Devere Ganzer Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Devere Ganzer of Grand Mound as an Iowan of the Day for the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Ganzer depicts what it truly means to be an Iowan. He was an active farmer for much of his life, farming in three different counties. Now, at 85, he is still working part-time for Big Gain in Elwood, IA and also participates in 4-H. Since 1963, Ganzer has been involved in county fairs as the announcer of tractor pulls. He has announced at the Scott County Fair, Miles Thresher Days, the Grand Mound Tractor Pull, Clinton County Fair, Dubuque County Fair and Jackson County Fair. Another passion of his is square dancing, and he stays active by square dancing and also playing volleyball. A volunteer on top of everything else, Ganzer spends time visiting with seniors at some of the Nursing Homes in Cedar Falls. He also helps community members by getting groceries and running errands for those who are unable to drive themselves.

"Devere represents the heart of an Iowan in his spirit, generosity and citizenship," said State Representative Brian Moore.

Ganzer's day of recognition will be Friday, August 15, at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Along with accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, he will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Ganzer will also receive a special introduction on August 15, at 2:15 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Founded in 1997, the Iowan of the Day program allows the Blue Ribbon Foundation to recognize Iowa's most outstanding individuals. The program continues to honor Iowan's across the state who have made a difference in others' lives, while upholding the characteristics associated with Iowa-dependability, integrity, hard work and sense of community.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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