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Full List: 2026 Iowa State Fair ‘Iowans of the Day’ Revealed
Meet the 2026 Iowa State Fair "Iowans of the Day"
Quick Summary: The Iowa State Fair has picked 11 amazing everyday heroes to honor during the 2026 fair (August 13–23). Each day, one person (or couple) gets a special shout-out on stage, VIP perks, and a cash prize for making Iowa a better place.
What Is the "Iowan of the Day" Program?
Think of it like a "Community MVP Award" given out at the biggest party in Iowa.
- Started in: 1997
- Created by: The Blue Ribbon Foundation (the fair’s charity arm)
- Goal: Say "thank you" to ordinary Iowans doing extraordinary things—volunteering, helping veterans, teaching kids, preserving history, and more.
- How it works: Each day of the fair (except the last day), one honoree is celebrated on stage at noon.
Important Point: This isn’t about being famous. It’s about showing up for your neighbors, year after year.
When Is the 2026 Fair?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Starts | Thursday, August 13 |
| Ends | Sunday, August 23 |
| Total Days | 11 |
| Honoree Days | Aug 13–22 (one per day) |
| Ceremony Time | Noon daily on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage |
What Do the Honorees Win?
It’s not just a handshake—they get a VIP fair experience:
- Hotel stay at Des Moines Marriott Downtown
- Fair admission tickets
- Grandstand concert tickets (big-name shows!)
- VIP parking
- Personal golf cart to zip around the fairgrounds
- Cash prize
- On-stage recognition at noon
Meet the 2026 Honorees (One for Each Day)
1. John Emswiler – Algona Thursday, Aug 13
Retired Army First Sergeant • Iraq War Vet • Former Police Officer • Volunteer Bus Driver
John founded the North Central Iowa chapter of Moving Veterans Forward, helping vets find stable housing and running a food pantry. He also drives a school bus, helps with Cops for Kids, and reads to kids in summer programs.
Superpower: Showing up—everywhere, for everyone.
2. Alan Erickson – Nevada Friday, Aug 14
39-year Farm Credit Career • 13 Years Mentoring 500+ Drama Students • Food Bank Volunteer
After retiring, Alan didn’t slow down. He’s the backstage hero of Nevada High’s theater program—fundraising, mentoring, and cheering on kids. He also volunteers at Food at First and leads Bible studies.
Motto: Faith, integrity, and helping others.
3. Ari Lewerenz – Clinton Saturday, Aug 15
Sawmill Museum Board President • Bank Community Liaison • Troll Sculpture Project Leader
Ari brought three giant troll sculptures (by artist Thomas Dambo) to Clinton—organizing hundreds of volunteers. It’s now a major tourist draw. At her bank job, she promotes local events and nonprofits. She also helps with Paint it Back and Grow Clinton.
Magic word: Collaboration.
4. Kelly Penman Jr. – Carlisle Sunday, Aug 16
“The Cemetery Guy” • Navy Vet • Registered Nurse • History Preserver
Kelly has restored hundreds of veterans’ and historic headstones—for free. He teaches others how to do it, led repairs after a tornado hit Oakwood Cemetery, serves with Final Salute (honoring fallen vets), and runs his town’s After Prom party.
Mission: Honor the past. Serve the present.
5. Joyce & Keith McClain – Carson Monday, Aug 17
35+ Years Teaching Sunday School • Church Builders • Community Pillars • Governor’s Volunteer Award Winners
This power couple has served together for decades—church, schools, town events. Keith oversaw church construction; Joyce led ministries. They were 2019 Riverside Homecoming Grand Marshals.
Legacy: Faith + generosity + teamwork = lasting impact.
6. Jordan Norton – Mt. Pleasant Tuesday, Aug 18
Army Vet (since 2007, deployed to Afghanistan) • 500+ Volunteer Hours/Year • Youth Coach • Hospice Hero
Jordan coaches youth wrestling and soccer, mentors young athletes, and volunteers with Every Step Hospice—where he’s honored 25+ veteran patients with pinning ceremonies.
Heart: Service to country → service to community.
7. Ruth Ann Mohr – Odebolt Wednesday, Aug 19
30-Year Nurse • 25+ Gallons of Blood Donated • Errand Runner for Homebound • Flower Bed Caretaker
At an age when many slow down, Ruth Ann speeds up. She drives folks to appointments, tends community gardens, donates blood like it’s her job, and volunteers with her church, American Legion Auxiliary, nursing home, and Creek Days festival.
Prescription: Compassion, daily.
8. Ronald Ricker (Honored Posthumously) – Des Moines Thursday, Aug 20
Vietnam Vet • Attorney • ISU Mentor • Dowling Catholic Supporter • Fair Superfan
Ron passed away, but his legacy of service lives on. He mentored Iowa State students, gave to charities, supported Dowling Catholic’s mission trips, and loved the Fair—marching in the parade for decades.
Tribute: A life that still inspires.
9. David Colbert – Danbury Friday, Aug 21
“Mr. Danbury” • Former Mayor, Council Member, Ambulance Volunteer, School Board Member • 3rd-Gen Market Owner
David has worn every hat in town. His family market supports schools, first responders, and local causes. He led the charge to save the Danbury Recreation Center.
Style: Humble leadership. Small-town heart.
10. Mary Jean Paschen – Urbandale Saturday, Aug 22
96 Years Young • Retired Music Teacher • Decades of Volunteering • Zoo, Symphony, Church, P.E.O. Leader
Mary Jean proves age is just a number. She’s spent a lifetime lifting up education, arts, history, and her community—Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Symphony Guild, P.E.O., Central Presbyterian Church.
Superpower: Kindness that spans generations.
How to Follow Along
- Watch live: KCCI 8 News broadcasts weekdays at 4:30 p.m. from the MidAmerican Energy Stage during the fair.
- Read more: KCCI’s full Iowa State Fair coverage
Summary: Why This Matters
| What It Shows | |
|---|---|
| 11 stories | Ordinary people doing extraordinary things |
| All ages, all walks | From 96-year-old teachers to 30-something vets |
| All over Iowa | Algona to Urbandale, Clinton to Danbury |
| One theme | Service > Self |
The "Iowan of the Day" program reminds us that heroes don’t wear capes—they wear work boots, nurse scrubs, volunteer vests, and Sunday-best clothes.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can anyone be nominated?
A: Yes! The Blue Ribbon Foundation accepts nominations from the public. Look for announcements early next year.
Q: Do honorees have to be famous?
A: Not at all. Most are quiet helpers—people who show up without expecting applause.
Q: Is the ceremony open to the public?
A: Absolutely! The noon presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage is free with fair admission.
Q: What if I miss the live ceremony?
A: KCCI covers it on air and online. You can also check the fair’s social media for clips.
Q: How long has this been going on?
A: Since 1997—that’s 28 years of honoring Iowa’s best!
Final Thought: Next time you’re at the Fair eating a corn dog or riding the Giant Slide, look around. The person next to you might be next year’s Iowan of the Day. Or maybe—it’s you.
