The Iowa State Fair is known for contests! Some traditional like backgammon, Queen, and cornhole. Some a little more zany – decorated diaper, arm wrestling, best legs, or mullets. Did you know the Blue Ribbon Foundation is hosting a contest before the Iowa State Fair even starts? It’s happening now!
Our 2025 T-shirt design contest is in full swing and with the end of April quickly approaching, the deadline to submit your T-shirt designs is coming up. Make sure to submit your unique, original designs by May 1st to have a chance at being selected as our winning design!
Once you submit your design a selection committee will begin reviewing your designs and select the top five. Those designs will then be shared online through the Blue Ribbon Foundation's website and Facebook page with voting via Facebook "likes" or via our website. Voting will be open from May 7-13 with the winner announced on May 14. The top three designs will receive an Iowa State Fair prize package which are as follows:
1st Place
- Your T-shirt design is produced to sell at the Iowa State Fair
- 2 T-shirts, 2 gate admission tickets, 2 Fair Value Packs, 2 tickets to the Grandstand concert of your choice, $50 in food coupons and parking for a day at the Fair
2nd Place
- 2 gate admission tickets, $25 in food coupons, parking for a day at the Fair and a T-shirt with your design on it
3rd Place
- 2 gate admission tickets, $25 in food coupons and a T-shirt with your design on it
The T-shirt design that is deemed the winner will be sold by the Blue Ribbon Foundation, and the funds will go towards supporting our mission.
You can find a list of rules and design guidelines here: 2025 T-Shirt Contest Rules and Guidelines
Entries can be emailed to Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or by mail to
Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation
PO Box 57130
Des Moines, IA 50317
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or call us at (515)-262-3111 Ext. 371. We are looking forward to seeing the spectacular designs you create!
-Maya Bruening, Sponsor Relations Intern