DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2012)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to announce the recipients of the Iowan of the Day award for the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Each Iowan of the Day receives VIP treatment on their respective day! Starting with recognition on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage at 2:30; use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart; gate admission and grandstand tickets; VIP parking; $200 cash; and accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation began the Iowan of the Day award in 1997 to honor those Iowans who have truly made a difference in their communities. This year, the judges reviewed hundreds of nominations selecting those that show examples of integrity, Iowa pride, hard work and dedication.

"We are pleased to recognize these outstanding individuals as Iowans of the Day," said John Putney, Executive Director of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. "Their volunteerism, dedication and service to their community and the state of Iowa makes each one deserving of this honor."

The 2012 Iowan of the Day recipients are:

Esther Bielema of Wall Lake

Jeralyn Westercamp of Cedar Rapids

Troyce Vich of Waterloo

Janet Reynolds of Sioux City

Lila Bubke of Schleswig

Mary Maybee of Boone

Jim Gronbach of Dakota City

Ken Petersen of Council Bluffs

Garland Fickess of Bedford

Suzie Glazer Burt of Des Moines

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $85 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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DES MOINES, IA (06/01/2012)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are once again in search of ten outstanding Iowans from across the state. The 15th annual Iowan of the Day program honors Iowa's most radiating volunteers each year and will take place August 9-19 at the Iowa State Fair.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking for community members that have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the state of Iowa. These shining Iowa stars must have a strong work ethic, loyalty to helping others and an outstanding sense of Iowa pride. With your nomination, the Blue Ribbon Foundation can recognize and show the deserving Iowans how much they are appreciated.

Iowan of the Day winners will receive their own day of recognition during the 2012 Iowa State Fair complete with an introduction on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage, VIP parking, gate admission, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart and Grandstand show tickets for the evening of their award day. In addition, all winners will receive $200 in cash, accommodations at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott Hotel and one-year subscriptions to Iowan and Iowa Gardening magazines.

Help us thank the people that make Iowa such an amazing place to live. Nomination forms are available online from www.blueribbonfoundation.org/iotd or by calling the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 1-800-450-3732. Note that all nominees must currently be Iowa residents. All nominations must also be received by July 1, 2012.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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