David Colbert Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (08/03/2026) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present David Colbert of Danbury as a 2026 Iowa State Fair "Iowan of the Day" on Friday August 21.

For decades, David has dedicated his time, leadership, and talents to strengthening the Danbury community. Whether serving in public office, supporting local businesses, volunteering with youth programs, or lending a helping hand wherever it is needed, David has consistently worked to make his hometown a better place to live.

A former mayor of Danbury, David has also served on the Danbury City Council, the Maple Valley School Board, and the Danbury Ambulance Team for 20 years. His commitment to preserving community resources led him to help save a schoolhouse in Danbury from demolition, transforming it into the Danbury Recreation Center. Through fundraising, volunteer labor, and ongoing maintenance, he has helped create a year-round gathering place that provides recreational opportunities for youth and families throughout the region.

As the owner of Colbert's Market, a third-generation family grocery store, David has built his business around serving others. He donates food and supplies to schools, churches, fire departments, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, ballparks, and countless community organizations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a home delivery service to ensure residents had access to groceries, a service he continues today for homebound community members. He also provides weekly grocery deliveries to the local school and works to special-order products requested by customers. Under his leadership, Colbert's Market has expanded while remaining the only grocery store outside the Sioux City area in Woodbury County.

David's service reaches every corner of the community. He chaired Danbury's RAGBRAI committee, helped recruit a new veterinarian to ensure local farmers continued to receive essential services, helped save the local hog buying station, and stepped in to continue publishing the Danbury Review when the newspaper was in danger of closing. Today, he continues to write the newspaper's weekly "Grocer Boy" column, keeping residents connected to their community.

Known for his charismatic sense of humor and willingness to work behind the scenes, David is often described as Danbury's "unsung hero" and affectionately known as "Mr. Danbury." His lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community pride has left an immeasurable impact on the town he proudly calls home.

David will be recognized for his Iowan of the Day Award on the Iowa State Fair's Anne and Bill Riley Stage at noon on August 21. Along with being recognized he will receive, four admission tickets, four grandstand concert tickets, a VIP parking pass, hotel accommodations with the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, $200 cash, a golf cart for the day, and an Iowa State Fair Swag Bag.

The Iowan of the Day program, presented by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, recognizes outstanding Iowans who have made a positive difference in their communities through service, leadership, and dedication to others.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $220 million for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.