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.
Time to Vote: Thank you to everyone that submitted a design idea for the Iowa State Fair T-Shirt Contest. The Blue Ribbon Foundation was blown away by the creativity and received awesome t-shirt entries from all across the state. The selection committee made a tough decision and narrowed it down to the top five. Now is the time to vote. Between now and May 14, please vote for your favorite. VOTE HERE
You can also cast a vote via our Facebook page.
The winner will be announced on May 15. The top three vote-getters will receive Iowa State Fair prize packages.
Again, the winning design will be featured as an official Iowa State Fair t-shirt available for purchase at the Blue Ribbon Foundation's merchandise booths during the Iowa State Fair and online starting on May 15. All proceeds benefit the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Thank you for participating in the contest. Stay tuned for the winner.
Although the Iowa State Fair is the largest and busiest event at the Fairgrounds, it is not the only one. Many events are hosted on these grounds throughout the year. Just recently, Bacon Fest was held in the Agricultural building. Featuring the Baberhood Bluegrass Band, a Star Wars Costume Contest, and of course a Bacon Eating Contest, it sure was a success. Take a look at some of the events coming up soon:
Polk County Senior Fest: May 15th
Coming up next week is Senior Fest: an annual event designed for those 60 years and older. The day features music, vendor booths, carnival games, BINGO, and more. The event is held in the Varied Industries Building and all attendees receive a nutritious lunch.
34th Annual Iowa Metaphysical Fair: May 18th – 19th
One of the largest and longest-running fairs of its kind, IMF offers goods and services related to holistic health, spirituality, and metaphysics. Admission includes access to over 100 vendor booths, retain therapy, workshops, lectures, and open galleries. The Fair will be held in the 4-H building.
June Flea Market: June 1st-2nd
Once a month, the Flea Market brings antiques, décor, jewelry, purses, collectables, and more to the 4- H Building. It is a great way to support local small businesses and find some unique new items!
2024 National Junior High Finals Rodeo: June 23rd – 29th
The Rodeo will be held at various locations on the Fairgrounds. Approximately 1,200 middle school students from around the world will compete in a variety of events, such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Ribbon Roping, Junior Bull Riding, and more. Along with the Rodeo, one of the greatest western tradeshows in the nation will be open to the public in the Varied Industries Building.
Those are only a few examples of the many events that are held here at the Fairgrounds. If you would like to see the full calendar of upcoming events, check out the Iowa State Fairgrounds Event Calendar.
Since the Fairgrounds are constantly hosting events year-round, it’s important that we maintain their conditions, including each building. Every dollar contributed to the Blue Ribbon Foundation goes into maintaining and renovating the buildings that are home to so many wonderful events. Your contributions not only sustain the physical structures, but also preserve the sense of community that drives each event. So, the next time you attend a fundraising event, give a gift, or contribute in any way to the Foundation, know that you are a part of keeping these beautiful Fairgrounds running.
- Lauren McCullum, Donor Relations Intern
I have really enjoyed being able to come in throughout the semester to begin my work in the office and to get comfortable with the many different aspects of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. In addition to learning about merchandise and sponsorship, I have also been learning about the various ways the public can donate to support renovations throughout the Fairgrounds. One of these ways of donation is through the “Back the Barns” campaign.
The “Back the Barns” campaign allows people to give back in a way that is guaranteed to benefit the youth and adults in agriculture that participate during the State Fair each year. The funds are used to renovate and improve the livestock barns so that we can continue the legacy of having high quality livestock shows. As a past 4-H and FFA member who showed cattle, goats, and pigs growing up, this is super exciting as I continue to come back to watch the livestock shows each year.
Currently there are plans to improve the sheep, horse, swine, and cattle barns throughout the upcoming years. In fact, the sheep barn is going through intensive upgrades from top-to-bottom right now. This includes improved office spaces, installation of underground storm sewers, new roofing, remodeled and new restrooms, repainting, and more!
We would greatly appreciate if you considered giving to this cause as we continue to improve the grounds for fairgoers each year. This campaign makes it easy as you have opportunity to donate a total of $3,000 in three different ways and can decide dependent on what works best for you. Those who donate will receive a special belt buckle and will be listed as a donor on a kiosk at the conclusion of the project. The donation options are listed below:
You can find more information about donating on our website at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org. Feel free to also call our office at (515) 262-3111 Ext. 371 or stop by our office with any questions. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by many! Be sure to look at the picture below to see the enhanced look of the sheep barn after renovations to the roof, the windows, and more. It will be exciting to see the final product at the conclusion of the renovations!
- Jayce Reed, Business Relations Intern
As we enter the month of May, the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction is inching closer. A combination of good food, music, and tradition, the Kickoff is the perfect way to start the season. This year’s theme, “A Piece of the Puzzle”, symbolizes the millions of pieces of the fair that will come together to create a singular, remarkable event! We have already received so many generous donations, from beautiful quilts and art pieces to vouchers for local attractions. It’s been wonderful to see these items come in, each with their own personal touch and connection to the Fair.
There are many ways you can participate in the Kickoff. If you would like to make a donation, you can find the form here, or feel free to stop by and grab a paper copy. Are you looking for some inspiration on what to donate? Popular items include tickets to a sporting event or concert, behind-the-scenes experiences, and themed baskets. Feel free to get creative with this! You may also participate as a patron by supporting the event with a cash donation. Click here to view the patron benefits and how to become one!
If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll be interested in Dining Delights: a gift card pull featuring restaurants here in Iowa. If you have a favorite restaurant that you’d like to feature, we are still collecting gift cards of $20 or more. We already have a fantastic variety of places such as Whiskey River and Sweet Caroline’s (one of my favorites!).
We hope to see you at the Kickoff on Saturday, July 13th at the Varied Industries building. Tickets may be purchased online, via mail, phone, or at the event. Don’t miss out!
- Lauren McCullum, Donor Relations Intern
Growing up in Albia, Iowa, my community was made up of several different local heroes that dedicated many hours each year to the success and unity of Albia. One of these people was my great uncle, Bob Reed. Bob loved his community and made this very evident through activities such as serving on the Monroe County Fairboard, serving as President of the Albia Chamber of Commerce for 3 years, being active during the annual Restoration Days celebration, and doing random acts of kindness expecting nothing in return. It was because of his hard work that he was selected to win the Iowan of the Day award in 1999.
Do you know people like my Uncle Bob that are constantly putting their community and others before themselves? The Iowan of the Day program honors these community heroes and allows them to be recognized for their timeless leadership and service within the community. However, in order for us to do this, we need your help! Please nominate your local leaders by July 1st. Nominees must reside in Iowa and will be considered for three years following the year they are nominated.
With the support of Cookies Food Products, we honor an Iowan of the Day on ten different days of the Iowa State Fair. In addition to being recognized on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage, each winner also receives the following:
More information, as well as the nomination form, can be found on the Iowa Blue Ribbon Foundation website here. You can also stop by our office or call us at 515-262-3111 ext. 37 to request a nomination form or to ask any questions you may have. We look forward to learning about your Iowa communities and those who have showed extraordinary efforts within it! Do not forget those nominations are due by July 1st!
- Jayce Reed, Business Relations Intern
Happy Tuesday! Are you still thinking about entering the T-Shirt Design Contest? It’s not too late – you still have one week left to submit your designs before May 1! Everyone has a creative side; what better way to show it off than at the Iowa State Fair? Grab a friend, family member, or coworker and make a day of it! The winning design comes with more than just bragging rights – the first place T-Shirt will be sold at the Fair! However, that’s not all... check out the prizes for first, second and third place:
Now those sounds like some sweet deals to me! This is a great way to get yourself and friends in the State Fair mood as we have finally escaped that persistent Iowa winter weather. Goodbye Winter Blues, hello Fair Fever!
If those prizes aren’t enticing enough, proceeds from the winning T-Shirt sales will support The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s efforts to preserve and improve the historic Fairgrounds. Wouldn’t it be awesome if an item designed by you ended up supporting a good cause too? That’s what I call a win-win.
For further explanation of the rules and guidelines, click here.
If you have any questions, you may email Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or call (515) 262-3111 Ext 371.
Designs may be sent to Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or by mail to the following address:
Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation
PO Box 57130
Des Moines, IA 50317
We are so excited to see your creative designs!
In honor of the upcoming National Volunteer Week, we would like to extend a special thank you to all of the volunteers who show their hard work and dedication each year!
In the past, we have only requested volunteers for the Corndog Kickoff and during the Iowa State Fair. However, with the willingness of our generous volunteers, we have also been able to expand these tasks into April and May. This past week, we have had volunteers hard at work maintaining the grounds. Volunteers spent their time pulling weeds, clearing away leaves, and trimming trees in preparation for planting flowers in May. This was greatly appreciated and a big help for our two staff horticulturists- Charlie McInroy and Aaron Sudbrock. We love having all hands on deck during these early months of preparation.
Volunteers are truly the backbone to our operation. Whether it is now, at the Corndog Kickoff in July or at the Iowa State Fair in August, everyone’s role is so incredibly important. In fact, the volunteers are what make this all possible as the Foundation only has a team of eight people during the summer. In order for everything to go smoothly and get done well, we need you!
As summer quickly approaches, we will be looking for volunteers to help us out very, very soon! Volunteering allows you to give back to the Foundation so we can continue our mission of Fairgrounds improvements. As a volunteer, you are able to interact with many fairgoers and have fun! You will also receive a free T-shirt, an admission ticket and a parking pass for the day. Therefore, you are able to soak up all of the fair fun before or after your shift!
For more information on how to volunteer, please visit our website at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org. Feel free to also call our office at (515) 262-3111 Ext. 371 or stop by our office with any questions. The 2024 Volunteer Sign-Up will open on May 22nd, so be sure to mark your calendars as the time slots go fast.
We truly could not do it without each of our volunteers. We are so thankful for your continuous support! We look forward to seeing you this year at the Iowa State Fair, but in the meantime, enjoy some pictures of our awesome volunteers helping around the Fairgrounds this past week!
As we are already halfway through April, we can officially say the end of the school year is in sight and the weather is continuously getting warmer! However, this also means that the deadline for our T-Shirt Design Contest is also approaching! With the deadline being May 1st, you still have a couple weeks to enter one of your original designs for a chance to have your design chosen to serve as one of the t-shirts sold at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. This is a contest for everyone and can serve as a fun way to spend your day with family and friends!
Entering in this contest can also come with some prizes if you place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. The prizes listed below will allow you to upgrade your Iowa State Fair experience and may even allow you to get an extra bucket of chocolate chip cookies!
Not only does this contest bring fun and prizes, but this can also serve as a great way to give back to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. The winning design will be sold during the upcoming State Fair. All of the proceeds from the sales will go to the Blue Ribbon Foundation so that we can continue to fund renovations and upgrades on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Past projects include renovations to Pioneer Hall, the Sheep Barn, and the Ye Old Mill.
You can find a further explanation of the rules and guidelines here
You can send your designs to Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or by mail to the following address:
Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation
PO Box 57130
Des Moines, IA 50317
If you have any questions, please email Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or call (515) 262-3111 Ext 371. This T-shirt contest gives you the opportunity to be creative, as well as truly show what the fair means to you! I really hope to continue seeing more design ideas come in as the May 1st deadline approaches. Do not miss out on this fun opportunity to put your artistic talents to the test!
As the weather finally starts to warm up, it is getting easier to believe that Fair Season is approaching! Today I wanted to dive a little more into the meaning behind the Fair as well as my experience.
While driving through the empty Fairgrounds today, I got to thinking about how in just a few months, these streets will be packed with thousands of eager Fairgoers. But what is it about the Iowa State Fair that brings in so many guests? Is it the livestock shows featuring horses and cattle? Perhaps it’s the thrill park, offering entertainment for the whole family. Or is it the delicious food, from the classic corndog to the PB&J on a stick? Personally, I believe the appeal lies in the rich history of the Fair and the way it brings a community together. The Iowa State Fair celebrates Iowa’s agricultural heritage in a unique and entertaining way for all.
When I first came to Iowa, I never expected to experience something like the Fair. Moving from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast to the heart of Iowa came with many changes – the Fair being a very positive one. I remember my first time seeing the famous Butter Cow. This 600 pound, life-size sculpture made from butter requires an incredible amount of talent and patience. And that’s only one part of the Fair! It’s easy to see the hard work and dedication that is put into everything that makes up the beautiful and historic Fairgrounds.
I have only been with The Foundation for a few weeks now, but it’s already been such a great experience. Each day I learn something new. I sure am excited for August, and I hope you are too! 
Happy Friday! As we are wrapping up the month of March, it is almost time for the kick-off of our annual T-Shirt Contest! This contest is sponsored by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and allows everyone the opportunity to show off their creative talents! Not only do you have the opportunity to create the Iowa State Fair T-Shirt, but 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners also get some special Iowa State Fair prizes!
This year’s Iowa State Fair theme, “Fair Fever” gives everyone a great opportunity to be creative and show that they have what it takes to design a t-shirt. Everyone has until MAY 1 to enter their original designs. Following this deadline, the selection committee will get to work and have the top five designs selected. The top 5 designs will then be posted to the Iowa Blue Ribbon Foundation Facebook Page for public voting. This voting will be open May 8th-14th, with the winner being announced on May 15th. The prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place include the following:
I personally do not think there is a better way to creatively show off what the Iowa State Fair means to you than to enter this contest. You could even spend a night doing this with your family or friends to make it even more fun!
In addition to having fun, this contest is also an excellent opportunity to support the state fair! The t-shirt design that is selected will serve as one of the Iowa State Fair T-shirts sold by the Blue Ribbon Foundation. The funds raised will go towards renovation projects in order to enhance different historic locations and features on the Fairgrounds.
For further explanation, read the rules and guidelines.
You can send your designs to Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or by mail to the following address:
Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation
PO Box 57130
Des Moines, IA 50317
If you have any questions, please email Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org or call (515) 262-3111 Ext 371. We look forward to seeing the designs that everyone submits by May 1! You can find the design winners from last year below.
