Welcome to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s blog!
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to raise funds for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Since our inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $200 million through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.
Please follow our blog to learn more about our organization.
What is your “Iowa State Fair Moment”? Is it the first time you attended the event? Did you meet your significate other while standing in line for a corndog? Did your babysitter take you on the Giant Slide or Sky Glider for the first time? Did you win a blue ribbon for your peach pie?
All Fair lovers have at least one, if not several flashbacks that bring a smile to their face when talking about the Iowa State Fair. For me, it’s the first time I attended a concert in the Grandstand (LeAnn Rimes). It’s camping with my best friend as she showed cattle. It’s my summer as a Blue Ribbon Foundation intern. It’s getting married in the Animal Learning Center. It’s the first time I took my daughter through Little Hands on the Farm. Just like every Fairgoer, I have MANY special Iowa State Fair memories.
In fact, 9,958 Iowa State Fair enthusiasts have celebrated their personal Iowa State Fair memory with a donation to the Blue Ribbon Foundation for an engraved brick. Brick inscriptions all across the Fairgrounds are unique and tell stories of people’s connections to the Fair. Engraved bricks celebrate families, loved ones that are no longer here and truly everything people love about the great Iowa State Fair.
All of the Giving Program options are listed on the Blue Ribbon Foundation website. The Foundation has creative ways to make a donation and leave a lasting legacy on the Fairgrounds. Gifts can take many forms and are welcome at every level. The deadline to have an item in place by the 2024 Iowa State Fair is March 31.
The Iowa State Fair has a legacy of hosting high-quality livestock shows. As you walk through the barns, one can’t help but notice a prominent fashion accessory: western-style belt buckles. These buckles surpass functionality to show something special about the wearer, highlighting what is meaningful to them from an accomplishment in the ring, their family history or imagery of the animals they work with. These buckles are worn with pride, showcasing who the wearer is and what they want to be.
In recognition of the pride shown by our livestock exhibitors, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation has created the “Back the Barns” campaign along with a commemorative belt buckle. The livestock barns as a whole will undergo a major $25 million renovation. The Sheep Barn is currently in its second phase of renovation while the Cattle, Horse and Swine Barns will each have dedicated restorations in areas that are vitally needed.
“Back the Barns” is a way for anyone with a passion for youth in agriculture to support the renovation of the barns on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Providing youth with exceptional facilities in which to compete and showcase their hard work and skills every August is central to the Fair’s mission. Renovation of the historic, early 20th century animal barns will give generations of Fairgoers the opportunity to continue the time-honored tradition of showing their livestock at the Iowa State Fair.
Members of the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s “Back the Barns” campaign are those generous donors who have pledged $1,000 per year for three years in support of the Iowa State Fair’s historic livestock barn restoration project. And yep, you really do get a special belt buckle to celebrate your investment in our mission of preserving the Fairgrounds. It’s a mutual support program – we’ll help hold up your pants; you help hold up our roof.
In addition to your one-of-a-kind belt buckle, your name will be listed on a plaque recognizing donors when the project is complete. Your support of the barn restoration project will guarantee the tradition of showing livestock at the Iowa State Fair continues to grow year after year.
Thank you!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking for 100 donors to make an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds by tackling a smaller renovation project. We’ve had 85 donors join the team, and need 15 more!
Money raised from the 2024 T.A.G. Team will be used to update to the official Iowa State Fair “Tunnel of Love”, Ye Old Mill.
Ye Old Mill has been a beloved attraction since 1921. Situated next to the Midway on Grand Avenue, riders climb aboard a row boat and disappear into a 1,500-foot tunnel. Except for an occasional collage of historical photos, most of the 3-minute float trip is in pitch-black darkness — allowing bold riders to steal a kiss or two.
While it's considered the Fair's oldest permanent amusement ride, the structure that stands today isn't the original. It was rebuilt in 1996 as an exact duplicate of the original after the first, which had dry rot and termite damage, was blown over in a strong windstorm. The bright red paddle wheel remains the only artifact from the original structure.
The upcoming improvements include new sheathing, fascia and architectural shingles on the roof of the main building. The side walls of the tunnel will be stripped and repaired where needed and new lap siding is planned for both sides. The whole structure will be repainted and the “inner” portion of the tunnel that you can only see from the Sky Glider will get a new rock landscape.
For a $250 donation your name will be listed as a key player in the renovation project and you will receive a commemorative pin to denote your membership in the 2024 T.A.G. Team.
We welcome your participation in our T.A.G. Team so Together we can Accomplish our Goals. Join today.
Thank you to all of the Fair lovers that have supported our mission and made these previous T.A.G. Team projects possible: Livestock Pavilion east restrooms, Agriculture Building first level lighting, Pioneer Hall west exterior, Agriculture Building north and east exterior doors
The Iowa State Fair’s evolution from a simple stock show to today’s agricultural, industrial and entertainment extravaganza is a direct reflection of Iowa’s evolution from an untilled prairie to the very center of the nation’s food production. The Iowa State Fair has been the historical trademark of this progress.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation has been raising funds for the restoration and preservation for our beloved Fairgrounds since 1993. The first renovation of Grandfather’s Barn and the first new building constructed, the Service Center, were just the beginning. One by one, barns and buildings across the Fairgrounds were improved. From unseen electrical updates or simple restroom improvements, to construction of a state-of-the-art exhibition center, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has been determined to make the Iowa State Fairgrounds one of the best.
The Foundation has been able to offer the Corndog Checkoff as a way for Iowans to financially support our efforts. While completing your Iowa State Tax Form, simply "check-off" a donation for the Iowa State Fairgrounds and provide a reliable source of funding for future renovations, building enhancements and maintenance to the Fairgrounds, ensuring the Fair will be a grand tradition for generations to come. Your donation will be deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.
The Iowa State Fair is the true, ever-changing reflection of what’s best about Iowa. Over the years the Fair has never veered from its primary purposes: the celebration of excellence, the recognition of individual achievement and the enhancement of agriculture.
Corndog Checkoff contributions are anonymous; therefore the Foundation is unable to recognize those individuals. Although the gifts are nameless, they are extremely significant and greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Corndog Checkoff donations are helping make the Public Safety Building addition and renovation possible.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation traditionally starts our year by thanking donors. It’s our goal to thank supporters throughout the year but we take pride in flipping the calendar and recognizing what our organization is most grateful for – you!
Listed in each Winter Newsletter is the Roll of Donors. All gifts of any size are important to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Each dollar donated has factored into our accomplishments over time. This list includes donations made to our general renovation fund as well as contributions to our endowment since 1993.
Making an appearance in each of the newsletters is also information about the Corndog Tax Checkoff. The program provides an easy way to contribute through a tax-deductible donation on your Iowa return. When completing your taxes, look for “State Fair” on Line 21 on Iowa Form 1040.
What’s new with the Blue Ribbon Foundation as we start 2024?
So, what was happening 10 years ago?
And what was happening 20 years ago?
Programs have developed, new projects have advanced and things have changed over the years. Nevertheless, the loyalty of Blue Ribbon Foundation donors continues to grow. Thank you for your support!
Amidst the busy seasons of life, the days when family, friends, and loved ones gather together can often seem few and far between. However, when these days come, they are celebrated as if no time had passed and cherished as life-long memories. Holidays, birthdays, weddings, reunions, and of course, the Iowa State Fair are just a few of the celebratory times that cause us to pause, reconnect, and reflect with thankful hearts on the many gifts we have.
During this holiday season, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation expresses our gratitude to all of the Fair-lovers who have given their time, treasure, and passion over the past 30 years to help rejuvenate the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The gift of time – thank you for volunteering and supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission to preserve and improve the great Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The gift of treasure – thank you for contributing to our giving programs and capital campaigns that renovate and beautify the Fairgrounds.
The gift of family – thank you for being part of our Fair family. You bring joy to our Fairgrounds when attending the Corndog Kickoff and the largest reunion in our state – the Iowa State Fair.
We wish you and your families a blessed holiday and look forward to more exciting days together in the new year.
Amidst the busy seasons of life, the days when family, friends, and loved ones gather together can often seem few and far between. However, when these days come, they are celebrated as if no time had passed and cherished as life-long memories. Holidays, birthdays, weddings, reunions, and of course, the Iowa State Fair are just a few of the celebratory times that cause us to pause, reconnect, and reflect with thankful hearts on the many gifts we have.
During this holiday season, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation expresses our gratitude to all of the Fair-lovers who have given their time, treasure, and passion over the past 30 years to help rejuvenate the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The gift of time – thank you for volunteering and supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission to preserve and improve the great Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The gift of treasure – thank you for contributing to our giving programs and capital campaigns that renovate and beautify the Fairgrounds.
The gift of family – thank you for being part of our Fair family. You bring joy to our Fairgrounds when attending the Corndog Kickoff and the largest reunion in our state – the Iowa State Fair.
We wish you and your families a blessed holiday and look forward to more exciting days together in the new year.
Last Friday I attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Philanthropy Day Luncheon where the local chapter honored two companies and three individuals. All were recognized for their charitable giving but, more importantly, their spirit of giving. Time, Treasure and Talent are the three T’s spoken about in the non-profit world and all three were present in each of the honorees.
Treasure is obvious and admittedly, quite important, as all organizations need funding in order to fulfill their missions. Renovations to the buildings on the Iowa State Fairgrounds wouldn’t get very far without the funding to purchase the materials and pay for the skilled labor! The Blue Ribbon Foundation is blessed to have supporters who believe in our mission and share their treasure with us, be it $1 in the Corndog Checkoff, $250 for TAG Team or a major gift that initiates a capital giving campaign.
But Treasure isn’t the only “T” that is vitally important. There are two others in the mix – Talent and Treasure. The talent comes when people who love the Fair step up to share with us a skill they possess. Bill McNarney, a man passionate about the Fair who worked for HUD, offered the Foundation its very first in-kind gift, a set of 15 hand drawn pen and ink sketches of the major buildings on the Fairgrounds. Bill gave the Foundation the rights to use the images for any fundraising purpose. These drawings formed the base of the first merchandise sold by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Other shared talents include, but are definitely not limited to, those supporters who help set up our merchandise booths, create the baskets and backdrops for the Corndog Kickoff, develop computer programs, work with database entry and so much more.
The time, oh the time, is where our bread is buttered so well because of all of you who simply love the Iowa State Fair and want to help in its success. Time isn’t just about the 5,200 volunteer hours given during the 2023 Iowa State Fair at our booths or the countless hours asking businesses for a donation to the Corndog Kickoff. It is also about understanding the mission of the Blue Ribbon Foundation and sharing that message with friends and family. It is about bringing new people to the Corndog Kickoff or Iowa State Fair and welcoming them into the “Fair fold,” of including them in your love of Iowa’s greatest event.
At the closing of the luncheon, the speaker encouraged everyone present to take a moment and think about someone who has made an impact on you or your community. And then, to take it that next step and reach out and let them know. So during this week of Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you all, each and every one of you who has given of their Time, Talent and Treasure to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Thank you! Your contribution has made an impact for all of us working, enjoying and loving the great Iowa State Fair.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving – we are thankful for you!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation has sold Iowa State Fair souvenirs as a fundraiser since our organization started 30 years ago. A selection of these souvenirs, and many others, are now open for viewing on the auction site. Check out the site here or use the QR code below to view the items available for bidding.
The online auction will open for bidding on Thursday, November 9th at 10 AM and will close on Sunday, November 12th at 8 PM.
To bid, you must register as a bidder and provide the required information on the form, including a valid credit card. Winning bidders will receive details on how to pick up their item(s).
Happy bidding and thank you for supporting the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation!
As the fall newsletter hits mailboxes, here is a brief flashback to what the Blue Ribbon Foundation was doing 10 and 20 years ago.
What’s happening at the Blue Ribbon Foundation?
What was the Blue Ribbon Foundation doing 10 years ago?
What was the Blue Ribbon Foundation doing 20 years ago?
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!
