March 3, 2016
It’s never too early to start thinking about giant tenderloins and deep fried candy bars. The 2016 Iowa State Fair is only 160 days away! Maybe you are preparing to show livestock, dusting off your tap shoes or in the kitchen trying new recipes for an award winning pie. Yes, adults are just as excited as children for the spectacular August event. Your kids will have the opportunity to learn about Iowa’s agricultural, be entertained on any of the free stages, and maybe ride the ever so popular Sky Glider. This year, you can express your love for the Fair by making a donation on your Iowa Tax Return to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s efforts to renovate and preserve the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The Corndog Checkoff is a simple way to support the Iowa State Fair renovation efforts. Every dollar donated to the
Corndog Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The program has supplemented
renovation projects including the Youth Inn and Ruan Plaza. In addition, the funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.
The Corndog Checkoff, officially named
State Fair, can be found on line
57b of Iowa Tax Form 1040. It’s easy to checkoff a donation to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Please feel free to contact
Marcus with any questions or comments in regards to the Corndog Checkoff.
-Marcus
This is Iowa Tax Form 1040, highlighted is line 57b.
Youth Inn, mid renovation
Various Stages of Ruan Plaza renovation
February 25, 2016
There are many ways to support the renovation efforts that the Blue Ribbon Foundation undertakes each year for the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Show your support for the Foundation by becoming a member in some of our exclusive programs. These membership opportunities include Jake’s Club, Fan Fair and the 1854 Society.
Jake’s Club is a members-only VIP area hosted by the Foundation in the club level of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center during the 2016 Iowa State Fair. Included in this membership, is exclusive access to the
Jake’s Club area for two and admission to all of the evening shows in the Jacobson Center. With the membership, you have the option to purchase guest passes.
Download a membership brochure to join or renew Jake’s Club
online.
The
Fan Fair membership program provides easy access to exclusive Grandstand concert tickets presales. Donate
online or mail your 2016 Fan Fair
donation form to the Foundation to participate.
To celebrate the 150th year of the Iowa State Fair, the Blue Ribbon Foundation created the 1854 Society. This membership program provides opportunities for the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex to preserve the original pieces and history of the Fair. With the membership, you will receive many great benefits. Some of these include, an engraved granite paver outside of the museum, admission tickets for two each day of the Fair, VIP parking and many more exclusive perks. To assure the preservation of the historic Fairgrounds, you can renew your membership to the
1854 Society each year. Please use our
online order form or download our
full brochure to participate or renew.
These programs are just a few ways to show your love and support of the Fair throughout the year. With the memberships, you can see how your individual support can go a long way to preserve the historic Fairgrounds for generations to come. We currently have 138 members in the 1854 Society, and 67 members in Jake’s Club. Enroll today to gain exclusive access to these programs and contribute to the long lasting traditions of the Foundation.
To receive more information on these membership programs or any of our fundraising efforts, please call us at 1-800-450-3732 or use our
contact form.
-Marcus
February 18, 2016
Last week, my parents bought a camper. Now, I have never been one to enjoy not sleeping in my own bed, having a total of three minutes of water to shower with in the mornings, or ever overly fond of hotdogs, but I do enjoy other aspects of camping. Some would be, hanging out with my family, fishing, hiking, and seeing the country. My grandparents would always take us to Colorado or Texas as kids, and I miss those trips. My father and I have been working at the Fair in different capacities for many years. Every year, we see droves of people coming down from the campgrounds every morning to enjoy the Fair. Each year, my father questions why people would do that. Three days ago, he asked how hard it would be to secure a spot in the campgrounds for this next Fair. It is interesting how things change, isn’t it?
I told him that we should go on a few weekend trips first and then plan a trip to Colorado. After that, we can think about starting the process of finding a spot at the Fair. Little did I know that it takes a very long time to get one of the highly coveted spots in the campgrounds. I was talking with a few volunteers that camp here each year, and they said that they waited eight years to get a spot! It has to be worth it though.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Iowa State Fair have been working tirelessly to keep up the renovations and the addition of new spots for the growing demand. The Foundation has many programs that support those efforts, one being the Corndog Checkoff. As you file your state taxes this year, remember to “checkoff” a donation to the Corndog Checkoff. This capital improvement campaign allocates its funds to the renovation and preservation of the historic fairgrounds. The gifts go to many projects including the new Ruan Plaza phase and the last phase of the Youth Inn. This program has also paved the path for continued improvements to the campgrounds.
To find out more about the campgrounds, please visit Fairtime Camping. To find out more about the checkoff program, please visit Corndog Checkoff.
- Marcus
My parent's new camper
Iowa State Fair Campground Map
February 15, 2016
Throughout the year, Blue Ribbon Foundation supporters often stop by the office. Sometimes they need to buy a State Fair inspired gift, help with a special volunteer project or just stop by to say hello. Like our staff, these folks miss the warm summer temperatures in cold winter months and enjoy reminiscing about the fun of August.
Last week, a Foundation donor stopped by the office to share information about the Des Moines Historical Society. So many of our favorite Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteers are involved with other organizations across the state. I enjoy learning about other projects our donors are passionate about. An added bonus – this donor’s two passions are crossing paths.
The Des Moines Historical Society will hold an event to the general public about the history of the Iowa State Fair. The program titled,
Iowa State Fair History by Kathie Swift, will be Monday, February 22 at the Franklin Avenue Library starting at 6:30 pm. (
Click here for more details.)
The Blue Ribbon Foundation thrives on history. Our organization was created specifically to conduct a major capital campaign for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For 20 years, the Foundation has raised millions to keep the beautiful history alive for Fairgoers. The Fair is a tradition any Iowan can be proud of, and the Blue Ribbon Foundation is dedicated to continuing that legacy.
You can read about the history of the Iowa State Fair in more detail in the
Our State Fair history book. Chapters highlight how the State Fair was first started, entertainment, agriculture, the buildings, and much more. The book is for sale in the
State Fair Store.
The Iowa State Fair is an important part of Iowa’s heritage and culture and as the book states “it belongs to us all.” Thank you to the Fair-lovers that continue to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s work to keep the Iowa State Fairgrounds beautiful for years to come.
February 11, 2016
I was listening to Brad Paisley’s Water earlier today and was reminded of my time as a water crew member. The Blue Ribbon Foundation has the privilege of delivering all of the water sold at the Iowa State Fair each year. Last year, the Foundation experienced its highest water sales the Fair had ever seen. I was fortunate, alongside a great water crew to deliver all of that water to vendors and our stands. Many of you have donated your time, and effort into the water program at the Foundation. I would personally like to thank all of you for your hard work and commitment to build a better future for not only the Foundation but the Fair as well.
We have had volunteers selling our water at stands for over 20 years, many of them volunteering every day of the Fair. We could not have such a successful program without the continued help and support of all the volunteers. We have been fortunate enough to build a long lasting partnership between the Foundation and Crystal Clear Water. Since 1995 we have been selling the iconic green bottles, which are arguably the most recognizable part of the Fair. We are always looking for volunteers for the water program and any of our other programs as well.
Please make sure to refer to our Spring Newsletter for more information about volunteer signup for the water program. If you have volunteered in the past, please keep an eye out in early June for an reminder email as well. You can find out more about the water program and all of our other volunteer opportunities with the Foundation on our
website. Thank you for reading, and let’s keep the countdown going, 181 days left! That is exactly 6 months from now, I know you can’t wait!
If you get a few minutes, look that song up and let it remind you of another great day at the Fair and not a cold February day.
- Marcus
Some of our wonderful Foundation Volunteers!
Crystal Clear Water's Donor Profile
February 5, 2016
In early July, we will be celebrating another great
Corndog Kickoff! That is the next big project I’ll be working on. I will be assisting in coordinating the silent auction packages and some of the live auction as well. We already have some great new packages for auction.
The Foundation has been given the opportunity to auction off a replica of Harry Truman’s poker table that has been in his Key West home since he left the White House. This beautiful table is hand made by Jim Gocke and will be one of our featured items at this year’s auction. We will be coming out with more information about it soon! If you want to find out more about Harry Truman or his “Little White House” in Key West please visit
here. To find out more about Jim and the replica, please visit
here to see another replica Jim made for the U.S.S. Iowa. This piece of history is truly something for the ages as it encapsulates what true craftsmanship is.
The Corndog Kickoff is our annual benefit auction held in early July. Along with the poker table, we have some great packages set up. This is a night not only to support the foundation but also to eat Fair food early! Some of the most well-known vendors will be catering the night. You can enjoy corndogs, pork chops, fairsquares and some of the new Fair food. I am most looking forward to working on the organization and
procurement of all of the silent auction packages. Please save the date for July 9th, 2016! You can find more information about the Corndog Kickoff.
Last but not least, I’m still working on promotion of the
Corndog Checkoff. Please remember to “checkoff” the Corndog Checkoff on your Iowa 1040 tax return form, and keep in mind the Iowa State Fair is only 187 days and 15 hours away!!!
-Marcus
This is the poker replica table in the "Little White House"
February 2, 2016
With the snow falling and cold temperatures, remind yourself that February is the month of love. Those warm fuzzies can come from boxes of chocolate, a significant other or maybe the Iowa State Fair. Who doesn’t love to day dream about warm August days when you’re bundled from head to toe? At my house, it’s clear to see that love is in the air with the “Save the Date” wedding announcements starting to cover my refrigerator.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation doesn’t send a “Save the Date” but our winter newsletter should be hitting your mailboxes soon. The newsletter includes an article written by Peter Cownie, the Foundation’s Executive Director, about the successful 2015 Iowa State Fair and future plans for 2016. There are some exciting upgrades that Fairgoers will hopefully be very fond of.
This quarter’s newsletter highlights two (of the many) giving programs - Fan Fair and the Corndog Checkoff. The Foundation shows some love to our supporters in the Champion’s Circle (donors that have given to Our Fair’s Future endowment fund). We include a cumulative list of donors that have supported the Blue Ribbon Foundation since 1993.
Peter says it best: “As donors and volunteers, your support is at the very heart of the Foundation’s success in providing tangible, visible and record results. Combined with outstanding leadership from our staff, we have created a nonprofit that is worthy of your continuing involvement and support. Thank you for your generosity.”
Last but not least, the newsletter includes an article on the Reichardt family for their donation to help preserve the Giant Slide. Can you relate to taking a deep breath and climbing the 105 steps to the top of the 50 foot tall structure on the Iowa State Fairgrounds? Maybe a trip down the Giant Slide is on your Fair to-do list.
This month the entire Blue Ribbon Foundation staff will stay busy. Just to name a few things…Legislative session is in full swing, sponsorship contracts are in the works, promotion of the Corndog Checkoff (remember you can support Fairgrounds' renovations on your taxes), planning for the Corndog Kickoff and much more.
Fairgoers’ passion for the Iowa State Fair is what makes me love my job at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Keep it up!
January 28, 2016
Why is the Iowa State Fair called the greatest State Fair in the nation? It is because of people like you! Iowans just like you are the reason why all of us at the Foundation do what we do. BUT, you don’t have to just think about the Fair for 11 days in August (Aug. 11th-21st by the way), you can remember the great times and memories you have at the Fair even in the spring. As we start to think about filing our taxes by mid-April, please remember to “Check-Off” the Corndog Checkoff, to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Over my last week, I have been busy putting the final touches on the Corndog Checkoff marketing campaign. The Foundation’s goal of this capital improvement campaign for 2016 is to increase awareness and outreach of the Corndog Checkoff. I am asking you, as an Iowa State Fairgoer to help us with this! Visit the checkoff
webpage to find our materials, more information about the projects that have benefited from the checkoff in past years, and some projects slated for completion prior to the 2016 Fair.
I would like to thank all of you readers for your continued support and appreciation for the Foundation and the Iowa State Fair. 195 days to go!! It can’t come fast enough!
-Marcus
Filling the Media Kits to be sent out to the state-wide Radio, T.V. stations and Newspaper outlets. Please keep an eye out for the Corndog Checkoff Ads!
January 21, 2016
Hello,
My name is Marcus Kirstein. I am a new intern for the Blue Ribbon Foundation for the 2016 year! I am a senior at the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in May 2016. My degree is in Leisure, Youth and Human Services with credentials in Nonprofit Management and in Tourism. I hope to one day become a grant maker or a program director at a foundation here in central Iowa. I am a past executive director of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance at UNI. That organization gave me the marketable skills that led to this internship and hopefully will lead into my career. I am originally from Ankeny, IA and my hobbies include cooking, amateur radio, and cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks.
I am the Sponsor Relations Intern for this next spring and summer. I am currently working on the media kit for the Corndog Checkoff. This and many more tasks will create experiences for me to better not only myself but better the Foundation as well. I have been working as a water crew member here at the Foundation for the last three Fairs. If any of you have seen the guys in blue polos driving the green gators around in past years, I used to be one! I had a great time working for the Foundation at the Fair and hopefully I will get to have the same experiences as an intern.
I hope to see all of the readers over the next eight months, either stop into the office and say hi, or hopefully around the Fairgrounds during the eleven best days of the year! One last thought, please remember, if you don’t already “checkoff” the Fairgrounds Renovation on your Iowa Tax Return 1040 form, show the Fair how much you appreciate the wonderful things it has to offer throughout the year by doing so! Find more information at
http://blueribbonfoundation.org/corndogcheckoff
Thank you so much for reading!
-Marcus
2015 Iowa State Fair Opening Day! Nothing Compares!!
The Water Boy "A Team"
January 20, 2016
There is no denying that I’ve got the winter blues. Being cooped up in the house after work and on the weekends is driving me crazy. As a new winter activity this week, I convinced my roommate to play the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s
“It’s a Fair Game”.
I’ve been advertising the game since I starting working for the Foundation but this was the first time I played it. Being completely honest, it was a lot of fun.
The Foundation created the game in 2009. This board game brings the Fair home as you relive the fun of trekking your way across the Fairgrounds. Using custom tokens, players participate in the Fair in one of twelve different professions. As they make their way around the Fairgrounds, a player can increase (or decrease) his or her worth by buying food or merchandise or by winning contests. The player with the highest value when they retire for the night in the campgrounds wins!
During the game my career started as a Concessionaire but quickly switched to Livestock Patrol. I won several Blue Ribbons for my food entries. I always landed on the “buy yummy Fair food” spaces. (Not a stretch from real life.) Some of my favorite spots along the board were:
• Step in cow pie, buy new shoes. Pay $40
• Win Bill Riley talent competition. Collect $500
• Missed the campgrounds shuttle. Lose Turn.
• Buy a brick. Pay $100.
• Hungry for a corndog. Pay $5
The board game is filled with everything you love about the Iowa State Fair. The Foundation currently has the game on sale in the
State Fair Store for $15.
The Iowa State Fair seems like a distant event in these cold weeks of winter, but it will be here before we know it. I won this week’s game but I’m sure my roommate will challenge me again soon. I encourage you to play the “It’s a Fair Game” and find the winner in your family.
