Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDDes Moines, IAPermit No. 4301 Blue

F o u n d a t i o n

Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Newsletters u m m e r 2 0 2 1

RibbonI O W A S T A T E F A I R

The 2021 Iowa State Fair promises to be a special 11 days.

Index2 Noted

Pottery and Plaque Order Form

3 Corndog Kickoff

4 T.A.G. Team Mural

5 Merchandise

6 Mailbox Donor Profile

Peter CownieExecutive Director

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Impatience with a mix of excitement

mpatience is a feeling that seems to be pervasive on the Iowa State Fairgrounds these days. Impatience with a mix of excitement and downright zeal counting down the days to the 2021 Iowa State Fair. Having not been able to celebrate all that is good about our great state in 2020, I have found

that these themes are rampant with countless other Fairgoers. Put me on the list as well.

The countdown is officially on to August 12. We all look forward to seeing so many friends, donors and Fairgoers as we again gather and celebrate at the Iowa State Fair. I can assure you that the Blue Ribbon Foundation has been busy keeping with our mission of restoring these historic Fairgrounds.

We were pleased to recently announce breaking ground on phase 1 of the Elwell Family Park thanks to a generous and transformative $2 million gift from Denny and Candy Elwell. Phase 1 is under construction currently and will be ready to host tractor pulls at the 2021 Iowa State Fair. We have not featured tractor pulls since 2017 and are thrilled to bring them back for the enjoyment of Fairgoers.

You will certainly see many other good changes as well. The newly renovated Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building thanks to a generous donation from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation will be a highlight for generations to come. This beautiful facility is a workhorse not only during the Fair, but all year long. The recently moved and renovated Reichardt Family Giant Slide will surely be a hit for you and yours. Our new family garden, Barksdale’s cookie facility, upgraded restrooms in the Livestock Pavilion, renewed lighting in the Agriculture Building and many other smaller and important improvements will all add to a better experience for your family this August. Thank you for your support in making all of these improvements possible.

The 2021 Iowa State Fair promises to be a special 11 days. I mentioned last year with the cancellation of the 2020 Iowa State Fair that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I feel even stronger today that this is the case. We are eager to welcome you all back to the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Thank you for all you do for the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. This institution would not be what it is today without the generosity of so many great Fairgoers.

Merchandise2021

Advance Pottery & Plaque Order Form Please reserve: QTY Total2021 Pottery: Birdhouse – $54 each _____ _____Iowa State Fair Plaque: Butter Cow – $115 _____ _____

If shipping after the Fair is requested, please add:Shipping & handling rate for one item $10.00$1 extra for each additional item shipped _____ One order that ships to multiple locations --- $10.00 per location TOTAL _____q My check, payable to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, is enclosed.q Please charge to my Mastercard/Visa.

Card #_____________________________________Exp. Date _____________Sec. Code____________

Signature ________________________________________________________________________

Name __________________________________________________________________________

Address (No P.O. Boxes) ________________________________________________________________

City__________________________________________ State ______________ ZIP ______________

Phone Number _______________________________________________________________________

Email ___________________________________________________________________________

Please clip & send with payment to:Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation • P.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317

or call: 1-800-450-3732

To reserve the 2021 Iowa State Fair collector’s pottery piece or plaque, send in this form or call 515.262.3111 Ext. 371. Online ordering is not available on 2021 merchandise. Advance orders may be picked up during the Fair in the State Fair Store, located in the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center. For your convenience, your order may also be shipped following the Fair. As the limited-edition pottery will be sold during the Fair, the Foundation is unable to guarantee availability if advance orders are received after August 1.

Check one:q I plan to pick up my order during the 2021 Fair. q Please ship my order to me after the Fair.

2021 POTTERY: BIRDHOUSECreated especially for the 2021 Iowa State Fair, this hand-thrown pottery piece is the 26th in the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Pottery Series. Instead of the traditional boxy shape, this birdhouse is rounded, both a work of art and a beautiful addition to any landscape.

IOWA STATE FAIR PLAQUE: BUTTER COW Still an Iowa State Fair favorite after 110 years, each August the Butter Cow graces the Agriculture Building. Daily crowds gather in front of the cooler to get their up close and personal look at the 600 lb. dairy cow sculpted to perfection. This 7”x7” limited edition wood plaque, created by Sticks, showcases the Iowa State Fair icon.

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• Thank you to all of those who sent in entries for the 2021 Iowan of the Day program! All nominees from 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 will be considered. The Iowans chosen for this year’s Fair will be notified by the end of July.

• Consider volunteering for a four-hour shift at the Iowa State Fair. More information and a link to sign up can be found at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org

• There will be a reception and orientation for all 2021 Foundation volunteers at the Oman Family Youth Inn on the Fairgrounds, on Tuesday, July 20 at 5:30 pm. If you are volunteering at the Fair and plan to attend the reception, please RSVP to Gabby at Volunteer@BlueRibbonFoundation.org

• BINGO is returning to the Grand Concourse on Wednesday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Thank you to Mark Pedersen with Lawn Ranger for donating the new landscaping and retaining wall at the Blue Ribbon Foundation office.

CALL 515-262-3111 Ext. 371

EMAIL Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org

MAIL P.O. Box 57130 Des Moines, IA 50317

www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org

Noted!Noted!

StaffStaffThe Blue Ribbon Foundation staff consists of four full-time employees.

Peter Cownie, Executive Director, oversees the entire operation.

Robin Taylor, Assistant Director, tracks all accounting

records, orders Fair merchandise and directs the auction portion of

the Corndog Kickoff.

Meg Courter, Sponsorship Director, coordinates all

sponsorships for the Iowa State Fair and the Corndog Tax Checkoff.

Drew Sniezek, Communications Manager, organizes giving

programs and oversees all communications and event planning.

Pre-Order

I SPY2021 BENEFIT AUCTION IOWA STATE FAIR BLUE RIBBON FOUNDATION

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Reichart Family Giant Slide

I SPY…auction packages, delicious food and Sky Glider rides setting the mood. With so much to see and do, the Iowa State Fair is an endless game of “I SPY” making the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party the perfect way to celebrate the beloved event a bit early!

The Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction & Fair Food Grazing Party on Saturday, July 10 will open the Fair season while raising funds for future Fairgrounds renovation projects.

Like the classic “I SPY” books, the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building will come alive with auction packages and Iowa State Fair food jumping off the pages. Maintaining the historical value of the Iowa State Fairgrounds is

its own unique puzzle filled with extraordinary objects and riddles. The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission is to solve those riddles and provide high quality facilities for both current Fairgoers and the next generation to enjoy.

Tickets can be purchased for $125 at the door, in advance by calling 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or online at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org. Information on the auction packages and the Corndog Kickoff itself can be found on the Foundation’s website, www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

Special thanks to all of the Corndog Kickoff patrons, volunteers, concessionaires, auction donors and guests who make this event possible.

$1,000 BLUE RIBBON ABC Electric Gregory & Andrea AbelAir-Con Mechanical Corp.AKC Marketing, Inc.Mark & Cindie AndersonAnkeny SanitationJoni Bell - The Rib Shack Darin & Deanna BennigsdorfFrank & Janet BerlinBrad & Heather BousteadRon BrownBrad & Harry’s Cheese CurdsBrick Street MarketRandy BrownBruce & Elinor BrownleeCampbell’s ConcessionsCatch Des MoinesCentral States Scaffolding Fred & Judy ChabotJeff ChelesvigGary & Cindy CheneyKen CheynePeter & Mary CownieEric & Kathy CrowellDaniels Filter ServiceSonny DekeDoug & Heather Den AdelDermatology, PCSteve & Barb DetermanMichael & Joan DierenfeldKelly DonatoPhil DorweilerSandra Freeman DowieElectronic EngineeringDenny & Candy ElwellFarmers Mutual HailFlorence’s Fair FansTim & Phyllis FevoldTom & Linda FullerGolf Cars of IowaGreat Western BankGribble, Boles, Stewart

& Witosky LawTom GrierTodd & Wendy HagenHansen CompanyMaureen & Robert HansonJeff HelleHockenberg NewburghNate & Niki HopwoodThe Iwig & Haden FamiliesStewart & LeNore HansenAbby HawkinsIowa Soybean AssociationDarold JacobsonJKW Development, LLCJMT Trucking

Melissa & Jay JoensDwight & Ruth JohnstonMark & Christy JoyceK/O Fairground PlannersMark & Julie KenneyNicolette & Dan KeoughBill & Tonya KimberleyGene & Danyell KleinBill & Susan KnappBrady & Rachel KnudsonKollmorgen, Schlue &

Zahradnick, PCBen Kozlowski &

Tom Synhorst Cathy & Steve LacyRod & Diane LahodnyJoseph & Ruth LakersLarry Fleck & Son TruckingLynch FamilyCurt ManattJoAnn ManattMartin Marietta - Des MoinesJohn & April MarmonEldon & Denise McAfeeSteve & Nancy McMenaminAdam & Mandi McReynoldsMike Meissen -Myson LLCSeth Meyer & FriendsMr. Electric of Central IowaM.R. Construction Co.Chris & Amy MurrayAndrea NelsonP & P Concrete Brenda PersonDwight & Erin PorterPrairie Meadows Casino

Racetrack HotelJohn & Emily PutneyRaccoon Valley BankBrad & Cathy ReeceMike & Ann RichardsRuss & Debbie RichardsonMark & Alicia RooneyRueter’sSCHEELSJanet SchuesslerSeprio, LLCSeward FamilyJason ShepherdGary & Mary SlaterGlenn & JoAnn SmithSouth Story Bank & TrustJohn & Randi SternBeth StevenDeborah StewartStewart FamilyJackie SwartzThe Graham Group

The Learning Post Don & Cheryl TimminsTom’s Auto SalesMatthew Townsend &

Kathy MartinJim Van Lew FamilyNorman & Mary Van ZanteVan Der Kamp HomebuildersPaul & Lindsey WanderscheidMatt & Kristie WaughKeith & Debra WellingRich & Kim WillisBrad & Judy WoodyGary & Sandi YatesDavid YoungKelly ZelinskyZuber Family

$500 RED RIBBONJim CarneyCurtis & Diane ClaeysRichard DemingDoll DistributingBill ElsonKathryn GriffinChuck & Jaina JohnsonTim & Brenda KapucianJerry & Vicki LageScott & Helen LittleDavid OmanPerspective Consulting

Partner, LLC. Matthew & Janna RenschDwight & Georgia RoordaShawn RoordaBarb & Bruce ShermanBob & Lynne SchuelerSuzi SobaskiThe Dental PracticeBrad & Janine Van Vark

$250 WHITE RIBBONAwards UnlimitedErnie & Paula BarnesTom BrienKaren BrockelsbyAlan & Deb BrownSuzie Glazer BurtSteve “Buttercup” BishopDave Caris & Hallie Still CarisTennie & Grant CarlsonJimmy & Gretchen CentersJoe & Paula CerneDr. Philip & Caren ClevengerDavid & Lisa DarrellBennett & Leisa ElyJeff & Vickie FarverDarwin & Jan GaudianGeorgie’s Concessions

Bill & Laura GrieserMary GrieserBrian & Kathy GustafsonJohn & Kathy HarmsSteve Held & Sue Breen-HeldHigh Caliber Home InspectionsAli & Matt Hinch Dave & Mary Kay HoffmanBrian & Joann JohnsonLaura JohnsonJoseph JonesPat & Mary KnuevenMatthew LammersFred & Joyce LockKaye & Dick LozierGary & Linda McConnellDick & Merla MorseKen & Tena NelsonJerry & Randall ParkinCarl & Judy PattersonStephen PetersJoe & Kara PollpeterMartel & Beverly PooreJo & Martin ReynoldsRobert & Joni SandburgGreg & Kathy SavitsMel & Linda ShivversKeith & Cindy SteffensThe Best AroundKay & CW ThomasRuss & Alana TrimbleTursi’s Latin KingDoran & Cora Van RheenenGary & Judy VanAernamTom WarnerMike WegnerWestmoreland ConcessionsCheryldean WionMichael & Missy WolnermanLouie & Deb Zumbach

$2,500 PURPLE RIBBON

Harry & Pam BookeyCasey’s

Patty & Jim CownieJon & Barbara Hagie

Hy-VeeKemin Industrie

Georgia Van Gundy & Chad KleppeMediacomMiller Lite

Jill & Mark OmanBob & Lois Vermeer

Mel & Kathy Weatherwax

$5,000 CHAMPIONFred & Charlotte Hubbell

Cherie & Bob ShreckTailwind Ranch

Donald & Cheryl TimminsDon Young

Larry & Kathleen Zimpleman

$10,000 BEST OF SHOW

$7,500 GRAND CHAMPION

McAninch®

Bret & AmyDoerring

Sheri Avis Horner Sinclair Family

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A special thank you to the donors listed below who belong to the 2021 T.A.G. team. The purpose of the fundraising group is to celebrate that Together, we can Accomplish our Goal. These members are making an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds.

T.A.G. Team donations were used to upgrade 96 lights on the Agriculture Building’s first level, under the balcony. The high-efficiency, LED lighting is energy saving. The new fixtures are dimmable, making it possible to adjust lighting needs during the Fair and for year-round rentals, like corporate events or weddings.

The Iowa State Fair is a tradition any Iowan can be proud of, and the Blue Ribbon Foundation is dedicated to continuing that legacy.

Thank you.Deane AdamsAlliant EnergyMark & Cindie AndersonPat & Dena BaldusPaula & Ernie BarnesDarrell & Lynda BaumanDavid & Penny BellnapDeanna & Darin Bennigsdorf

Judy BescoKarla & Mike BlanchardLynn & Elaine BohlingMary BoysenPam BradfordMatt & Sue BravardAlan & Deb BrownBeverly BurtonKen & Linda CairnsJeff & Meg CourterDaniel CretorsPaul & Kiki CurtisDoug & Heather Den AdelGary DinsdaleMary DoddsPatty & Doug DyarNancy & Peter Dyson

Tammy & Mark EbensbergerLinda EckardKevin & Mary EmgeJeff & Vickie FarverLarry & Sandra FleckMary & James FreelMike & Kayleen GardnerDarwin & Jan GaudianMichael & Ann GersieBill & Marilyn Grochala Gorham

Alan & Lisa HagieJohn & Kathy HarmsSkip HitchcockDan & Cathy HoganAllen & Wanda HolmTim & Janet HudsonCarolann JensenJulie T. KasperBill & Sarah KeelLarry & Vera KenyonKenneth KesslerJames KopelMatthew LammersLeonard & Sue LarsonMike & Carri Lauterbach

David & Karen LongMichael & Anne LongLori MaloneLarry McConnellAndrew McDowellDave & Anne MerschmanMartha L. MillerSally MillioneJason & Cara MorseTony & Denise MuddermanLarry A. NelsonPatrick NeperenyBill & Cindy NortheyLori PearsonDixie M. PencilPatti & Steve PetersLaurie & Stuart PetersonDenny PratherPrairie Rose ArenaMartin & Jo ReynoldsLeah & Tom RodenbergTricia RosendahlBev & Glenn RoweJudy & Steve SandahlKevin Schlutz & Linda Martin

Nancy R. SchrumSherry SearsJoseph & Annette SebranekDixie Lee ShipleyMel & Linda ShivversTheresa StaatsStaats AwardsVirginia StoneAdam SuntkenJackie SwartzConnie TaylorJames & Karen TaylorLisa TharpeBret & Beth Jensen ThiesKaren K. ThomasJohn & Vivian ThompsonCamille ValleyGary & Judy VanAernamJeff & Shelley WangsnessMeredith & Jeff WattersBonnie WetzelDoyle & Kathryn WittGary & Sandi YatesEric Youngberg & Gary Krogh

Louie & Deb Zumbach

TeamT.A.G.

MEMBERS

Front and Center – A New LookWhen visiting the Iowa State Fairgrounds, at any time of the year, have you ever noticed a concrete block building setting in a parking lot where Thrill Town is located? No? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Soon though, you will seek out this building to capture every annual visit to the Iowa State Fair. Thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Meredith Corporation Foundation, all four sides of the building will feature murals meant to give your family the perfect backdrop for a must have Iowa State Fair photo.

Meredith Corporation is well-known in Iowa for its commitment to arts and culture and was thrilled to continue to help renovate and improve our historic Fairgrounds. No stranger to the Fair, Meredith partnered with the Foundation in 1994 by donating ad space in its Successful Farming magazine, promoting the Foundation and the inaugural year of the Corndog Tax Checkoff. Through their employee matching gift program, Meredith has empowered their employees to direct donations to non-profits they support. Meredith then matches the gift, dollar for dollar, maximizing the impact of each gift. And, through many of its publications, Meredith has showcased the Iowa State Fair in articles, spreading the word throughout the world about our great State Fair!

The murals are being coordinated by Liz Lidgett of Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design and Des Moines artist James Navarro.

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New Apparel Online Store for 2021There are always lots of great apparel designs and styles the Blue Ribbon Foundation wants to make available for Fairgoers. Unfortunately we do not have the space in our booths to carry everything we think is cool! But now, we are excited to announce a solution.

Starting Monday, July 12, you can order a wide array of apparel through a dedicated online store. Select the

great designs you’d like to wear to the Iowa State Fair, place your order and get your purchase delivered to your home. The website will remain open for orders through August 27, 2021. Designs and styles featured on the website will not be available in our booths at the Fair.

Visit www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org to check out the great Iowa State Fair shirt options now available.

HighlightsMerchandise2021

The Blue Ribbon Foundation sells official Iowa State Fair souvenirs. Profits from the merchandise sales directly benefit the Foundation’s goal of raising funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

In addition to the merchandise highlighted below — apparel, books, collectibles and more will be sold in the State Fair Store, located in the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center during the Iowa State Fair, August 12 – 22. There will also be merchandise booths located inside the Agriculture Building, Cattle Barn, Varied Industries Building and the Museum. Thank you for shopping and supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Lapel Pin: An icon standing tall on the Fairgrounds,

Fairgoers of all ages enjoy the high-speed trip down the Reichardt

Family Giant Slide! This is the 50th anniversary of the

beloved tradition.

Charms: In addition to the anniversary of the Reichardt Family Giant Slide,

we are also celebrating its brand new location. The new home for the slide is on the north side of the Walnut Center.

This location will provide expanded space for riders and spectators. Display this much smaller Giant Slide on your charm bracelet along with the 2021 “How Do You Fair?” logo charm.

Ornament: Each year, 600 Fairgoers prepare more

than 3,400 entries to compete in the Iowa State Fair’s Fabric and Threads Department. From embroidery, crocheting and constructing

clothing to the creation of 590 quilts — the attention to detail is

as apparent as the amount of fun! Commemorate the sewing talent

with this ornament.

Isabel Bloom Sculpture: Whether you have a green thumb or prefer visiting someone else’s patch each fall, you can show off your Iowa State Fair worthy vegetable crop by adding this Isabel Bloom pumpkin to your collection.

Deck of Cards – Go Fish & Memory:Games are fun and some are classics just like the Iowa State Fair. This deck of cards features two such games, Go Fish & Memory. Share Fairfield’s adventures at the Fair by matching up the illustra-tions taken from the Fairfield & Friends: Ribbon Quest book.

Donor Profile: Denny Elwell

“ My mother, lifetime Iowa State Fairgoer and camper, passed away last summer. We honored her with an engraved plaque on a lamp post. My family also has a bench named for my dad just outside of Grandfather’s Farm. Thank you to the Blue Ribbon Foundation for helping me honor my parents.”

James Freel R U N N E L L S , I A

“ Our best family memories were made at the Iowa State Fair. Back in the 1960s, Mom and Dad would drive the family to the Fairgrounds and park under a tree. At lunchtime, we would head back to the car and Mom would get the ham salad sandwiches she had packed. Then we’d all sit on a big blanket and Dad would nap under the shade before we headed back down the hill for the afternoon and evening festivities!”

Rhonda Carver W E S T D E S M O I N E S , I A

Mailbox Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDDes Moines, IAPermit No. 4301P.O. Box 57130

DES MOINES, IA 50317

The Iowa State Fair often feels like a homecoming for the one million people who attend each year. It hits especially close to home for someone who has attended for the last 70+ years, experiencing the Fair

with his grandparents and now with his grandchildren. For Des Moines native, Denny Elwell, nothing compares to the feeling of home the Iowa State Fair brings to him and his family.

Most of Denny’s earliest childhood memories include spend-ing time at the Iowa State Fair admiring the sights, seeing the livestock, and enjoying the tasty food.

“My grandma lived on East 30th, about a half block from the entrance. I was able to go to the Fair all the time at a young age. Some of my youngest memories are from the Fair when I was only 3 or 4 years old. So I had an early history at the Fair.”

As Denny grew up and had children of his own, he made sure to bring all seven of them to the Fair so they could enjoy the attractions so dear to him.

Recognizing a need for Fairgrounds renovation, Denny has been a long-time supporter of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. As a Fair-going business man in the Des Moines area, it was evident to Denny that the Fair was in need of an organization like the Blue Ribbon Foundation; one with a mission to renovate the infrastructure of the Fairgrounds. Despite the modest size of Iowa’s population, Denny strongly believes our state can host a Fair like no other.

No stranger to giving, Denny contributes to numerous charity organizations that help better his community. Because of his unmatched love for the Iowa State Fair, Denny has been an outstanding supporter of the Blue Ribbon Foundation as a patron at the Corndog Kickoff, a member of the Concert Club and Jake’s Club, and a buyer in the Woodcarver’s Auction just to name a few. Many might recognize his name from the Elwell Family Food Center and the brand new addition of the Elwell Family Park at the Fair. These attractions are a result of Denny’s contributions to improve the Fairgrounds. Denny’s support allows the Fairgrounds to make remarkable advancements for each generation to enjoy.

Denny continues to be an advocate of the Blue Ribbon Foundation year after year, believing the Foundation’s efforts are evident in the improvements seen on the Fairgrounds which positively impact each Fairgoer’s visit. Whether it was attending the Fair with his grandmother as a child, or today with his own grandkids, the Iowa State Fair continues to be a family affair for Denny Elwell.

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