Des Moines, Iowa – Keep Iowa Beautiful (KIB) is proud to announce its continued sponsorship of the annual Iowa State Fair cleanup team, the OK Crew.
The tradition of Keep Iowa Beautiful’s involvement with the Iowa State Fair began in 2001, just one year after KIB’s founding by former Governor Robert Ray and Casey’s Founder and Chairman Donald F. Lamberti. Inspired by the cleanliness standards set by Disney parks, KIB presented the idea of making the Iowa State Fair the epitome of cleanliness to the fair’s board.
The “OK Crew” was established at the Iowa State Fair, with the primary objective of maintaining cleanliness throughout the event. Each year, the fair hired 20-24 individuals who worked diligently to pick up litter. KIB provided essential instructions and equipped the OK Crew members with distinctive t-shirts to signify their commitment to creating a litter-free environment. Armed with grabbers and plastic buckets, these dedicated volunteers roamed the fairgrounds, diligently collecting trash and ensuring that the fair remained spotless.
Over the years, the initiative has expanded to include a greater number of trash barrels, which also feature “plastic wraps” promoting Keep Iowa Beautiful and advocating for a litter-free fair. Over 30 volunteers work tirelessly during the annual fair collecting litter, and recycling bins have been added around the fairgrounds.
Keep Iowa Beautiful has proudly partnered with the Iowa State Fair board for an extensive litter clean-up and prevention program for many years. This collaboration has yielded remarkable results, and together, they have made significant progress in keeping the fairgrounds clean and preserving Iowa’s natural beauty. Keep Iowa Beautiful is thrilled to continue this successful partnership in the years to come.
“Keep Iowa Beautiful is delighted to once again sponsor the Iowa State Fair cleanup and work hand-in-hand with the fair’s board,” said Andy Frantz, executive director of Keep Iowa Beautiful. “We are committed to creating a cleaner and more beautiful environment for all fairgoers, and we are excited to make the 2023 Iowa State Fair the cleanest one yet. We encourage everyone to join us in this effort and become a part of the OK Crew.”
Keep Iowa Beautiful invites volunteers of all ages to participate in the Iowa State Fair cleanup. By dedicating their time and energy to this important cause, volunteers not only contribute to the cleanliness of the fairgrounds but also play a crucial role in preserving Iowa’s natural splendor.
For more information on how to get involved with the Iowa State Fair cleanup and to join the OK Crew, please visit the Iowa State Fair website at www.iowastatefair.org/volunteer-resources.
