Blue Ribbon Blog

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.

Learn More about the 2014 Corndog Kickoff

June 30, 2014
drewnorton's picture

Learn more about the 2014 Corndog Kickoff during Drew's interview with Great Day. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rptvz1-7LJ8

 

 

Today's the Day

June 30, 2014
Intern's picture

Who’s excited for the Corndog Kickoff? Me! I can’t believe it is only a few weeks away. At the beginning of the summer July 12 seemed like a date so far off in the distance, I didn’t think it would ever come! But here we are, twelve days from the Corndog Kickoff. Soon we’ll be Rock’ n Round the Grounds, and we hope you’ll join us! As auction items are coming into the office, tickets and auction booklets are leaving the office. Have your purchased your tickets for the Kickoff yet?

Today is the last day to purchase tickets for $75. Starting tomorrow the price will go up to $100 per ticket. Tickets can be ordered online or by calling the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 800-450-3732.  To make sure you don’t miss out on this great deal, purchase your tickets today! Tickets will be sold up until the event on Saturday, July 12.

Special thanks to everyone who donated to this year’s Corndog Kickoff. We couldn’t do it without you!

-Emily

 

2013 Corndog Kickoff

 

 

 

From Granville to Des Moines - America's Favorite Pastime

June 27, 2014
Intern's picture

If you have ever taken a drive through Northwest Iowa near the small town of Granville, you can't miss the famed “Vosburg Field”. Placed between a cornfield backdrop and Highway 10, Vosburg is home to the Spalding Catholic Spartans, my Alma mater, where life revolves around high school baseball. Growing up in the small town of Granville, baseball and softball filled my summer schedule. I was "Lefty" on the field and my Mom loved my dirt-filled cleats coming into the house every night. Naturally, my family had little time to take short vacations to attend “big time” baseball games as we ran from one game to the next until the O’Brien County Fair, and then, of course, the Iowa State Fair rolled around. None the less, I wouldn't take one summer night away from my small-town Iowa experience. 

Lucky for me, the Blue Ribbon Foundation staff took a trip to Principal Park this past Monday to watch the Iowa Cubs take on the Albuquerque Isotopes—my first I-Cubs game! Of course, I got my picture taken with Cubbie Bear with my fellow intern, Emily, and indulged in the typical ballpark food. Most of all, I loved the fact I got to enjoy watching a baseball game for the first time in a long while.

Don’t worry Fairgoers, the staff and I reluctantly returned to the offices in the afternoon to continue plans for the upcoming Corndog Kickoff on July 12. We are busy, busy, busy getting auction items ready, organizing food vendors, and prepping decorations. Tickets are now being sent out and headed to your doorstep! If you haven’t had the chance to get your tickets, hurry up! Prices will increase from $75 to $100 after June 30th until the night of the event.

Despite the chaos of the Corndog Kickoff and the Iowa State Fair (just around the corner), it was wonderful to kick back, relax, and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. I hope to see you soon at the Fairgrounds!

Happy Friday!

Paris Schnepf

Donor Relations Intern

       

 

Midwestern Charm

June 24, 2014
Intern's picture

Iowa is such a wonderful place to live, and I am truly lucky that I get to call this place home. As someone who has traveled to many different places in the United States, I have grown to truly appreciate the “Midwestern charm” that many Iowans seem to have. This charm can be seen through a dedication to one’s job, helping others, or even simply being dedicated and proud of living in Iowa. There are so many Iowa residents who truly embody these qualities. These Iowans deserve to be recognized. So the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products teamed up 18 years ago to honor some of the best Iowans in the state; we call it Iowan of the Day. I have been fortunate enough to spend some of my time reading through our Iowan of the Day nominations for this year. Reading through them has given me the opportunity to see just how much these nominees love Iowa. I know it will be tough for our selection committee to select just 10 winners, there are so many Iowans who are truly deserving!

If you are interested in nominating someone for this year’s Iowan of the Day you can find a nomination brochure and examples of supplemental materials online. All nominations must be received by July 1.

-Emily

126 Bricks

June 20, 2014
Intern's picture
Have you ever noticed the engraved bricks throughout the Fairgrounds on your way into a building or a barn? Do you have your name on one of those engraved bricks?  Have you ever wondered how those bricks get there? The Blue Ribbon Foundation Brick by Brick program has been a tradition on the State Fairgrounds for many years. Patrons are able to purchase a brick for $100 and personalize up to three lines.  Their bricks are than placed around the Fairgrounds to complete the walkways at the 15 different locations. 
 
Last Friday, the other interns and I had the pleasure of laying over 126 bricks.  From the Cattle Barn, to the Administration Building, the three of us girls and Drew Norton placed the new bricks with the old un-engraved place holders. From memorials to funny sayings, the new bricks each had their own personal touch, making them all unique.
 
So this year, remember to look down as you walk. You might be surprised at what you can find. Maybe you’ll see a name you recognize, the county you’re from, or get an idea for your future brick.  Not only would you be helping restore the Fair you love, but you would be leaving a permanent legacy. 
For more information on the Brick by Brick program go to http://blueribbonfoundation.org/ways-to-give/giving-programs/buy-a-brick.
 
 
 
Tags: bricks

Rock' n Round the Grounds

June 16, 2014
Intern's picture

What are you doing on July 12? If you don’t have plans, you do now! Saturday, July 12 will be the 18th Annual Corndog Kickoff and Fair Food Grazing Party at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. It’s the perfect way to gear up for this year’s Fair! Enjoy a night of Fair food, auction packages, Sky Glider rides, and fireworks. To order tickets, fill out an order form online, or call the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 ext. 671. It will be a night to remember, so be sure to order your tickets soon.

As someone who has never been to the Corndog Kickoff before, to say I am excited is a huge understatement. I am elated, ecstatic, joyous, anxious, a little nervous, and so many other emotions! Everyone at the Blue Ribbon Foundation is in full preparation mode for the Corndog Kickoff. Donations keep rolling in and everyone is busy putting together packages and materials for the Kickoff. I personally am working on making bid sheets and description sheets for all of the packages, as well as making sure we have all of the forms and donations for the packages. It has been quite a bit of work, but I can’t wait to see the final product. We will all be Rock’ n Round the Grounds at the 2014 Corndog Kickoff and we can’t wait to see you there.

-Emily

Check Out the Auction Line-Up

June 12, 2014
Intern's picture

Can you believe it? One month until the Corndog Kickoff! In my mind, that means thirty days until I can stuff my face with my Fair food favorites—hot beef sundaes, funnel cakes, and chocolate chip cookies. I’m hungry just thinking about it! Food isn’t the only thing to look forward to next month at the big event. You can check out the entertainment, fireworks, and even catch a ride on the Sky Glider throughout the evening.

 

If you are anything like me, I’ll jump at any chance to get a small taste of the Iowa State Fair. So don’t forget—buy your tickets now! 

When you do come to the Corndog Kickoff (which I know you will), feel free to browse our awesome auction line-up. You can find highlighted packages under the auction tab on the Blue Ribbon Foundation website. Here are just a couple packages to look for when you arrive!

                     

“RIDE ON”

A day of exciting thrills awaits you the Iowa State Fair with this package filled with tickets to your favorite rides. It includes:

• Two Belle City Midway mega passes as well as two rides each on the Sky Coaster, Sling Shot, Rock Wall and Euro Bungee.

• Four passes each for Ye Old Mill, the SkyGlider, Zipline and the Big Slide.

• Gate admission for two and a parking pass.

Donated by Belle City Amusements, Amusement Management, Inc., SkyFair, the Big Slide and the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation

“ THE DUKE”

Spend an afternoon in Winterset, Iowa and peak into the life of John Wayne! In addition to your visit, your package includes four John Wayne DVDs, two bottles of Covered Bridge win, a John Wayne t-shirt and coffee mug.

Donated by John Wayne Birthplace

Be sure to check back on our Corndog Kickoff auction page as well as our Facebook page where I will be highlighting more of our great packages available for you to purchase on Saturday, July 12. There is something for just about everyone, so be sure you don't miss out!

Corndog Kickoff Volunteers

June 10, 2014
Intern's picture
The time has come to turn in those volunteer forms for the 18th Annual Corndog Kickoff! Don’t miss your opportunity to join us in “Rock’n Round the Grounds!” and volunteer at one of Iowa’s most talked about events. 
 
The Corndog Kickoff will be held on Saturday, July 12th at 6:30 p.m. in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your volunteer efforts can help the Blue Ribbon Foundation continue renovating and preserving the Iowa State Fairgrounds, just like that “old time rock and roll.” 
 
If you are interested in volunteering at the Corndog Kickoff, feel free to contact me at 515.262.3111 ext. 679 or stephanie@blueribbonfoundation.org.
 
A mandatory volunteer orientation will be held for Kickoff volunteers on Thursday, July 10th at 5:30 p.m. in the Varied Industries Building. This orientation should last no longer than one hour and is required to ensure that volunteers fully understand their responsibilities, inevitably making the event run more smoothly.   
 
Thank you for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation and I look forward to “Rock’n Round the Grounds” with you at the 18th Annual Corndog Kickoff!
 
-Stephanie
 

Good ol' All-American Baseball

June 9, 2014
Intern's picture

 Happy Monday! Here’s to the start of a brand new week. I know Mondays tend to be the dreaded day of the week; but not for me, and not this week. I had a really great weekend and was ready to come back to work. It will be another busy week, but I am ready to take it on! This weekend I went to an I-Cubs game with my family. It was a perfect summer night, complete with a ballpark hotdog and some good ol’ all-American baseball.

 Baseball happens to not only be one of my favorite summer hobbies, but also the theme for our Iowan of the Day program this year. Being at the game, in the baseball atmosphere, I found myself thinking about some of the All-Star nominations I have been reading. These nominees have racked up countless hours of volunteering, numerous service awards, and an infinite amount of dedication to bettering their communities. There have been so many amazing nominations; it makes me extremely proud to say I live in the state of Iowa. It will be tough for our committee to pick just 10 winners because everyone’s nominations have been so great. If you haven’t sent in a nomination yet for the All-Star in your community, you still have three weeks to do so. You can find examples of supplemental materials online. These can include photos of your nominee, newspaper articles, awards, etc., anything to showcase the greatness of your All-Star.  All nominations must be received by July, 1. With only three weeks to go, I am eager to continue receiving nominations. Though more nominations make it harder for the committee to pick just 10, it makes me fill with more and more pride. Thank you to everyone for all of your hard work and selflessness. It is people like you that make Iowa such a wonderful place to live.

-Emily

      

 

 

Fair History

June 6, 2014
Intern's picture
Do you love Iowa History? Than the State Historical Society of Iowa is the place to go!
 
A few weeks ago the Blue Ribbon Foundation took an office trip to the museum to see it for ourselves.  Located at 600 East Locust in Downtown Des Moines, the Society has so many things to see and learn about. The best part is that they have a huge section of Iowa State Fair photos dating back to the early 1900’s.
The other interns and I loved looking through the old photos with our white gloves and seeing how things used to be. Many of the buildings that are still used today are in the antique photos and being able to make the connections on where the photo was taken based off the buildings was something that we all enjoyed.  Some of my favorite photos included the old carnival rides, a horse show that was taking place in the Grandstand, and a steer show with President Eisenhower.
 
Next time you’re in Des Moines make sure to stop by the Society and find your favorite picture. You never know what you might find!
 
 
 
 
 
 

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