BlueF o u n d a t i o n

Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation NewsletterS p r i n g 2 0 2 0

Ribbon

Meg CourterSponsorship Director

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

It’s the Fairgoer experience that matters, be it participating in a time-honored tradition or trying something new.

Index2 Noted

Halfway to the Fair Happy Hour Fundraiser

3 Meet the Interns Iowan of the Day

4 Corndog Kickoff

5 T-shirt contest

6 Project Update Champion's Circle

7 Volunteer T.A.G. Team

8 Mailbox Donor Profile

ImprovementCONSTANT

love going to work at the Iowa State Fairgrounds each and every day of the year! No two days are alike. Between connecting with sponsors who’ve been our partners year after year to introducing the event to potential new sponsors who realize the Iowa State Fair is THE place to share their brand, product, exhibits and experiences with more than one million visitors.

An exceptional business has several features that make it easy to go to work each day. The first is engaged and capable co-workers. The second is a challenging and fun environment. And third, is the chance to constantly improve your own skills and knowledge of the myriad of ways to make the Fair a better experience for attendees.

The Iowa State Fair has been my workplace for the past three years. During this time, I have learned a great deal about the festival itself, but also the fair industry. As an example, in early March, the Iowa State Fair hosted organizers from a five-state area of Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. We spent two and a half days collaborating on the latest trends in proper animal care and handling, how to manage social media marketing on a small budget, discussing strategies for contracting carnival rides and creative food concessions, as well as how annual fairs ensure safe and secure grounds for tens and even hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Then in mid-March, I attended the Marketing & Sponsorship conference in Columbus, Ohio. Wow! Learning how the Indiana State Fair creatively engages potential visitors through social media; why the Ohio State Fair developed a two-acre meandering garden in response to a guest survey; and digging deep into trends on how visitors seek even more unique experiences at annual events were just a few of the worthwhile sessions I attended.

Staff invest in these learning opportunities because the Fairgoer is top of mind every time we consider an attraction, break ground on a brand new exhibition center or renovate a historic building on the grounds. It’s the Fairgoer experience that matters be it participating in a time-honored tradition, or trying something new.

So what’s new? How are we planning to make this year even better than the last? Continue reading inside to find out.

The traditions you love and enjoy always will be waiting for you at the 2020 Iowa State Fair! But don’t forget to seek out the many new and exciting activities and attractions available to be experienced with your family and friends.

We look forward to seeing you August 13-23! Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair!

I

Noted!Noted!

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Thank you for attending the second annual "Halfway to the Fair Happy Hour Fundraiser" on Friday, February 7 in the Elwell Family Food Center. While listening to fantastic music from Dueling Pianos of Andy Anderson and Mike Leeds, attendees enjoyed snacking on great Iowa State Fair food!

With corndogs, popcorn, nachos, bacon cheese dip, chicken wings, brisket mac-n-cheese, funnel cakes and Barksdale's famous state fair chocolate chip cookies — no one left hungry!

The Foundation also auctioned off a special VIP Iowa State Fair package. Overall, the night raised $20,370 for future Fairgrounds renovations.

A special thank you to our sponsors for helping make the event a success: Air-Con Mechanical Corporation, Awards Unlimited Inc, Mary & Peter Cownie, Daniels Filter Service, Dawghouse Concessions, Dee Zee Inc, Great Western Bank, Iowa-Des Moines Supply Inc, MercyOne, Reliable Roofing, SCI Communications, Mel & Linda Shivvers, US Erectors Inc and Vision Electric.

Let the countdown to the great Iowa State Fair continue!

StaffStaff

• SAVE THE DATES Corndog Kickoff: Saturday, July 11

Iowa State Fair: August 13-23

• Thank you to all Iowans who contribute to the Corndog Checkoff on their Iowa tax forms. Checkoff contributions are anonymous; therefore, we are unable to recognize those individuals. Although the gifts are nameless, they are extremely significant and greatly appreciated.

CALL 515-262-3111 Ext. 371

EMAIL Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org

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

The 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.

Allyson Beninga Allyson is a freshman at Iowa State University majoring in agricultural communications. On campus, Allyson stays busy with her involvement as a member of Sigma Alpha sorority, Block & Bridle, The Classic committee and the Bacon Expo Brigade. In her spare time, Allyson enjoys serving on the American Junior Chianina Board, being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. Allyson grew up in Inwood, Iowa on a cattle feedlot and row crop operation where her

passion for agriculture began. Allyson was active in 4-H and FFA throughout her childhood and has attended the South Dakota State Fair since she was young, showing cattle and exhibiting 4-H projects. Allyson is excited to see what the Iowa State Fair is all about as she spends her summer with the Blue Ribbon Foundation as the Public Relations Intern.

Kara De Bruin Kara is a junior at Truman State University majoring in communication with a concentration in public communication and a minor in photography. She is involved as the scholarship and philanthropy chair for Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honors organization and as the fundraising chair for Cardinal Key, a national honors and service organization. In her spare time, she enjoys photographing portraits and nature, running, hammocking,

and spending time with family and friends. Kara grew up on a generational cow/calf and row crop farm outside of Pella and has been heavily involved in 4-H and the Iowa State Fair for as long as she can remember. Kara looks forward to the Fair every year for the opportunity it gives to celebrate all the unique aspects of what makes Iowa special and to spend time with family, often camping overnight. She also enjoys entering photographs into the photography salon each year and trying new Fair foods. She is excited about the opportunity to gain experience this summer as the Sponsor Relations Intern while working for something she is passionate about.

Reegan Den Adel Reegan is a sophomore at Iowa State University majoring in Event Management with a minor in General Business. On campus, Reegan has been involved in the Event Management Club, Salt Company and Dance Marathon. Over the past summer, she had the opportunity to go to Florida and work in the events and hospitality industry. There she experienced the restaurant side of events, catering, as well as how an individual event planner runs their business. Reegan

was born in Des Moines and raised on a farm south of Madrid, Iowa. She joined 4-H in 5th grade and fell in love with showing her swine, where she got the opportunity to show at the Iowa State Fair for seven years. Reegan enjoyed going to the Iowa State Fair, showing her swine and experiencing all that the Fair had to offer. Reegan will be joining our team as the Donor Relations Intern, which will provide her with an opportunity to experience the Iowa State Fair in a new way.

Tristan Haag Tristan is a junior at Iowa State University majoring in animal science. After transferring to ISU last fall, Tristan has been involved in Block and Bridle, PAS and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador Committee. In her free time, she enjoys reading and working her show lambs with her family. Tristan grew up in Sanborn, Iowa until her family moved to an acreage when she was 12. They started raising a small flock of show lambs to supply her

and her little sister with 4-H and FFA projects. With her involvement in FFA, she was honored to receive the FFA American Degree at this past National FFA Convention. Tristan has been attending the Iowa State Fair since she was a little girl and has always thought of it as one of her favorite ways to spend part of her summer. She prides herself on her ability to talk and relate to people from all walks of life and is excited to be working with the Blue Ribbon Foundation to share this gift as the Volunteer Relations Intern.

Meet the 2020Internshe Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited to introduce Allyson Beninga, Kara De Bruin, Reegan Den Adel and Tristan Haag as interns for the summer of 2020. They will be busy organizing events and programs such as Iowan of the Day, volunteers, merchandise sales, Iowa State Fair sponsors and the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products wanted to recognize the outstanding efforts of volunteers in Iowa, and promote the importance of volunteering across the state. Together, we established the Iowan of the Day award in 1997.

The award is a celebration of the great Iowa tradition of quietly lending a hand without asking for anything in return. The Iowa Sate Fair provides a unique platform to share the winners’ remarkable stories and for the state to formally recognize these volunteers' efforts to help build strong, healthy and well-connected communities.

Ten winners will be named as Iowans of the Day and celebrated with a special day of recognition at the 2020 Iowa State Fair. The winners will be honored with a presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage, $200 cash, use of a golf cart for the day, VIP parking, gate admission for four, hotel

accommodations at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott and four tickets to the evening Grandstand show.

We encourage you to submit nominations for the annual Iowan of the Day award. For nomination forms, contact Allyson Beninga at 515-262-3111 Ext. 378 or PublicRelations@BlueRibbonFoundation.org. You can also download nomination forms at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org/IOTD

The deadline for all nominations is July 1. Nominees from 2017, 2018 and 2019 will also be reconsidered. All nominees must currently reside in Iowa.

Send in your nominations today!

Iowan of the Day Nominations

Tristan Haag

Allyson Beninga

Kara De Bruin

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Reegan Den Adel

I SPY •••

2020 BENEFIT AUCTION

IOWA STATE FAIR BLUE RIBBON FOUNDATION

C O R N D O G K I C K O F F P A T R O N I SPY a blue ribbon, an electric guitar, an apple pieTwo campers, a corndog and a thrill ride in the sky.

I SPY a llama doing the limbo, 70 foods-on-sticksA dark tunnel boat ride and a thousand engraved bricks.

I SPY a Butter Cow, a tractor, two Sky GlidersFive Barns, one Pepsi Clock and a bunch of tram riders.

I SPY a pig, a Giant Slide, four entertainment stagesIowa wine, a mini dollhouse and fun for all ages.

With so much to see and do, the Iowa State Fair is an endless game of “I SPY.” The 2020 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party on Sat-urday, July 11 will celebrate the hidden treasures you can find on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 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 extraor-dinary objects and riddles. The Blue Ribbon Founda-tion’s mission is to solve those riddles and provide high quality facilities for both current Fairgoers and the next generation to enjoy.

With your support as a Corndog Kickoff Patron, we will ensure that future families can make memories at the Iowa State Fair, develop their own traditions and, of course, play I SPY!

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Best of Show - $10,000:• 24 Exclusive Early Admittance Admission Tickets

with 3 Reserved Tables• Logo recognition in Invitations, Auction Books,

Event Banners and Bid Cards

Grand Champion - $7,500:• 16 Exclusive Early Admittance Admission Tickets

with 2 Reserved Tables• Logo recognition in Invitations, Auction Books,

Event Banners and Bid Cards

Champion - $5,000:• 8 Exclusive Early Admittance Admission Tickets

with a Reserved Table• Logo recognition in Invitations, Auction Books,

Event Banners and Bid Cards

Purple Ribbon - $2,500:• 8 Exclusive Early Admittance Admission Tickets

with a Reserved Table• Name recognition in Invitations, Auction Books

and Event Banners

Blue Ribbon - $1,000:• 8 Exclusive Early Admittance Admission Tickets

with a Reserved Table• Name recognition in Invitations and Auction Books

Red Ribbon - $500:• 4 Admission Tickets• Name recognition in Invitations and Auction Books

White Ribbon - $250:• Admission Tickets• Name recognition in Invitations and Auction Books

CORNDOG KICKOFF AUCTION DONATIONThe Blue Ribbon Foundation is getting ready for our annual live and silent auction at the Corndog Kickoff. Help us sell a record number of specialty packages by donating an item today.

Maybe you could donate your cabin in Colorado for a week or two sporting event tickets. The possibilities are limitless!

Donating an auction package consisting of a product or service you provide is also an excellent way to promote your company. Or you might consider a cash contribution to allow us to purchase a desired item. Benefits for auction donors are similar to those for Patrons.

For more information about becoming an auction donor, please contact Robin Taylor at 515-262-3111 Ext. 373 or Robin@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

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T-Shirt Design Contest Love the Iowa State

Fair? Have a creative streak? The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is calling all creative Fair fans to design a t-shirt that will be sold at the 2020 Iowa State Fair. Funds from the sale of the t-shirt will be directed to renovations and improvements to the historic Fairgrounds.

To enter, send us your t-shirt design by May 1. A selection committee will choose the top five

designs. Those designs will be posted on the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s website and Facebook page with voting via Facebook “like” or online via our website. Voting will be open from May 11-18. The winner will be announced on May 19. The top three vote-getters will receive an Iowa State Fair prize package.

1ST PLACE• Your shirt design is produced to sell at the Iowa State Fair

• 2 t-shirts, 2 gate admission tickets, 2 Fair Value Packs, 2 tickets to the Grandstand concert of your choice, $50 in food coupons and parking for a select day at the Fair

2ND PLACE• 2 gate admission tickets, $25 in food coupons and parking

for a select day at the Fair

3RD PLACE• 2 gate admission tickets and $25 in food coupons

Entry and Design Guidelines:• Entries can be submitted to Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org

or by mail to Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, PO Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317. The entry deadline is May 1, 2020.

• The design must contain the words “Iowa State Fair” and/or represent an aspect of the Iowa State Fair, its facilities or traditions.

• The entry should be accompanied by your name and contact information including mailing address, phone number and email.

• The design may be drawn, printed or digital. Electronic submissions are preferred and files must be saved to 300 dpi and be high resolution in either .AI, .JPG, .PDF, .PNG or .PSD format. Please convert all text to outline. If your design is selected, you will be required to provide the original design in a high-resolution format that is compatible with Photoshop, Illustrator or other professional design program.

• Design dimensions should not exceed 14” x 17”.

• The color of the final shirt will be determined by the Foundation.

• Design must be able to be screen printed. A maximum of five ink colors. Preference given to fewer colors.

• Designs will be judged on the following: • Concept/originality • Striking and memorable • Visibility – eye-catching and visible from a

reasonable distance • Complete – must be ready for print • Feasibility – must be easy to reproduce on a t-shirt

• Please note that the Foundation reserves the right to adjust the winning design.

Contest Rules:• All entries must be original creations that

have never been published and do not contain any profanity, trademarks, logos, restricted or copyrighted works of any other person or business.

• The winning design will remain the property of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and will not be returned to you nor will you receive any compensation for said design other than the aforementioned prize package. The Foundation may use the winning design at any time after the contest. The winning contestant may display their design in a portfolio or personal collection, but may not sell or reproduce the design for any other purpose once submitted to the contest.

• By submitting an entry and including your name, address and contact information, you are acknowledging your acceptance and understanding of the complete contest rules including that the winning design is the property of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.

• More than one entry can be submitted by an individual but they must be submitted as separate entries.

• A panel of judges selected by the Iowa State Fair and the Blue Ribbon Foundation will choose the top submissions which will be put to a public vote.

• Voting begins on Monday, May 11 and closes on Monday, May 18, 2020. Finalists’ designs will be posted on the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s website and Facebook page. Voting can be via Facebook “like” or website.

• The winner will be notified by email at the close of the voting period.

• The Foundation reserves the right to end this contest at any time, effective on the date of the termination notice and is under no obligation to give advance notice of the termination.

• This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws.

• Current Iowa State Fair or Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation full-time staff, board members or their immediate family members are not allowed to participate.

• At the sole discretion of the Foundation, disqualification, forfeiture and the selection of an alternate winner may result from any of the following:

• Winner’s failure to respond to notification within seven (7) business days after its transmission;

• The return of an email notification as undeliverable after three (3) attempts;

• Winner’s failure to provide original design files; failure to submit a completely original design; or failure to execute and return a release form.

Champion’s Circle

$100,000 +Lorraine Jones

Arlene McKeever

$50,000 - $99,999 Anonymous

Mike & Ann Gersie John & Emily Putney

$10,000 - $49,999Robert & Virginia Bettle

Roger & Kim CeilleyCordova Energy Company

Kent Morgan$5,000 - $9,999

Jim Schmelfenig Glenn & Ginger Sterk

Gary & Judy VanAernam

$1,000 - $4,999Vesta Burrows

Richard & Sherry EasterDale Eugene Harrison

Ken KesslerJames Kopel

Commitment:Anonymous

Justin & Amanda FletcherJohn & Jane Frimml

Brian & JoAnn JohnsonArt Kaae

Jill & Mark OmanGeorge & Charlene SankeyRobert & Marillyn SchlutzEdward & Carol Vavra

Donald Young

A n endowment gift to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation today presents a brighter picture for our future. When you make a donation to our endowment, you give a gift with both immediate and long-term benefits.

Endowment donations are invested. A portion of the annual income from the investment can be used to address immediate renovation needs on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The remaining funds are reinvested to ensure indefinite support.

To show our appreciation for donors who contribute to Our Fair’s Future endowment fund, we have created Champion’s Circle. We look forward to your ongoing partnership and support as we continue to improve the Iowa State Fair for today’s visitors and future generations.For more information, contact Robin Taylor at 515-262-3111 Ext. 373 or at Robin@BlueRibbonFoundation.org. For more information about the endowment fund, please visit www.BlueRibbonFoundation.PlanMyGift.org.

CHAMPION’S CIRCLE MEMBERS:

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Project Updates:The Iowa State Fairgrounds have been nationally recognized for the caliber of its signature event and remarkable facilities. Twenty years ago, people would not even have thought to come to the Fairgrounds and use it as a park or rental facility.

With the renovations and improvements, the Fairgrounds is now an attractive, user-friendly location. This has positively increased the economic impact on Des Moines’ east side. The Fairgrounds serves the community by providing many options for convenient and reasonable event rental space as well as a place to come and enjoy a renowned Fair, or a stroll in a beautiful park.

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. There are plenty of projects in the works for 2020.

• BRUCE L. RASTETTER 4-H BUILDING 4-H BUILDING: Progress continues on the renovation of the 4-H Building. 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 will add classroom space, and the interior of the building will be revitalized from top to bottom with new lighting, floors and updated restrooms.

• 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: In August, 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.

• REICHARDT FAMILY GIANT SLIDE: The beloved Giant Slide will be relocated this spring, construction started in early March. The new home for the slide will be on the north side of the Walnut Center and west of the Snakes Alive and Railroad Building. This location will provide expanded space for Giant Slide riders and spectators.

• DEMONSTRATION KITCHEN: Inside the Maytag Family Theatres, crews are renovat-ing the demonstration kitchen. With updated flooring, cabinets, counter tops, appliances and fire alarm system – Fairgoers will be able to enjoy new food contests, cooking lessons and educational sessions.

This list highlights only a few of the current projects. Thank you to our loyal donors for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s goal of preserving and improving the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The T.A.G. Team membership program will be composed of 100 Fairgoers who want to make an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds by tackling a smaller renovation project. The 2020 improvement goal is to remodel the Livestock Pavilion restrooms.

The restrooms located within the building have not been updated in more than 40 years. The only toilet facilities in the area, they are heavily used and in desperate need of renovation to meet modern standards. The updates will bring the restroom facilities into the 21st century, providing a better service to our customers and make cleaning them more efficient for our maintenance crews.

The updates include tiling the walls, installing metallic epoxy flooring, replacing the toilet partitions, adding solid surface sinks, new counters and improving the electrical fixtures.

During the Fair, the Livestock Pavilion hosts livestock competitions, the Sale of Champions and the Governor’s Charity Steer Show. The lower alcoves on the exterior are transformed into retail outlets selling t-shirts, space for food vendors and the Altoona Lions treasured spin art stand. The building is always abuzz with activity. A bit quieter in the off-season, the Pavilion is used for many livestock shows and even hosts other competitions.

It’s a simple concept; Together we can Accomplish our Goals. For a $250 donation, the first 100 donors will be accepted into this unique group. Your name will be listed as a key player in the renovation project and you will receive a commemorative pin to denote your membership in the 2020 T.A.G. Team.

JOIN TODAY!

TeamT.A.G.

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olunteers are critical for the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s operation. The hard work provided by volunteers is the backbone of our organization and without them, it would not be possible to successfully fundraise and improve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation invites you to join us this summer! We are looking for volunteers to help at the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction (Saturday, July 11) and during the Iowa State Fair (August 13–23). No expertise required — just a willingness to help your fellow Fair fans make the most of their Iowa State Fair experience.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation will once again use Volunteer Local, an online scheduling, registration and communication system. Interested volunteers will be provided with step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for a shift as an individual or with a group. Watch for details June 1.

If you’re interested, please call 515-262-3111 x 371 or email Volunteer@BlueRibbonFoundation.org. If you volunteered at the 2019 Corndog Kickoff, Iowa State Fair or have already contacted the Blue Ribbon Foundation about volunteering, you do not need to contact us again. Thank you!

VVolunteerBe a Blue Ribbon

Donor Profile: Kenneth Deever

“ We have been attending the Iowa State Fair every year for the past 45 years. When our 11-year-old daughter was in 4-H, she had an exhibit selected for the State Fair. We promised her that our entire family would go and we got “hooked!” It is a marvelous Fair and, amazingly, it seems to get better every year with the many improvements compliments of the Blue Ribbon Foundation.”

Bernard & Anna ManternachM O N T I C E L L O , I A

“ We have so many good memories of the Iowa State Fair. Meeting people from other states, visiting with children about their experiences, etc. Thank you for the opportunity to volunteer for over 16 years.”

Shirley & Kenneth ConnerG R I N N E L L , I A

Mailbox Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDDes Moines, IA

Permit No. 4301P.O. Box 57130DES MOINES, IA 50317

n the final day of the Iowa State Fair, most Fairgoers wander around trying to eat the last of their favorite food-on-a-stick. One Fair lover always finds himself in the Cattle Barn’s

Penningroth Media Center, attending his favorite Iowa State Fair event — the annual Woodcarver’s Auction. Year after year, Kenneth Deever supports the Blue Ribbon Foundation by purchasing beautiful woodcarvings to add to his collection.

“Right out of high school I decided to start my own business,” said Kenneth, owner of Deever Roofing in Des Moines. His company began to grow and became very successful. “I choose to give to the Blue Ribbon Foundation because I know the money is going to a worthy cause, taking care of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.”

Kenneth and his family have always loved the Iowa State Fair; it is something they visit each year. Kenneth describes the Iowa State Fair like a major holiday, where his family makes sure to experience the event and all it has to offer.

“Family, friends, food and of course the carvings, that's what I love about the Fair,” said Kenneth. He has attended for as long as he can remember, some years making it 11 out of 11 days.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation started receiving the Woodcarver’s Auction proceeds in 1993. Kenneth donated for his first woodcarving back in 2001 when the Anne and Bill Riley

stage hosted the auction. For 20 years, he has spent multiple days during the Fair walking around the carvings to see what the chainsaw artists have to offer. Kenneth “must-have” at least two, occasionally giving a donation for three separate woodcarvings.

“I have kept every sculpture that I have ever purchased at the Iowa State Fair — that’s 40 woodcarvings!” said Kenneth. “All of them are displayed at my home in the Ozarks. I have them outside, inside, on the porch and even in my Man Cave. I treat and reseal the individual carvings every year and make sure that they stay in pristine condition.”

Kenneth enjoys everything about the Iowa State Fair. However, in true Fair fashion, his second favorite thing is the food. He loves to try all the new things along with his classic favorites. The Iowa State Fair has always been a big part of Kenneth’s life and he will continue to attend and sup-port the Blue Ribbon Foundation as long as he is able to.

Thank you, Kenneth, for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation!

O

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