Blue Foundation Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Newsletter summer 2020 Ribbon IOWA STATE FAIR The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission remains the same. We are here to be your partner in making the Iowa State Fair the envy of the nation. Index 2 Noted Big Challenges - Bigger Vision Campaign 4 2020 Fair Merchandise 6 Virtual Auction 7 T.A.G. Team 8 Mailbox Donor Profile: Mel and Linda Shivvers Peter Cownie Executive Director T heart grow fonder. Absence makes the hey say absence makes the heart grow fonder. While accounts differ on who and when this adage was coined, I believe it is apropos for what the Iowa State Fair has endured this year. By now, you all know that we will not be able to celebrate a traditional 2020 Iowa State Fair this August. We are as sad about this reality as all of you are. The decision to cancel the 2020 Iowa State Fair was beyond difficult. It was heart-wrenching, complicated but ultimately smart. Seemingly countless factors out of our control weighed in on this decision from financial, our partnerships, the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and of course Fairgoers coupled with the uncertainty of the future. Without question, COVID-19 has upended all of our lives and, sadly, also the 2020 Iowa State Fair. What I can vow to you is that we will be back. And we will be back better than ever. The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission remains the same. We are here to be your partner in making the Iowa State Fair the envy of the nation. We will continue to raise funds for improvements to our historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Now, more than ever, we need your help to ensure this institution remains what we all expect it to be now and in the future. While absence does make the heart grow fonder, I am personally ready for the 2021 Iowa State Fair. I look forward to seeing you, your friends – and your families at the Iowa State Fair next year. The traditions will remain the same and the improvements will continue for all Fairgoers. Thank you for your support of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and we will see you all soon.
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BlueF o u n d a t i o n
Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Newsletters u m m e r 2 0 2 0
RibbonI O W A S T A T E F A I R
The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission remains the same. We are here to be your partner in making the Iowa State Fair the envy of the nation.
Index2 Noted
Big Challenges - Bigger Vision Campaign
4 2020 Fair Merchandise
6 Virtual Auction
7 T.A.G. Team
8 Mailbox Donor Profile: Mel and Linda Shivvers
Peter CownieExecutive Director
Theart grow fonder.
Absence makes the
hey say absence makes the heart grow fonder. While
accounts differ on who and when this adage was coined,
I believe it is apropos for what the Iowa State Fair has
endured this year. By now, you all know that we will not
be able to celebrate a traditional 2020 Iowa State Fair this August. We are
as sad about this reality as all of you are.
The decision to cancel the 2020 Iowa State Fair was beyond difficult. It was
heart-wrenching, complicated but ultimately smart. Seemingly countless
factors out of our control weighed in on this decision from financial, our
partnerships, the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and of course Fairgoers
coupled with the uncertainty of the future. Without question, COVID-19 has
upended all of our lives and, sadly, also the 2020 Iowa State Fair.
What I can vow to you is that we will be back. And we will be back better
than ever. The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission remains the same. We
are here to be your partner in making the Iowa State Fair the envy of the
nation. We will continue to raise funds for improvements to our historic
Iowa State Fairgrounds. Now, more than ever, we need your help to ensure
this institution remains what we all expect it to be now and in the future.
While absence does make the heart grow fonder, I am personally ready for
the 2021 Iowa State Fair. I look forward to seeing you, your friends – and your
families at the Iowa State Fair next year. The traditions will remain the same
and the improvements will continue for all Fairgoers. Thank you for your
support of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and we will see you
all soon.
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• Bid on exciting auction packages in the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s first-ever virtual auction, August 13 - 23.
• The Blue Ribbon Foundation is launching the “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” Fundraising Campaign. In August, watch the video on our website to find out how you can join our mission.
• Please congratulate Meg Courter, ISF Sponsorship Director, on her hole-in-one earlier this summer. Meg’s passion for golf is as strong as her passion for the Iowa State Fair!
programs and oversees all communications and event planning.
Big Challenges Bigger Vision.The Iowa State Fair is Iowa’s greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. With Fairgoers, concessionaires, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and campers – it is one big family reunion. As with every family gathering, there is sure to be someone telling stories about both the past and the present.
Due to these unprecedented times, we will sadly not be able to gather together this year. However, that does not stop our enthusiasm to reminisce about favorite traditions, exchange amusing and heartwarming tales and support one another. We hope it won’t stop yours either!
The Iowa State Fair has faced many challenges throughout its history – competing fairs, war, economic hardship and deteriorating buildings are just a few. But you, our Fair family, have never given up on the Iowa State Fair; forever encouraging us to continue, to improve and to think of the future. In honor of all of those who have helped make our Fair the best in the nation, the Blue Ribbon Foundation is launching the “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” campaign.
It is a big challenge! The Iowa State Fairgrounds spans 445 acres with more than 40 buildings, some of which were constructed in the early 1900s. Mix in a million visitors and Iowa’s weather, and the amount of wear and tear adds up quickly. The Fairgrounds requires constant maintenance to keep these great historic structures in top-notch condition.
Help us keep the stories of past Fair-lovers alive and ready for a grand future by participating in our “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” campaign. Join your Fair story with ours in support of the Foundation’s mission to renovate and repair the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. All contributions are valuable and make an impact! Look at what 27 years of support has done already! Donations have helped with small projects like repairing sidewalks, adding air-conditioning or replacing a broken light fixture. These same donations have also helped support large-scale renovations and construction of new buildings such as the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and the newly renovated Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building.
Our vision is to have a Fairgrounds that is not only a showcase for the Iowa State Fair but one that draws people in every day of the year. We want visitors to find the Fairgrounds an attractive, user-friendly location for year round events. Maintaining our infrastructure is all part of the service and pride the Fairgrounds brings to the east side, the metro area and to the state of Iowa. Yet there are many areas of the Fairgrounds that still need attention. Restrooms that need upgrading, barns needing repairs and countless other projects to keep our beloved Fairgrounds in the best condition possible.
Can you see yourself here, riding the Sky Glider with a grandchild at your side? Can you see yourself in the Livestock Pavilion, chest swelling in pride as your child’s animal is awarded a blue ribbon? If the Iowa State Fair is part of your family story, can you envision a future Fairgrounds that will be part of your grandchild’s life? Will you help us keep the momentum going strong?
We have a shared vision and the Blue Ribbon Foundation will strive to continue improving the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds so it will be the envy of the nation – now and for future generations. Thank you for being an essential part of our story.
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2020 Renovations:
• Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building: The 4-H Building has been completely renovated. A portion of the south exterior wall was removed, creating space for a new kitchen facility, storage area and loading bays. An expansion to the west added classroom space, and the interior of the building was revitalized from top to bottom with new lighting, floors and updated restrooms. A special thank you to the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation for the generous donation that made this project possible.
• Cookie Kitchen: This brand new 4,800 sq. ft. building along Grand Avenue will be the main facility for baking the world famous ”Barksdale’s State Fair Cookies.” Fairgoers will be able to peek inside through large windows to see cookies baking and purchase a fresh cup or bucket.
• Family Garden: Families will experience a new garden north of the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. Filled with crops, plants, trees and even a tunnel with pole beans, gourds and other vegetables growing overhead. This unique space will showcase a combination of rural and urban agriculture.
• Livestock Pavilion Restroom: The east restroom updates included tiling the walls, installing metallic epoxy flooring, replacing the toilet partitions, adding solid surface sinks, new counters and improving the electrical fixtures.
• Reichardt Family Giant Slide: The beloved Giant Slide has moved. The new home for the slide is on the north side of the Walnut Center and west of the Snakes Alive and Railroad Building. This location provides expanded space for riders and spectators.
This highlights only a few of the upcoming projects. Thank you to our loyal donors for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s goal of preserving and improving the Iowa State Fairgrounds. These projects wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits BuildingCookie Kitchen
Reichart Family Giant Slide
Livestock Pavilion Restroom
Family Garden
StoreIowa State FairThe Blue Ribbon Foundation manages the merchandise sold in the State Fair Store. Profits directly benefit the Foundation’s goal of raising funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Check out these highlighted items or look online at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org for a full list of available merchandise. Thank you for shopping and supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
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Under $25 = $9; $26 – $50 = $10$51 – $75 = $11; Over $76 = $12
Please clip and send with payment to: Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon FoundationP.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317 • or call: 1-800-450-3732
Shipping
Total
Qty. Item Description Price Total
1. Charm
A super-sized squash can earn the title of “Giant Pumpkin” and be proudly displayed in front of the Agriculture Building. The Iowa State Fair record stands at 1,323 pounds. Display this much smaller version on your charm bracelet along with the “How Do You Fair?” logo charm.
Logo or Pumpkin (Circle One)
$18.00
2. Cookbook Order your copy of the 20th Edition Prize-Winning Recipes Cookbook! The book features select ribbon-winning recipes from the 2018 and 2019 Iowa State Fairs. $15.00
3. Fairfield & Friends: Ribbon Quest
Rooted in tradition, the Iowa State Fair embodies character-building competition for all ages. From cookie decorating to butter sculpting, whistling and big wheel races, follow the adventures of Fairfield, the Iowa State Fair’s mascot, as he tries to win a ribbon. Winning isn’t just about getting ribbons. Fairfield learns much more about being a good friend and trying new things. Read the first in a series of character building adventures. Fairfield & Friends: Ribbon Quest is a light, easy-to-read lesson in good sportsmanship.
$15.00
4. Isabel Bloom Sculpture
Whether you prefer a lamb, ewe or ram – all sheep can be found at the Iowa State Fair! The 2020 Isabel Bloom piece is a wooly sheep with a blue Iowa State Fair ribbon. $30.00
5. Lapel PinBarksdale’s cookies have become synonymous with the Iowa State Fair. Thousands of families get in line to get their cup of warm, fresh chocolate chip cookies. This lapel pin represents this sweet tradition.
$5.00
6. OrnamentTwo million ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies are sold each Fair. Are you one of the Fairgoers that buys a bucket full? 23,000 buckets were sold last year! Add this Barksdale Chocolate Chip Cookie bucket to your ornament collection.
$18.00
7. Pottery
With more than 500 exhibit classes, the Iowa State Fair floriculture department displays creative entries that include every flower, plant and seed you can imagine. The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s 2020 flower pot pottery piece is the perfect way to flaunt your favorite flowers – even if you can only grow weeds.
$30.00
8. Plaque Love for the Iowa State Fair is strong and true. The 2020 plaque created by Sticks shows how much we love our Fair even in an “un-Fair” year. $115.00
9. Socks
The Butter Cow socks are back! Never wear boring socks again with these one-of-a-kind Iowa State Fair socks. New for this year, chocolate chip cookies will make their debut on socks. You can show off your Iowa State Fair style year round.
Butter Cow – Ladies or Mens (Circle One)Chocolate Chip Cookies – Ladies or Mens (Circle One)
$5.00
Online T-Shirt Store for 2020Starting Monday, July 27, you can order Iowa State Fair apparel through a dedicated online store. Select your favorite designs, place your order and get your purchase delivered to your home. The website will remain open for orders through August 28, 2020. All t-shirt orders will be shipped separately on a print-to-order service coordinated by our partner, Broken Arrow Wear.
Visit www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org to check out the great Iowa State Fair shirt options now available.
Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________ City________________________ State __________ ZIP _______________
While there might not be a Corndog Kickoff, we are still having an auction in support of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Mark your calendars for August 13 – 23 to participate in the “No Fair – I Do Care! Benefit Auction.” Together we are going to take the bushel of lemons we’ve been handed and make some sweet lemonade in support of renovations and improvements to our beautiful Fairgrounds.
The “No Fair – I Do Care! Benefit Auction” will be online starting at 10am Thursday, August 13 and will close on Sunday, August 23 at 10pm, CST. To bid, you’ll sign in to the auction and set up your bidding account. You’ll be able to “watch” packages you are interested in and set maximum bids to make the bidding easy. Links to the auction website will be provided through social media and on the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s website at the beginning of August.
Our gracious Corndog Kickoff supporters have donated some wonderful packages but we could always use a few more. If you have an item, gift card, service or experience you’d like to donate, please email Robin at [email protected]. We will be accepting donations until July 31.
Some of the packages the auction will feature include:
• Concert tickets in section C10 to see Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Styx, the Beach Boys and Sam Hunt when they appear at the 2021 Iowa State Fair.
• A camping spot for the duration of the 2021 Iowa State Fair.
• Parking for a select day at the 2021 Iowa State Fair in the center of the action.
• A children’s dresser that looks like a fire truck.
• The 1993 carousel horse and 1994 butter cow lapel pins.
• A gallery-wrapped image of the 2019 Iowa State Fair sand sculpture and Midway taken by Mark Iwig.
• An Iowa State Fair clock created by Sincerely, Sticks.
• A tour of Midwest Foods’ production facility in Ankeny plus a delicious supply of the products they produce under the Gino’s Italian Foods and Kramer’s Salsa labels.
• A hall bench created from a door and chair – a perfect spot to sit and put your shoes on.
• A delightful selection of pillows made from Iowa State Fair t-shirts.
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New for 2020, the Blue Ribbon Foundation created the T.A.G. Team membership program. The purpose of the fundraising group was to celebrate that Together, we can Accomplish our Goal.
A special thank you to the donors listed below who belong to the 2020 T.A.G. team. These members are making an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds. Their donations combined with a $30,000 grant from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino supported the remodel of the east Livestock Pavilion restrooms.
The updates included new plumbing, tiling the walls, installing metallic epoxy flooring, replacing the toilet partitions, adding solid surface sinks, new counters and improving the electrical fixtures. The updates bring the restroom facility into the 21st century, providing a better service to our customers and cleaning more efficient for our maintenance crews.
The Iowa State Fair is a tradition any Iowan can be proud of, and the Blue Ribbon Foundation is dedicated to continuing that legacy.
TeamMembers2020 T.A.G.
Blake H. AndersonMark & Cindie AndersonCorinne BancroftLarry & Kathy BeatyDarin & Deanna BennigsdorfMichael & Karla BlanchardRon & Jean BormannKevin & Chris BrooksRandy BrownBruce & Elinor BrownleeMarilyn BurdickJohn & Jill ByerlyGrant & Tennie CarlsonFred & Judy ChabotGary & Cindy CheneyKen ClarkGreg & Teresa ClevengerPhilip & Caren ClevengerDon CorriganJeff & Meg CourterMary & Peter CownieDallmeyer FarmsDoug & Heather Den AdelDale & Sue Derscheid
Colene FerrinLarry & Sandra FleckRichard & Beth FrankMike & Kayleen GardnerMichael & Ann GersieJean GoheenJim & Nancy GoodeAlan & Lisa HagieJohn & Kathy HarmsBill & Chris HarveyGeorgiana HoersterAl & Wanda HolmAlan & Melinda HuisingaJT KasperBill & Sarah KeelKenneth KesslerJames KopelMatthew LammersMike & Carri LauterbachBob & Barb LeonardMike & Anne LongJohn & Dena MauchLarry McConnellAmy Miller
Martha MillerJason & Cara MorseKen MorseJerry & Randall ParkinSteve & Patti PetersKevin Renaud FamilyMartin & Jo ReynoldsTricia RosendahlKevin Schlutz & Linda MartinSherry SearsShannon ShepherdStaats AwardsGlenn & Ginger SterkTodd & Jackie TatumBret & Beth Jensen ThiesKaren ThomasChuck & Kathy Van DikeGary & Judy VanAernamJeff & Shelley WangsnessJeff & Meredith WattersBonnie WetzelDave WindischGeorge & Linda WrightLouie & Deb Zumbach
Donor Profile: Mel & Linda Shivvers
“ Between September 2019 and the end of May
2020, both of us turned 60 years old and have
been married for 35 years. We want to express our
deep gratitude for the extraordinary and unique
gift the Iowa State Fair has been for us. The Blue
Ribbon Foundation will always hold a special place
in our hearts.”
Mark & Ginny Shanda Lexington, KY
“ Thank you for all you do! I’ve attended the Iowa
State Fair every year of my life, and I will be
43 this year. As a performer, a volunteer, a 4-H
exhibitor and demonstrator, State 4-H Council
member, and now mom of 6 state fair-loving children
of my own, the Iowa State Fair is one of the most
beautiful and beloved traditions our family has
shared for generations.”
Keri Oetker | Marshalltown
Mailbox Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDDes Moines, IA
Permit No. 4301P.O. Box 57130DES MOINES, IA 50317
uring the 1971 Iowa State Fair, Mel Shivvers was inspired. It wasn’t a new food, it wasn’t a lively grandstand act... it was a group of children creating art projects. In fact, Mel was so excited by the
enthusiasm of that group of young artists, that forty-eight years later you can still find him (and his wife Linda) leading activities during the Iowa State Fair’s Art Attack.
Art Attack allows young artists to stretch their creativity and imagination with free daily arts and crafts activities designed especially for kids. Everything from making pottery, wood sculptures, necklaces or a paper collage. Kids have fun outside in the Cultural Center Courtyard before exploring the state’s largest art show inside the building.
Mel grew up in Pleasantville, Iowa and first attended the Fair when he was 2 ½ years old. He remembers regularly attending the event starting in the 1950s – camping in a tent and having picnics on the Pioneer Hall lawn. Linda joined Mel in volunteering with Art Attack in 1975. Perhaps the most impressive statistic? Every year for the last 14 years, Mel and Linda have attended the Iowa State Fair ALL 11 days.
When the pair isn’t busy volunteering with Art Attack, Mel and Linda have both enjoyed earning their own Iowa State Fair blue ribbons. Linda has entered flowers through the horticulture department in the Agriculture Building while Mel displays entries in Fine Arts. Both have exhibited in Pioneer Hall. “It’s an honor just to have something displayed at the Iowa State Fair,” said Linda.
During the Fair, the Shivvers enjoy watching horse shows and even sponsor two awards for the 6-horse hitch competition. During one occasion when Mel and Linda were watching a horse
show in the pavilion, they struck up a conversation with another couple from Keokuk. For many years, the Shivvers would meet up with this couple to watch horse shows together. They developed an Iowa State Fair Friendship. “That’s what the Fair does – it brings people together,” said Mel.
Mel and Linda have supported the Blue Ribbon Foundation since the very beginning. The couple attended one of the first Corndog Kickoff events in Pioneer Hall and this past February, they sponsored the Halfway to the Fair Happy Hour Fundraising event.
“We truly appreciate the work the Blue Ribbon Foundation does to enhance every aspect of the Fairgrounds,” said Mel. “We can personally see the difference the organization is making to improve the grounds.”
Between eating their favorite Fair foods, people watching, and helping thousands of children explore the arts, the Shivvers are the perfect example of two people who love the Iowa State Fair and are creating an opportunity for the next generation to fall in love as well. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is honored to announce the “Mel and Linda Shivvers Cultural Center Courtyard” in commemoration of their dedication to the Iowa State Fair and support of the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Thank you Mel and Linda for your generous contributions to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.
