Joan Allsup 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 Joan Allsup of Mitchellville as an Iowan of the Day for the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

When Mitchellville's local library needed some assistance, Allsup was eager and willing to step up and make a difference in her community. Not only did she lead the summer reading program in 2012, she also raised over $3,500 to help with library programs. In 2011, Allsup became Treasurer of the Library Board of Trustees, and in 2012 became Secretary. Though she was never employed by the Mitchellville Public Library, Joan Allsup put in countless hours of work, all to keep the library afloat.

"Joan is extremely committed to keeping Mitchellville a vibrant community both now and for the future," said Mitchellville Public Library Director and nominator, Karen Spitler. "For many years, Joan has volunteered at the library as a member of the Friends of the Library Board."

Allsup's passion for helping others does not stop when she leaves the library for the day. Allsup and her husband have also turned their family farm into a kid-friendly place to play. Pumpkinville offers corn mazes for wandering, hay piles for jumping, and pumpkins for picking. The farm is available for visits daily and on weekends during the Fall. She is known around town as "Grandma Joan."

Allsup's day of recognition will be Monday, August 11, at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Along with accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, she will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Allsup will also receive a special introduction on August 11, at 2:30 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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