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.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR KICKOFF!

July 5, 2012
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Things at the Blue Ribbon Foundation are sure getting busier this week! With Corndog Kickoff only a little over a week away, everything is started to shape up.

Fun projects have sprung up in preparation for decorating for the Kickoff. Centerpieces are being made and decorations keep arriving in the mail. Molly and I got to spend a hot afternoon in the warehouse on Tuesday painting things for the photo sets where Kickoff guests can get their photo taken. Getting to paint and exercise my creative juices with decorating projects has been fun!

Remember, tickets are now $100 for Corndog Kickoff. Make sure to order yours if you haven’t done so yet! Any tickets ordered after July 10 will need to be picked up at will call at Kickoff. Any orders received before July 10 will have ticket packets sent in the mail complete with auction books and bid cards so you can be ready to bid on many fun, useful, and unique items up for auction this year.

If you would like to order Corndog Kickoff tickets click here. To view this year’s auction items click here to view the auction book. If you have any questions about ordering tickets for Corndog Kickoff please give us a call at 515-262-3111 ext. 671.

-Madison

Happy July, Iowa State Fair fans!

July 2, 2012
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This summer has been flying by and the State Fair is just a short 37 days away. As you all can tell by just walking outside your front door, it has been extremely hot lately. Here in Des Moines we have been getting close to 100 degrees for the past few days, and the heat is here to stay for at least another week! Everyone here in the office is hoping that this weather means that the Fair will be much cooler and easier to handle… A girl can dream, right?? :) Even with the heat and humidity, anticipation for the Fair is growing and August 9th will be here before we know it!

This week, the volunteer master schedule will also be posted online for volunteers to check out and make sure they are signed up for shifts that will work for them. We still have spots available throughout the Fair, so when you check your shifts see if there are any other openings that you could help out with. Remember, you get parking passes and admission tickets for the days you volunteer, and we would love to see you more than once during the Fair! The schedule will be posted on July 5th here on our website. If you have any questions about it, or would like to add more shifts you can email me or call me at 515-262-3111 ext. 679.

For all of our wonderful volunteers, we are quickly approach our Volunteer Reception! This year it will be held on Thursday, July 19th in the Elwell Family Food Center here on the Fairgrounds. All of our volunteers should have received there R.S.V.P. postcards in mail to remind them about the Reception. If you have yet to call or email me, please do so ASAP so we can’t get a close head count for July 19th. If you are unable to attend the Reception, we will mail out your volunteer packets in the mail right after the Reception. I am so excited to meet all of you and have a great year of Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteers at the 2012 Iowa State Fair!

-Molly

Blast from the Past!

June 29, 2012
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Today is a busy day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds as the grounds have been taken over by the 21st Heartland Nationals Goodguys Car Show. Even though I know almost nothing about cars, it is still fun to look at all the different cars. Walking around the grounds today was a site to see as antique and colorful restored cars are lined up all across the fairgrounds. Having such a crowd stirs up anticipation for the State Fair, which is getting closer and closer!

Such a large event also brought many Fair food vendors to the grounds this weekend. Not to shy away from an opportunity to indulge on Fair food early, all three of us interns splurged to get the popular pork tenderloin sandwiches.

Corndog Kickoff is on everyone's mind's here at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Don't forget, if you haven't ordered your Kickoff tickets yet to come and participate in the fun, there's still time! Tomorrow is the last day for $75 advance ticket prices. Any ticket orders postmarked by tomorrow, June 30, will qualify for $75 ticket prices. Any tickets purchased or postmarked after July 1 will be $100 per ticket. Cookbook orders are also rolling in. 2012 Iowa State Fair Cookbooks are only $15 plus $9 for shipping and handling. These cookbooks feature a wide variety of prize-winning recipes from the 2010-2011 Iowa State Fairs. If you would like order a cookbook or Corndog Kickoff tickets, email me or give me a call at 515-262-3111 ext. 677. Cookbooks are also available online and will ship around mid-July. If you would like to order Corndog Kickoff tickets, click here.

Get excited for Corndog Kickoff and the Iowa State Fair! They will both be here before we know it!

-Madison

Iowan Heroes

June 28, 2012
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When I started at the Blue Ribbon Foundation in March, I learned I would be working on the Iowan of the Day program and immediately planted in my mind that the very important deadline for all nominations is July 1! Well…now July is just a few days away! Time has gone by so quick and this week has been the busiest so far reading through submitted nominations. When I come together with the Iowan of the Day panel of judges I realize it will be extremely challenging to narrow it down to the top ten Iowans to honor at the Fair. There are so many deserving Iowans that should be recognized as heroes of the state.

While reading applications, I have been learning about the many volunteer opportunities there are in Iowa that I would love to get involved with, the nominees have truly inspired me! Check out a few organizations nominees are involved with.

Volunteer Fire Department, Community Library Board, Church Committee Council, Keep Iowa Beautiful, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Salvation Army, Extension Council, United Way giving, County Museum Committee, 4-H, FFA, County Fair Board, Sesquincentennial Committee, County Foundation Board, Meals on Wheels, Restoration Committees, volunteer sport referees, School Boards, mission trips, Food Shelter volunteer, Memorial Day County Council, Park Restoration Council, American Legion, County Beef Association, State Fair volunteer, Women’s Club, Hospital Auxilary Board, and so many others!

Wow. The list of a variety of clubs and organizations is definitely impressive. Nominations are still rolling in these last couple days before deadline, don’t miss this great opportunity to nominate someone who impacts your community! For more information visit the Iowan of the Day webpage. You can email me your nomination or send it today to:

Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation PO Box 57310 Des Moines, IA 50317

Although it is my first summer working with this program, I know the past winners have appreciated and greatly enjoyed their honor at the Fair. Gerald Inman, a 2010 Iowan of the Day winner exclaims, “It was a wonderful honor! Thanks for all the extras that came with the honor to make me feel really special. It was a great day that I will never forget!” I look forward to announcing the winners late July, so don’t forget to check back for updates!

-Jenna

Last Call to Nominate Iowa's Shining Stars!

June 22, 2012
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Working with the Iowan of the Day program at the Blue Ribbon Foundation this summer, I can already say it will be an experience I will never forget. Although I only moved from Minnesota to Iowa a few years ago to attend Drake, the sense of Iowa pride has immensely rubbed off on me. As I continue to read through Iowan of the Day nominations, I can’t help but be impressed by all the people in Iowa who continue to surprise me in the greatest way. The Iowan of the Day program has opened my eyes to the amazing people who make an impact in their community. I have been touched by the remarkable and inspiring stories I have read so far in the nominations…and there is still time left until the July 1 deadline to nominate someone who makes a difference in your community! Starting July 1, the Iowan of the Day judges will evaluate each nomination and consider their community involvement, volunteerism, personal achievements, involvement with Iowa youth and their great impact on Iowa. Interested in learning about the package of prizes the ten Iowan of the Day winners receives? Get more information here! Questions? Feel free to call me, Jenna Mushro, at 515-262-3111 ext. 678, or email me!

July will also be a busy month preparing for the 2012 Corndog Kickoff, which is on July 14! The Blue Ribbon Foundation office is overwhelmed with auction package items that come in a large, unique variety! Here is a sneak peek: 

There is a lot of hard work put into the Kickoff by staff and volunteers, but there is still a lot more to be done! On July 14, more than a thousand people will gather in the Varied Industries Building on the Fairgrounds for live entertainment, Fair food and a ton of auction packages to bid on! I can’t wait! Click here for more information and to order tickets for the 2012 Corndog Kickoff: It’s a Sweet Thing! 

 

--Jenna

"Volunteers don't just do the work-they make it work."

June 19, 2012
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I have now been in the office for almost two months and I honestly have no idea where the time went! Can you believe it? There are only 50 shorts days until the Iowa State Fairgrounds will be transformed from a quiet, peaceful landscape into a grand Iowa tradition that will be filled with thousands and thousands of fair-goers wanting to get their favorite food on a stick and be a part of the 2012 “Fairlicious” Iowa State Fair.

I have now received about 400 volunteer registration forms and I keep getting more each day! Every single morning shift has been filled except for the second Sunday (8/19) of the Fair. Nice work volunteers! I am still working on filling shifts for afternoons and evenings for merchandise sales, water booths, and Fair Squares. I’ve learned that water booths fill up the quickest, but we still have a few spots open! Have you sent in your registration form? If not, click here to fill out the online form and be a Blue Ribbon Foundation volunteer! The master schedule will be available online starting July 5th. Already signed up, but want to take on more shifts? Awesome! Email me and we can get you into the schedule with more shifts.

Besides coordinating volunteers, one of my other big projects this summer is the Blue Ribbon Foundation Volunteer Reception. This year’s reception will be held on Thursday, July 19th, starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Elwell Family Food Center here on the Fairgrounds. It will give our volunteers the opportunity to meet other volunteers, receive a short orientation, eat a delicious meal catered by Campbell’s, and take a motorized tour of the Fairgrounds. Volunteers will also be able to pick up their t-shirts, schedule, parking pass(es), and admission ticket(s) at the reception. Make sure to look for your invitation postcard in the mail that will be coming soon!

As always, if you have any questions about the Volunteer Reception or the Fair please don’t hesitate to contact me! You can email me anytime or reach me via phone: 515-262-3111 ext. 679.

--Molly

Kickoff, Cookbooks and More!

June 13, 2012
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Fair time is getting closer and closer! As the Fairgrounds are beautified in anticipation for those 11 exciting days in August, the anticipation grows. Here at the Blue Ribbon Foundation Corndog Kickoff is fast approaching. As Special Events intern, I am working on Corndog Kickoff ticket orders as they come in through the mail. Auction items keep rolling in and things are shaping up for this year's Kickoff on July 14. If you happen to be on Facebook, make sure to 'Like' the Corndog Kickoff and Blue Ribbon Foundation fan page. In preparation for Kickoff each week a new recipe will be posted on how to make Iowa State Fair favorites such as Monkey Tails, funnel cakes, and cotton candy at home. With this year's Kickoff theme, "It's a Sweet Thing," what better time to indulge on your favorite Fair sweet treats? If you haven't gotten your ticket order in for your Corndog Kickoff tickets, don't worry, there's still time! To purchase your tickets online click here. Otherwise, feel free to mail in an order form and check, give us a call at 515-262-3111 ext. 671 or stop by the office. Tickets prices are $75 per ticket, or $100 after June 30. Want another way to enjoy the State Fair throughout the rest of the year at home? We are now taking orders for the 16th edition of the Iowa State Fair Cookbook! Cookbooks are $15 + $9 shipping and handling. Cookbooks can be ordered on the Blue Ribbon Foundation website, or orders can be sent in to the Blue Ribbon Foundation office at PO Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317. This year’s cookbook is filled with a large variety of prize winning recipes from the 2010-2011 Iowa State Fairs. Feel free to give me a call to order cookbooks or Kickoff tickets at 515-262-3111 ext. 677. Start counting down the days for the Iowa State Fair! -Madison

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Fair Season

June 6, 2012
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It is probably safe to say that everyone at the Blue Ribbon Foundation can say “goodbye” to the quiet atmosphere of the Fairgrounds, and “hello” to the summer excitement in the air. Driving onto the Fairgrounds I was greeted by this:

 

 

The World Pork Expo has begun!  Seeing all the people walking around and enjoying themselves at the Expo is just a glimpse of what the Iowa State Fair will bring. I can’t help but notice all the smiles and enthusiasm of the volunteers as I passed by gates and various booths.  They are really what make events successful!

As for me, I have been working hard promoting the Iowan of the Day program by sending letters, contacting press and letting people know they have a chance to recognize someone who truly makes an impact in their community.  Know someone who would represent your community well as an Iowan of the Day? Nominate them to be an Iowan of the Day! Nominations due by July 1.  Not sure what to include in your nomination?  Check out a past example and more information at http://www.blueribbonfoundation/iotd.   

This week I finished reading through past nominees and realized even more that these special people really deserve recognition at the Fair for all their hard work.  I’ve smiled, laughed, (and even teared up a bit) from all of the wonderful stories people send in about the dedication of fellow Iowans.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to call me at 515-262-3111 ext. 678, or email jennam@blueribbonfoundation.org.

Spread the word about the Iowan of the Day program, July will be here before you know it!

 

Jenna

Off and Running!

May 30, 2012
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Well, volunteer registration forms for this year’s Fair were sent out the middle of last week. I have already had about 200 forms returned and they just keep coming! I don’t think I have ever had so much mail addressed to me at one time! The past few days here in the office have been spent opening letters, recording names & addresses, and scheduling lots of volunteers for all ten days of the fair.

Have you gotten your volunteer forms sent in yet? Shifts are beginning to fill up and the schedule is starting to come together! Also, remember that the registration is also available here on the website. Just check the bottom left hand corner of the home page. The master schedule will be available the first part of July for you to check your shifts and contact me with any questions via email molly@blueribbonfoundation.org or by phone 515-262-3111 ext. 679

The weather here in Des Moines is fantastic and the fairgrounds are getting more and more prepared for the Fair each day! Only 70 days left until those gates open and the best ten days of the summer begin. Make sure you are signed up to be a Blue Ribbon Foudation volunteer for one of the top-ranked Fairs in the county. Nothing Compares!

Introducing the Newest Intern at the BRF Office

May 22, 2012
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Hello Everyone!
My name is Madison Boswell and I am a student at Simpson College. I am so excited to be a part of the Blue Ribbon Foundation this summer! At Simpson I am studying Creative Integrated Marketing Communications and music, and as the 2012 Special Events Intern with the Foundation this summer, I am excited to work on the event planning side of things as part of my responsibilities this summer.

I grew up just outside of Humboldt, Iowa, a small town in northwest Iowa, so living in Des Moines this summer seems very big city to me! I am looking forward to being at the State Fair all day every day this year. Growing up in Humboldt I was active in the county 4-H program with projects, showing cattle, and county council. Through 4-H I was able to get involved at the Iowa State Fair through my involvement in 4-H with communications, projects, and Share the Fun performances. In 2010 I graduated from Humboldt High School and I recently finished up my sophomore year at Simpson College. While at school I stay very involved in a variety of activities. I am active in the Simpson media organizations as a photojournalist and writer for the student newspaper and magazine, I participate in choir and the newly formed Simpson Orchestra, Wesley Service Scholar volunteer program, I am an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority where I serve as VP of Communications, and I am the Secretary for the Simpson Shooting Sports club. In my free time I enjoy singing, playing violin, photography, spending time with friends and family (including my pets!), and traveling.

It only being my second day at the Blue Ribbon Foundation, I already feel extremely welcome and at home here. I have started work on different projects dealing with different events this summer that will take place before and during the fair. It is so exciting and interesting to see all the behind the scenes work that goes on to plan so many important events that go on during the fair.
If you have any questions about upcoming events feel free to contact me via email (madison@blueribbonfoundation.org) or by phone (515-262-3111 ext. 677).

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