Liljedahl recognized as Iowan of the Day

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products have announced the Iowan of the Day for Aug. 20 is Jeannine Liljedahl of Essex.
Liljedahl is one of 10 Iowans to be selected for the honor for 2022 and is the only person from Southwest Iowa to be nominated for the honor this year. In her free time, Liljedahl serves as a volunteer for the Shenandoah Food Pantry. In 2014, she was the winner of the AARP Iowa Andrus Award for Community Service
Liljedahl said this is the first time she’s ever been honored by the Iowa State Fair, and she feels very special.
“I feel extremely humbled for not only being nominated but also chosen for this award. I am totally honored to be able to represent Southwest Iowa,” Liljedahl commented.
Each winner will have a special day of recognition at the 2022 Iowa State Fair. Each day at noon on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage they will be recognized and presented as an Iowan of the Day.
Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, each will receive a cash prize, Grandstand and Iowa State Fair admission tickets, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, and VIP parking on the Fairgrounds. Liljedahl said she’ll accept the honor with members of her family present.
“Members of my family attending will be my mom, Pat Tillman, along with my brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Susie Tillman,” stated Liljedahl.
Liljedahl added she’s been a regular at the Iowa State Fair in the past, and this year’s honor makes things just that much sweeter.
“My husband and I have always enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair. For many years we’ve taken an extra day or two in Des Moines because there are so many things to see and do. I feel the Iowa State Fair has something for everyone and is a great family activity,” said Liljedahl.
The Iowan of the Day program was created by the Blue Ribbon Foundation in 1997 to honor those Iowans who have truly made a difference in their communities.
To be selected, nominees must be residents of Iowa.  Each nomination is evaluated on a number of things, including community involvement, volunteerism, personal achievements, and involvement with youth.