The Iowa State Fair has announced its list of Iowans of the Day for this year’s fair, which runs from August 13 to August 23. The Iowans of the Day program was founded in 1997 by the Blue Ribbon Foundation to honor outstanding Iowans who have made a difference in their communities.

Meet the 2026 Iowans of the Day

John Emswiler of Algona, a retired Army First Sergeant and law enforcement officer, is being recognized for his dedication to serving others. He is a founding member and president of the North Central Iowa chapter of Moving Veterans Forward, which helps veterans transition into stable housing and operates a food pantry.

Alan Erickson of Nevada is being honored for his decades of service to his community through leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism. He has mentored over 500 students through Nevada High School’s drama program and has supported award-winning productions and fundraising efforts for the performing arts.

Ari Lewerenz of Clinton is being recognized for her efforts to strengthen her community through leadership, creativity, and service. She led the effort to bring three Thomas Dambo troll sculptures to Clinton, which is expected to boost tourism for years to come.

Kelly Penman Jr. of Carlisle, known as ‘The Cemetery Guy,’ has spent over a decade preserving Iowa’s history by restoring hundreds of veterans’ and historic headstones at no cost to families.

Other Iowans of the Day include Joyce and Keith McClain of Carson, Jordan Norton of Mt. Pleasant, Ruth Ann Mohr of Odebolt, Ronald Ricker of Des Moines, David Colbert of Danbury, and Mary Jean Paschen of Urbandale.

Each winner will receive a day of recognition, accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Iowa State Fair admission tickets, Grandstand concert tickets, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, VIP parking, and a cash prize.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.