Floyd & Helen Deets Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (08/09/2010)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Floyd and Helen Deets of Des Moines as Iowans of the Day for the 2010 Iowa State Fair.

Floyd and Helen have a special connection to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Born and raised on the Fairgrounds, Floyd learned the grounds while his father, Henry Deets, served as the maintenance superintendent from 1921-1961. When his father retired, Floyd took over the position. He and his wife Helen then took residence in the superintendent's home. The couple raised their family on the Fairgrounds and committed their lives to taking care of the facilities. Floyd worked hard to keep up with the quickly expanding Fair and year-round use of the grounds.

Floyd and Helen were also assets in the creation of the Iowa State Fair Museum. Prior to 1982, the building that houses the Museum, served as the Polk County Building. It was first used by the Polk County Home on their day-trips to the Fair and slowly transformed into storage for the Fairgrounds. However, having been so active on the Fairgrounds for so many years, Floyd and Helen knew the wonders that hid in different buildings. After emptying out the building, the couple began to find antiques to display in the official State Fair Museum that opened in 1982. Slowly, Floyd and Helen began to replace the antiques with treasures and memorabilia of past Fairs. Floyd and Helen's commitment to the Fair proves them worthy recipients of the Iowan of the Day award.

Floyd and Helen's day of recognition will be Saturday, August 14 at the Iowa State Fair. Along with a one night's stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, they will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets, one year subscriptions to the Iowan and Iowa Gardening magazines, and special use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Floyd and Helen will also receive a special introduction at 2:30 p.m. August 14 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 shining stars. The program continues to honor individuals from across the state each year who have made a difference in others' lives while upholding 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 $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.