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.
We’re already less than 50 days from the first day of the Fair. Can you believe it’s already July? Here at the Foundation, July is a busy and exciting month, with the Corndog Kickoff right in the middle and Fair preparations in full swing. July also brings another newsletter!…
MoreEach year I receive an ornament from my grandparents for Christmas. Over the years, this has become a collection as I continue to receive a new one each year. Similar…
MoreHappy Friday! With the Corndog Kickoff coming up soon, our office is filling up with wonderful auction donations! I thought I'd start the weekend off right with a sneak peak of some auction packages you'll see at the Kickoff in just a few weeks...
Got a…
MoreHere at the Blue Ribbon Foundation, we have already begun receiving some fantastic nominations for this year’s Iowan of the Day Award program. From what I’ve seen so far, I think the selection committee has…
MoreMany people have admitted that their favorite part of the Iowa State Fair is the variety of wonderful food on display in the Elwell Family Food Center. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to have many of those ribbon-winning foods…
MoreBesides enjoying days at the great Iowa State Fair, some of my favorite memories are going on fun family vacations. I mean, who doesn't enjoy the occasional getaway? If you are wondering what your next vacation…
MoreAs we all know, livestock shows are a huge part of the Iowa State Fair. They provide youth with the opportunity to compete and showcase their skills, as well as entertainment to Fairgoers. At my first Fair, I remember walking through the barns and being amazed at the skill and…
MoreGrowing up in a small town where everybody knows everybody has its perks, and one of those perks was that I got to know some pretty outstanding members of my community who truly made a lasting positive impact…
MoreVolunteers continue to be the backbone of our organization as they truly make our mission possible! Through their work, we are able to raise money to help renovate and improve the Fairgrounds for…
MoreHappy Monday! As we begin a new week, I’d like to share what’s new at the Fairgrounds this year. The maintenance team has been hard at work completing renovations and preparing for the 2024 Fair. Last week, we took a drive around the grounds to see how everything is coming…
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