Summer 2013 - Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation

Blue
IOWA STATE FAIR
Ribbon
Foundation
Developing Traditions
T
his year we celebrate the 20-year milestone of the Blue Ribbon
Foundation; two decades of successful fundraising for our great state
fair! As I approach my fifth Fair season, I realize just how much has
been accomplished, even in the few years that I’ve been around to
see it play out. Each year, we find projects to conquer and add new
programs to enhance the overall Fair-going experience. Traditions are
made at the Iowa State Fair and I am especially excited for this one as my beautiful baby
girl will experience it for the very first time!
As time passes, our
facilities age and
need constant
maintenance, and
we continue to need
you and your support.
Index
2 Noted
Horner Service Center
3 2013 Pottery
Iowa State Fair Plaques
4 Iowa State Fair Merchandise
Ye Old Mill
5 Corndog Kickoff
Allyson Krull
Communications Manager
6 Mailbox; Donor Profile:
Dawghouse Concessions
But, before we can get to the Fair, we can’t forget the Corndog Kickoff. The Foundation’s
largest fundraising event, it too has come a long way in its seventeen years. Crowds of
a few hundred have grown to nearly 1,500 and the money raised annually is now more
than five times the amount made the first year. We hope you can join us for this year’s
event, which is sure to be “The Grandest Show Around!” Complete with exciting live and
silent auctions, entertainment, fireworks, SkyGilder rides and your favorite Fair foods, it’s
an event you won’t want to miss!
The Fair will follow a short three and a half weeks later; our grounds will fill with Fair
lovers from across the country and we will play host to one of the most spectacular
events our state has to offer. As the Foundation works to continue improvements and
renovations on our 450-acre campus, you will notice a few more completed projects this
year. The Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center will have work completed on all three
levels of the south side, including the addition of storage space, offices, family restrooms
and more exhibit space. Other capital improvements include repairing Pioneer Hall’s
dome and the construction of new restrooms in the north parking lot.
In twenty years, the Foundation has raised more than $95 million to renovate and
construct 30 Fairground facilities. Projects that include wiring, roofing, climate control,
tuck-pointing, sewer, landscaping and more have all been made possible because of
you. In addition to these repairs, there have been several new buildings constructed
from the ground up. While certainly an impressive feat, the work is never done. As
time passes, our facilities age and need constant maintenance, and we continue to
need you and your support.
I am so proud and excited to watch the Foundation as it continues to grow and develop
into the wonderful organization it is; helping to restore and preserve these beautiful
Fairgrounds that mean so much to so many. As I watch my daughter’s face light
up with excitement with all there is to see and do this August, I know it will be yet
another reminder of why we work so hard to continue this wonderful tradition. Because
of your support, I can look forward to many Fairs with my family and know that my
children will come to love the same great Fair we all enjoy today!
Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Newsletter
summer 2013

Noted!
… Happiness is the Iowa State Fair! Join us August
8-18 for the 2013 Iowa State Fair! For more
information, visit www.iowastatefair.org
or call (800) 545-FAIR.
…Thanks to all of those who sent in entries for the
2013 Iowan of the Day program! All nominees
from 2010, 2011 and 2012 will also be considered
and the chosen star Iowans will be notified by the
end of July.
…Thank you to those who have signed up to be
2013 volunteers! There will be a reception for all
Foundation volunteers on July 18 in the Elwell Family
Food Center on the Fairgrounds; watch your mail for
more details!
…We will have a new Fair Squares flavor debuting
at this year’s Fair! The “Graham Champion” Fair
Square is a gooey mix of chocolate and graham
cracker cereals held together with a tasty blend
of butter and marshmallows.
…Remember to check out our blog on our website
at www.blueribbonfoundation.org and find us on
Facebook at our Blue Ribbon Foundation and the
Corndog Kickoff pages!
…We are looking to update our records. Do you
receive our monthly e-news? If not, please send your
email address to info@blueribbonfoundation.org and
we’ll add you to the list!
Horner
Service Center
W
hen you arrive at the Fair this August, you will see a change
has been made on Grand Avenue; the Service Center has a new
name. Thanks to a generous cash contribution to the Iowa
State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation by longtime Fair supporters
Bob and Sheri Horner of West Des Moines, the building has
been renamed the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center.
“This contribution serves as a wonderful legacy for the Horner’s love of the Fair,”
said Blue Ribbon Foundation executive director John Putney. “We are grateful for
their continued support of Fairground renovations.”
While this is the Horner’s largest cash gift toward Fairground renovations, their
giving history with the Foundation also includes the fountain at Legacy Terrace as
well as other donations to the Corndog Kickoff and Concert Club. As the retired
owner of Des Moines Asphalt and Paving Company, Bob has also been generous
in providing many paving projects at the Fairgrounds.
“
The Iowa State Fair is one of the best fairs in the
United States, and we are very honored and proud
to make this donation. The Fair has always
”
meant
a great deal to us and our family for many years.
stated the Horners.
The Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center will still play host
to the Des Moines Register exhibit during the Fair and be used as a rental
facility in the off-season. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is thankful for Bob
and Sheri’s continued support, enabling us to use these funds to improve our
beautiful Fairgrounds!
Staff
The Blue Ribbon Foundation staff consists of four full-time employees.
John Putney, Executive Director, began the Foundation in
1993 and oversees the entire operation.
Robin Taylor, Assistant Director, tracks all accounting records,
orders Fair merchandise and directs the auction portion of the
Corndog Kickoff.
Jenna Beary, Sponsorship Director, coordinates all sponsorships
for the Iowa State Fair and the Corndog Tax Checkoff.
Allyson Krull, Communications Manager, organizes giving
programs and oversees all communications and event planning.
2

2013
fairMerchandise
2013 Pottery: Stein
Created especially for the 2013 Iowa State Fair, this hand-thrown pottery piece is the seventeenth
in the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Pottery Series. It’s natural shade of clay and bright blue accents
make it the perfect addition to any collection. Use this stein to hold your favorite beverage or
simply add it to your home décor.
Iowa State Fair Plaques
These 7"x 7" limited edition wood plaques, created by Sticks, capture the essence of our
beloved State Fair.
Happiness Is: Happiness is the Iowa State Fair! Capture all of your favorite things at the Fair
with this colorful listing of Fair favorites. People watching, food on a stick, the butter cow and a
day at the Fair with family are just a few. Keep these memories with you by adding this plaque
to your collection.
SkyGlider: An evening at the Fair isn’t complete without a ride on the nostalgic
SkyGlider. Whether it’s watching people or the fireworks, there’s nothing quite like
seeing the Fair from a bird’s-eye view! This plaque will make the perfect addition
to any Fair lover’s home.
Advance Pottery & Plaque Order Form
Please reserve: QTY Total
2013 Pottery Stein – $30 each _____ _____
Happiness is – $100 _____ _____
SkyGlider – $100 _____ _____
If shipping after the Fair is requested, please add:
Shipping & Handling Rate for one item $9.00
$1 extra for each additional item shipped _____
One order that ships to multiple locations --- $9.00 per location
TOTAL _____
q My check, payable to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, is enclosed.
q Please charge to my MasterCard/Visa.
Card #_____________________________________ Exp. Date ____________
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: 800-450-3732
To reserve the 2013 Iowa State Fair collector’s Pottery Stein or
plaques, clip and send in this form or call 1-800-450-3732.
Advance orders may be picked up during the Fair in the
Foundation’s trailer, located on Grand Avenue north of the
Administration building. 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 2.
Check one:
q I plan to pick up my order during the 2013 Fair.
q Please ship my order to me after the Fair.
" 3

Merchandise Highlights
Charms: Horse and
2013 Logo Charm
Add to your charm bracelet with these two new
charms for 2013. Happiness truly is the Iowa
State Fair. Be sure to add this year’s logo and the
new horse charm to your bracelet!
Picture Frame:
Showcase a favorite Fair memory with this wooden Iowa
State Fair picture frame. Engraved with words highlighting
our great State Fair, this 4”x6” frame is fit for any
faithful Fairgoer.
Campgrounds Shuttle Ornament:
Made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of
the Clearfield Lions’ relationship with the Fair, this
campgrounds shuttle ornament will mark the fourth
in the Foundation’s ornament series.
2013 Lapel Pin
The 2013 lapel pin features a selection of
the giving programs offered by the Blue
Ribbon Foundation. By donating a brick,
tree or lamp post, you can help raise
money and leave your permanent
legacy on the Fairgrounds!
4
Grand Old Memories from a Grand Old Ride
Past the vibrant Midway filled with shrieks and laughter, beneath
the lines of the colorful SkyGlider, lies the Fair’s oldest permanent
amusement ride: Ye Old Mill. The nostalgic 950-foot long canal
ride has seen numerous families as well as couples looking for a
place to sneak a few smooches since it was first built in 1921.
While the ride is reminiscent of the classic “tunnel of love,” Ye Old
Mill is unique in that it is only one of three such attractions still
experiencing active use in the country. It is one of seven tarred
wood structures originally built by architect John Keenan.
In the early 1960s, couples looking to get away from the bustle of
the Fair were met with some mischief. Tom and Ted Deets, sons of
the Fair’s maintenance superintendent at the time, slipped inside
Ye Old Mill with a bottle of detergent which they dumped into the
water. However, the troublesome pair were long gone by the time
the bright red paddlewheel turned up the bubbly foam that would
fill boats with soapsuds, likely ruining the “tunnel of love” mood.
Like other classic Fair structures, Ye Old Mill was in desperate need
of repair by the early 1990s. Faced with dry rot and termite damage,
the Mill held its own until 1996 when a strong wind brought the
structure to the ground. Repair plans then shifted to replacement
plans. In 1996, with the help of a donation from Bank of America,
the wheelhouse and canal were completely reconstructed. Twelve
brand new fiberglass boats were specially designed to carry
passengers through the brand new tunnel.
Ninety-two years later, the bright red paddlewheel remains the
only vestige of the original Mill. But the families and couples still
flock every summer to enjoy that short ride in complete darkness
and ogle at the brightly displayed artwork featuring Fair history
every few turns.

Don’t Miss “The Grandest Show Around”
J
oin us Saturday, July 13 for the seventeenth
annual Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction
and Fair Food Grazing Party in the William
C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. Doors
open at 6:30 p.m. for a night full of fun, Fair
food and sensational auction packages! The
evening wraps up with a professional fireworks display compliments
of J & M Displays, Inc. of Yarmouth, Iowa.
Nearly 200 enticing auction packages fill the live and silent
auctions. See the finest in sprint car racing with four passes to
the Knoxville Nationals, August 7-10. Experience a private tour
for eight of the Quilted Gardens, an elaborate nursery filled
with unique plantings, while sampling a selection of craft beers
and hors d’oeuvres. Or, take home a beautiful heirloom quality
grandfather’s clock handmade from native Iowa red oak.
The Corndog Kickoff has been a pre-fair tradition since it began
in 1997. First held in Pioneer Hall, 480 people were in attendance.
Since then, the event has grown to raise more than $2.7 million
Hunter Farms
Tailwind Ranch
Lisa Kruidenier
Best of Show
$7,500 Grand Champion
Bruce Rastetter
$2,500 Champion
Patty & Jim Cownie
Charitable Fund
Paul & Lindsey Wanderscheid
Cherie & Bob Shreck Robert P. Hunter
for the restoration and preservation of the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The 2012 event brought in a crowd of 1,400 and raised a record
high of $350,000!
“We are excited to grow our event each year and get more
people involved in our pre-Fair tradition,” said John Putney,
executive director of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. “The Kickoff
is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event and we are
grateful for the support to continue our mission of restoring and
preserving our historic Fairgrounds.”
Tickets can be purchased for $100 at the door, in advance by
calling 800.450.3732 or online at www.blueribbonfoundation.org.
Information on the auction packages and the Corndog Kickoff
itself can be found on the Foundation’s website listed above.
Special thanks to all of the Corndog Kickoff patrons, committees,
volunteers, concessionaires, auction donors and guests who make
this event possible.
Blue Ribbon - $1,000
Keith and Sharon Barkema
Neil and Laurie Barrick
Darin and Deanna Bennigsdorf
Karla V. Boetel
Jim and Marta Bruno
Bud Tent
Bob and Gloria Burnett
Gary and Cindy Cheney
Corporate Contracts
Fred and Sandra Dowie
Denny and Candy Elwell
Eversmeyer/Morse/Grier/Worley
Farm Bureau Financial Services Agent
Bruce Jones
Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance
Randy and Bonnie Forburger
Thurman and Gerry Gaskill
Bill and Liz Goodwin
Greater Des Moines Convention
& Visitors Bureau
Jerry Greif Family
Tom Gumm
Stewart and LeNore Hansen
Sheri and Bob Horner
Illowa Communications
The IMT Group
Iowa Beef Systems
Keffer/Overton Architects
Bill and Susan Knapp
Calvin and Teddi Knowler
Kollmorgen, Schlue & Zahradnik, P.C.
Jerry and Vicki Lage
Larry Fleck and Son Trucking, LLC
The Lynch Companies
Curt Manatt
JoAnn Manatt
John and April Marmon
Martin Marietta
George and Deb Milligan
NAPA Des Moines Distribution Center
NCMIC Group, Inc./
Professional Solutions
Pella Corporation
Brenda Person
Dwight and Erin Porter
Putco Inc.
John and Emily Putney
Mark Radosevich/MR Construction
Russ and Debbie Richardson
Bill and Deanna Rubis
Rueter’s – Todd and Connie Rueter
David and Linda Schinckel
Bob and Marillyn Schlutz
Dorraine Schuling
Ron and Bev Shivers
Gary and Mary Slater
Mark Smith and Artis Reis
Glen Sonntag
Steer-N-Stein
Jeff and Karen Steggerda
Dawn and Gabbi Taylor
Memory of Tammie Warner
Red Ribbon - $500
Harry Bookey and Pamela
Bass-Bookey
Brad and Harry’s Cheese Curds
Sonny Deke
Philip J. Dorweiler
Bill and Lisa Elson
European Motorcars of Des Moines
Chuck and Jaina Johnson
Bill Kimberley
Knowledge Bridge Partners
Mike and Carri Lauterbach
The Mel & Bea Little Family
Scott and Helen Little
Ron and Kathleen Ricker
Dwight and Georgia Roorda
Tyler and Shawn Roorda
Stacy Wanderscheid, Perspective
Consulting Partners
Jon Zoffka
White Ribbon - $250
The Best Around
The Brien Family
Karen Brockelsby
Alan and Deb Brown
Randy and Judy Brown
Bruce and Elinor Brownlee
Dr. Kevin and Jeanne Cunningham
Marilyn Dennler
Bennett and Leisa Ely
Florence’s Fair Fans
Cornell and Cathy Gethmann
William and Laura Grieser
Kathryn A. Griffin
B&K Gustafson
Rick and Sandy Hoenig
Dave and Mary Kay Hoffman
Hunziker & Associates
Phyllis & Joe E. Hutchinson
Family Endowment
Pat and Mary Knueven
Tom and Rhonda Kupke
Joseph and Ruth Lakers
Hanny and Carrie Mason
Gary and Linda McConnell
Bruce McGuire
John and Renee McPhee
Scott and Sherri Miller
Jerry and Randall Parkin
Jeanne Partlow
Joan Gethmann-Raum
Martin and Jo Reynolds
Mara Sovey
Keith and Cindy Steffens
Glenn and Ginger Sterk
C.W. and Kay Thomas
Tursi’s Latin King
Paul and Mary Ann Vaassen
Gary and Judy VanAernam
Doran and Cora Van Rheenen
Rick and Marcia Wanamaker
Tom Warner
Michael and Missy Wolnerman
5

Mailbox
“I am so happy about being able to provide a
donation to the State Fair in honor of my dad and
on behalf of the entire family. Before he died, he
never missed a fair and he was a huge fan of the
horse shows. As kids, we always camped on the
field above Pioneer Hall and waited in anticipation
of the fair opening. I miss the Fair and I have to tell
you, thank you for keeping the tradition alive. I will
never forget my time at the Iowa State Fair.”
Rick Brocket | Oldsmar, FL
“My three sisters and I are now immortalized in
brick form at Ye Old Mill! Can’t wait to see the brick
this August!”
Lydia Fine | North Liberty, IA
P.O. Box 57130
DES MOINES, IA 50317
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Des Moines, IA
Permit No. 4301
Blue Ribbon Contact Information:
Address: P.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317
Phone: 800-450-3732 or 515-262-3111 Ext. 671
Email: info@blueribbonfoundation.org
Website: www.blueribbonfoundation.org
Donor Profile:
Dawghouse Concessions – Mike & Lisa Kinnear
I
f you’re a faithful Fairgoer, you know about the
famed PickleDawgs from Dawghouse Concessions’
footlong hotdog stand. And you’ve probably taken
many a trip to the Steak and Pork Tips stand. But
do you know the family behind it? Mike and Lisa
Kinnear, owners of Dawghouse Concessions, are not only longtime
concessionaires but also loyal supporters of the Foundation.
Mike got busy at the Fair at the ripe age of 10, shining shoes for
clients in the old Bud Tent “with the blue sawdust.” “It was easy
money as most men wore dress shoes,” Mike said. “With a little
polish, a little buffing and a few wipes, their shoes looked like
new.” Mike also spent quite a bit of time at the Fair trying to win
a tape recorder at the ring toss game, which he never did. But
when his father bought a hotdog stand in 1969 for him and his
sister to run to earn their college tuition, his role with the Fair
changed dramatically.
For 24 years, Mike, his wife Lisa, and daughter Vanessa Warren
have spent their time at the Fair watching huge crowds enjoying
Steak Tip dinners and PickleDawgs. Mike’s favorite memory was
when Governor Robert Ray agreed to have his picture taken with
him behind his grill, a picture he has hanging in his office.
Located on the north side of the triangle on Grand Avenue, the
Kinnears concession stands sit side by side. In addition to the elevenday
run at the Fair, The Kinnears set up Dawghouse Concessions
at three other events: the GoodGuys car show, the Great Jones
County Fair, and the Clay County Fair.
When the Blue Ribbon Foundation started in 1993, the Kinnears
signed right up with an initial five-year pledge. They also purchased
a lamppost and donate PickleDawgs to the annual Corndog Kickoff.
“We’ve been to many fairs, but we think our Fair is the best in the
country,” Mike said. “It is a privilege to help the Foundation’s efforts
by helping to keep the buildings and grounds in tiptop shape. It’s
been rewarding to see the many improvements the Foundation has
funded over the years. Our Fairgrounds are a showcase for Iowans
to be proud of.”
Both residents of Des Moines, the husband and wife duo work
at SHAZAM, Lisa for 26 years and Mike for 18. They have four
children, five grandchildren,
and three great-grandchildren.
When they aren’t busy
with work, they volunteer
at Habitat for Humanity, a
local food kitchen, Meals for
the Heartland, and various
walks and fundraisers.