Iowa PBS presents Behind the Blue Ribbon
Crowded fairground with a large blue ribbon graphic displaying text.

Experience the Iowa State Fair like never before through the stories of four individuals preserving its most beloved traditions in Iowa PBS’s upcoming documentary, Behind the Blue Ribbon. The hour-long program will premiere Tuesday, August 5, at 8 p.m. on the statewide network. It will rebroadcast Thursday, August 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 17, at 1 p.m. Behind the Blue Ribbon will also be available to stream at iowapbs.org and on the PBS app.

“Every Iowan has a fair story and tradition. I think viewers will find that the throughline of every character in the documentary is a strong sense of pride and love for the fair,” said Iowa PBS Producer and Director Emily Kestel. “It was an absolute delight to co-produce this project and document parts of the Iowa State Fair experience that not everyone thinks about, or sees.”

Step beyond the Grand Concourse and into the heart of the fair with an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at four people keeping some of its most beloved traditions alive. From early morning load ins with 11-year-old hog farmer Jack Theobald and the high-energy hustle of corn dog concessions led by Eric Campbell, to the artistry of butter sculpting by Sarah Pratt and the big-picture vision of Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons, this documentary captures the passion and pride that power Iowa’s biggest celebration during its 11-day run and the preparation that leads up to it.

“It has been such a joy to spend the last year working on this project. Our goal was to capture the unique spirit of the Iowa State Fair in a new and never before seen way,” said Iowa PBS Producer and Director Kelsey Kremer. “I think Behind the Blue Ribbon delivers on that promise and I hope that viewers enjoy watching the film as much as I enjoyed working on it.”

Bursting with state fair excitement? Iowans eager to catch the film early can attend an advance premiere screening of Behind the Blue Ribbon on Tuesday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the Iowa PBS studios. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for attendees to indulge in fan-favorite treats like a classic Campbell’s corn dog and refreshing lemonade, and capture their fair spirit at our fair photo ops. For more information and to register for free, visit iowapbs.org/events.

Funding for Behind the Blue Ribbon is provided by Kent Nutrition Group.