by Mari Radtke
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation was established by the State Fair Board to conduct a major capital campaign for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $200 million, through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.
One popular event that has honored 270 Iowans since 1997 is the “Iowan for a Day.” The Iowa State Fair is always 10 days. One nominee is selected for each day of the Fair to be “Iowan for a Day.”
Rodd Holtkamp of Primghar was selected to be Iowan for a Day, designated for August 15, 2024. Rodd was nominated by Kim Tewes of Primghar. The recognition is given for an individual’s community service work.
KCCI-TV interviews each recipient and posts information about the winner on their website. It says, “Rodd’s extensive involvement in his community has made him a valuable asset to Primghar and O’Brien County for decades. His passions span health and safety, rural development, economic improvements agriculture, and more.
“Rodd volunteered with the Mercy One Hospital Foundation for 20 years and was on the original EMS Building Construction Committee. He has been a member of the Primghar Advancement Corporation Board, O’Brien County Economic Development Board, and the Community Agency Board. Rodd is active in the leadership and music ministries at Grace Lutheran Church.
As a true county and State Fair fan Rodd also secured sponsors for four billboards to celebrate the 100th year of the O’Brien County Fair this year.”
“I was pretty humbled by it,” said Holtkamp. He went on to calculate 270 winners in the lifetime of the recognition program from the 2.8 million Iowans in 1997 and to today’s 3.2 million. He expressed genuine gratitude for the honor.
Rodd and his family moved to Primghar 35 years ago. He joined the Primghar Jaycees. He says of the organization, “The Jaycees are very active. In 1989 we were busy. We did a lot of service work. It got me interested in community work.” He gives a nod that the community work also promoted his position at the [Savings Bank of Primghar] bank. “My job has always supported me,” he added.
Holtkamp chaired the construction of the EMS Building in Primghar from the finance side. His employer, Gerald Leng, provided him with as much time as he needed to pull the project together saying, “Take as much time as you need. We need it [the EMS building].”
Rodd said, “I am most proud of that project. We raised over $400,000 from grassroots, and another $200-250,000 in donated materials and labor. It serves the community well and will continue to do so in the future.” He explained how the project was structured to give the donors ownership of the project with features like the engraved brick wall. “The $100 bricks helped the community.”
On August 15th, 2024, Rodd says the Blue Ribbon Foundation “really rolled out the Red Carpet.” He and 3 guests were each given General Admission tickets to the fair along with a VIP parking spot and pass. The got around the fair that day in a 4-seater golf cart, provided by Speed Higgins of Wall Lake, Iowa, a big Iowa State Fair supporter. “It was helpful and handy. But you had to be careful driving,” Rodd explained of all of the pedestrians walking on the roads throughout the fair grounds. He was also gifted 4 Grand Stand tickets. He, his wife, Gwen and 2 of their granddaughters, ages almost 14 and just 8, enjoyed comedians on August 15. There were two warm up acts and Gabriel Iglesias. “I’d never heard of him before. He is very funny. We spent 4 hours laughing,” Rodd says of the evening’s event.
He was awarded a plaque on the Bill & Ann Riley Stage where the talent shows and the royalty contests are held. He was interviewed by KCCI-TV. Four rooms at the Marriott Hotel were also part of the package and a really great breakfast. A big surprise came when $200 cash was also part of the package – cold, hard, U.S. currency.
Iowa State’s Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation gifts all of this to 10 Iowans each year who give willingly to their community. Thank you, Rodd and congratulations.