Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation

2026 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 19, 20, 21

The Blue Ribbon Foundation has officially reached the halfway point of the Iowa State Fair! It’s a bittersweet feeling.

Read More: https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/09/30/2026-iowa-state-fair-recap-august-19-20-21

2026 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 16, 17, 18

Surviving the first weekend of the Iowa State Fair is an accomplishment! By Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, staff have found their rhythm and finally have a little extra breathing room.

Read More: https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/09/23/2026-iowa-state-fair-recap-august-16-17-18

2026 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 13, 14, 15

The Fair was record-breaking! Let’s take a look back at some of the highlights that made this year so special.

https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/09/17/2026-iowa-state-fair-recap-august-13-14-15

You can be part of the improvements by donating to the "Back the Barns" Fundraising Campaign. Your support of the barn restoration project will guarantee the tradition of showing livestock at the Iowa State Fair continues to grow year after year. https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/ways-to-give/back-barns

The online Iowa State Fair Store is open!

The Blue Ribbon Foundation manages the merchandise sold in the State Fair Store. Profits from the store directly benefit the Foundation's goal of raising funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Items may also be purchased at our office. We are located in the Earth Home on the Iowa State Fairgrounds (under the wind turbine, by the Cultural Center and Fun Forest). We are open Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM.

https://secure2.convio.net/bluerf/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1241&VIEW_HOMEPAGE=true&FOLDER=0&TYPE=&NAME=

Online Auction is currently open at https://WCA26.givesmart.com !

Live Auction is Sunday at 4 PM in the Penningroth Sale Ring!

Get yourself a carving this weekend!

Watch ordinary logs become extraordinary works of art at the 2026 Iowa State Fair!
Stop by Expo Hill daily, August 13–23, to see talented chainsaw woodcarvers Gary Keenan, T.J. Jenkins and Clint Henik create one-of-a-kind masterpieces before your eyes.

Love what you see? Bid on a carving during the Woodcarvers' Auction on Sunday, August 23, or shop the online auction August 22–23. Every purchase supports the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and helps preserve the historic Fairgrounds for future generations.

Learn more and bid online: https://WCA26.givesmart.com

Today's Iowan of the Day is Mary Jean Paschen of Urbandale!

At 96 years old, Mary Jean continues to inspire through a lifetime of volunteer service and leadership. A retired music teacher, she has dedicated decades to supporting education, history, the arts, and her community through organizations including the Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Symphony Guild, P.E.O., and Central Presbyterian Church.

Known for her kindness and commitment to others, Mary Jean's lifelong service continues to inspire generations of Iowans.

Congratulations, Mary Jean!

You know you want it!

It’s not too late to grab your Iowa State Fair merch! 🎡❤️

Stock up on your favorites while they’re still available and take a little piece of the Fair home with you.

Check out our locations:

- Agriculture Building
- Cattle Barn
- Elwell Family Food Center
- Museum
- Service Center
- and the Varied Industries Building

Today's Iowan of the Day is David Colbert of Danbury!

David has spent decades strengthening his community through service, leadership, and a commitment to small-town Iowa. A former mayor, city council member, ambulance volunteer, and school board member, he has dedicated countless hours to improving Danbury.

As owner of the third-generation Colbert's Market, David continues to support local organizations, schools, and first responders. His humble leadership and dedication make him a deserving Iowan of the Day.

Congratulations, David!

Today's Iowan of the Day is the late Ron Ricker of Des Moines!

Ron lived a life defined by service, leadership, and a love for the Iowa State Fair. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and building a career as an attorney, he dedicated his time to mentoring Iowa State students, supporting charitable causes, and giving back to his community.

A lifelong Fair enthusiast, Ron proudly participated in the Iowa State Fair Parade and supported the Fair for decades. His legacy of generosity and service continues to inspire Iowans.

His dear friend, Todd Gaffney accepted his award on his behalf.