Just a few weeks remain for nominations in the Iowa State Fair’s “Iowan of the Day” contest. Each year, ten Iowans who exemplify community spirit are chosen — one person for each day of the fair. David Martin of Carroll, a podiatrist and former music teacher, was an “Iowan of the Day” last year. Martin volunteers a lot and says “you get out of life what you put into life.” He calls the “Iowan of the Day” program a “great advertisement for Iowa and volunteerism.” Martin says the “Iowan of the Day” program celebrates how well-rounded Iowans can get through community service in F-F-A or 4-H or any number of events showcased at the State Fair. The folks chosen to be “Iowan of the Day” during the Fair get two-hundred dollars, V-I-P parking and a golf cart for the day so they can motor around the Fairgrounds. Carroll says it was a thrill to win the distinction. Martin says his picture was on posters that were plastered around the Fairgrounds and people approached him with congratulations and questions when they saw the “Iowan of the Day” banner on his golf cart. There are other prizes, too.Martin received two nights stay at a Des Moines hotel, as well as free admission to the Fair for him and his family. If you know someone who should be an “Iowan of the Day” you can get nomination forms at your local library or on-line at “www.blueribbonfoundation.org”. The deadline for nominations is July 1st.
