon Foundation organization. 
  • Proceeds from one steer in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show during the Fair were gifted to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. 
  • In seeking help from volunteers - 61 people stepped up to assist during the Iowa State Fair. 
  • Cliff Wilson of Richie Industries in Conrad, Iowa was featured in the Donor Profile. Cliff supported a $2,000 matching gift campaign on WHO Radio. 
  • Grandfather’s Barn was fully renovated with the support of a contribution from Vermeer Manufacturing.
  • Popular merchandise items included: calendars, postcards and a collectable mug series.
  • The “Treasure Our Fair” fundraising campaign was gaining traction and the Foundation had already raised $5.95 million toward our mission.

Programs have grown, new projects have developed and things have changed over the years. The loyalty of Blue Ribbon Foundation donors and volunteers continues to grow. Thank you for your support!

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