Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation

The Annual Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction is only a few weeks away! From an Amalfi Coast getaway to a T-shirt signed by Megan Moroney there’s something for everyone.

Click below to secure your spot, register for the auctions, and support the Iowa State Fairgrounds!
https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/06/19/corndog-kickoff-fun

Corndogs come and go, but Fair merchandise can last a whole lot longer! Find out more about purchasing Iowa State Fair merchandise and apparel here:
https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/06/17/purchase-your-2026-merch-now

Do you know an Iowan who goes above and beyond for their community?

There's still time to nominate them for the 2026 Iowan of the Day Award! Ten outstanding Iowans will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair and receive an unforgettable day of VIP treatment, including Iowa State Fair tickets, Grandstand concert tickets, hotel accommodations at Des Moines Marriott Downtown and more!

Learn more about the award and how to submit a nomination before the July 1 deadline by reading our latest blog post: https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/06/15/theres-still-time-honor-outstanding-iowan

Celebrate 250 years with the Iowa State Fair! Don’t miss these once-in-a-lifetime events - get a sneak peek here: https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/06/12/iowa-state-fair-america250

With the much-anticipated Corndog Kickoff just around the corner, we need your help to capture the excitement. The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is seeking a volunteer to photograph the evening event. Think you're up for it?

The event is Saturday, July 11, in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds from 5 PM until 10 PM. We’d like you to snap photos of the room decorations, auction packages, and guests enjoying the night.

We’d love for one of you to be a part of it, so if you or someone you know is interested, please contact Morgan at (515) 262-3111 Ext. 377 [email protected] by July 1, 2026.

We can't wait to see this evening through your lens!📸🎡

Gather your friends and family, find a seat under the tent, and see if luck is on your side. We look forward to seeing you at BINGO!

Read more here: https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/06/10/try-your-luck-bingo

Who deserves to be recognized as one of Iowa's finest?

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Iowan of the Day Award! Help us celebrate the hardworking, dedicated individuals who make a difference in their communities every day.

Learn more about this special Iowa State Fair tradition and how to nominate a deserving Iowan in our latest blog post on the Blue Ribbon Foundation website at https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/06/08/iowan-day-nominations-are-still-open

Nominations are due July 1!

The Iowa State Fair might not be here yet, but the Fairgrounds are buzzing! From expos to classic cars, there is always something happening.

Read more to see what's coming up next and how you can support the Fairgrounds we all love! https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/06/05/events-around-fairgrounds

The Corndog Kickoff returns on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds with a special “American Classic” theme celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This year’s event will feature the second annual classic bake sale after its incredibly successful debut last year.

To learn more and how to donate to our bake sale check out the blog post below on the Blue Ribbon Foundation website and please contact Emma Deppe at 515-262-3111 Ext. 378 or [email protected].

https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/06/01/help-sweeten-corndog-kickoff-bake-sale-donation

Thank you for supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation and helping keep the spirit of the Iowa State Fair alive for generations to come!

The countdown is on - 75 days until The Fair! See how you can support the Blue Ribbon Foundation and cement your family’s legacy on the historic grounds. Click the link to learn more about the Buy A Brick Program! https://www.blueribbonfoundation.org/news-and-notes/blue-ribbon-blog/2026/05/29/buy-brick-program