Iowa State Fair Podcast

Couples Who Make the Fair Go

As winter settles over the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the December 2025 episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast takes listeners on a warm, story-filled journey that proves the Fair is never really off-season. Hosts Maxwell and Amy dive into heartfelt conversations with the couples whose dedication keeps the Fair running year after year. The episode opens with Paula and Ernie Barnes, a true Iowa State Fair power couple. Paula, now in her 22nd year as superintendent of the Fair’s Information Volunteers, shares what it takes to guide hundreds of thousands of fairgoers through 11 whirlwind days.  Paula highlights the kindness, patience, and “Iowa nice” that define the info booths. Her husband, Ernie, then takes listeners inside the Swine Barn, where he’s spent 24 years as superintendent. He talks about managing nearly 5,000 pigs across multiple shows, the deep family traditions of exhibitors, and the powerful mix of fierce competition and genuine friendship among young showmen and women. The episode wraps up with a phone interview from Arizona with Russ and Terry Slight, who together dedicated more than four decades to Grandstand security and operations. Russ recounts 45 years of concerts, celebrities, and evolving public safety. Terry reflects on their life working side by side at the Fair, raising a family on the grounds, and their retirement without radios and paperwork. This December episode is about just a few important behind-the-scenes heroes who make the Iowa State Fair feel like home.

From the Fairgrounds to the Smithsonian

This special November 2025 episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast with Maxwell and Amy celebrates a once-in-a-lifetime honor: Iowa State Fair exhibitors whose work is now showcased at the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. Across the hour, listeners meet extraordinary Iowans whose “fair projects” have become part of a national exhibition on state fairs, craft, and the American imagination at the Smithsonian.
The conversation begins with award-winning quilter Mary Shotwell who explains the difference between pieced and appliqué quilting and how her love of intricate designs grew into decades of blue ribbons and multiple “Best of Show” honors at the Iowa State Fair. Next, the spotlight turns to embroiderer Anne Hansen, whose stunning three-dimensional butterfly, small enough to fit in a glass dome yet realistic enough to be mistaken for ceramic, also appears in the Smithsonian exhibit. Anne talks about learning embroidery as a child, becoming captivated by 3D “stump work” techniques, and spending months of late-night stitching to bring tiny wings and leaves to life. Then listeners can catch up with Sarah Pratt, Iowa’s beloved butter cow sculptor, whose life-size jersey cow now anchors its own custom-built, octagonal cooler in a prominent rotunda space at the Renwick. Sarah shares how she initially thought the Smithsonian was only interested in memorabilia from her mentor, Norma “Duffy” Lyon—until curators stepped into the butter cooler and started asking how they could get the sculpture itself to D.C. The episode then shifts to Rod and Deb Zeitler, a powerhouse Iowa State Fair duo. Rod is a competitive canner whose 750-jar pyramid, dramatically lit from below, showcases Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables in “visually stunning” form. Deb, a weaver, basketmaker, and shoemaker, explains how a class at the Penland School of Crafts led her into leatherwork and to the handcrafted boots now on display. Together, they reflect on becoming unexpected “stars” among visitors and on the joy of having a place they’ve always loved visiting—the Renwick craft museum—now showcasing their own work. Finally, miniaturist Beth Grabau joins the show to talk about her exquisitely detailed, three-sided vignette titled The Pump House. Beth describes the intense math, materials knowledge, and steady hands required for miniature work, as well as the emotional challenge of letting the piece leave home for Washington.
Listeners are invited to visit the Renwick Gallery’s state fair exhibit, explore the Cultural Center at the Fair, and stay tuned for next month’s holiday-themed episode featuring the Iowa State Fair–inspired stocking stuffers and seasonal fun.

Behind the Gates: The Fair That Never Ends

In this episode of The Iowa State Fair Podcast, hosts Maxwell Schaeffer and Amy Sweet sit down with Iowa State Fair CEO and Manager, Jeremy Parsons, for a fascinating look behind the scenes at what happens long after the final fairgoer leaves the gates.
Jeremy shares how the post-fair “cool-down” is anything but quiet. The conversation also highlights major off-season renovation projects underway across the fairgrounds, including how the reclaimed barn wood and stall doors in the horse barn will find new life — some reused in the remodel, others offered at public auction for fair fans to own a piece of history. In 2026, the Fair is preparing to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with commemorative events, public art, and possibly even historical reenactments. Jeremy teases early grandstand booking progress, upcoming cookie dough sales and admission ticket holiday sales, and the return of Jolly Holiday Lights to the fairgrounds. As Maxwell and Amy put it, “the Fair never really ends” — it just changes seasons.
 

Corn Dogs, Coke Races & ‘I Do’s at the Fairgrounds

On this episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast, hosts Maxwell and Amy explore the vibrant life of the Fairgrounds beyond August with two engaging guests: Liz Ley, Event Services Manager, and Mindy Williamson, Chief Marketing Officer. Together, they reveal how the Iowa State Fair is more than an eleven-day celebration—it’s a year-round hub for weddings, livestock shows, quirky competitions, and community traditions.
Liz, who pulls back the curtain on what happens at the Fairgrounds once the midway lights go out. Far from being quiet, the Fairgrounds host everything from quilt shows and livestock events to craft fairs and even unusual gatherings like pigeon shows, psychic expos, and alpaca competitions. Later in the episode, Mindy Williamson, offers a marketing perspective on the recently concluded 2025 Iowa State Fair. From food to entertainment, accessibility initiatives to new shade structures and sidewalks, every improvement played a role in making the Fair more welcoming. 
Both Liz and Mindy emphasize that the Fairgrounds are truly a “city within a city,” powered by 75 full-time staff, countless vendors, and volunteers who keep it running year-round. From Coke syrup–coated races inside the Jacobson Building to the patriotic pageantry of the Cowgirl Queen contest, their stories remind listeners that the Iowa State Fair and Fairgrounds remain alive with creativity, competition, and community virtually year-round.
This episode is a reminder: whether you’re planning your wedding, attending a craft fair, or looking forward to patriotic celebrations at the 2026 Iowa State Fair, the grounds are always buzzing.

Live at the Fair: The Fair’s Grand Finale

In the final “LIVE at the Fair” episode from the 2025 Iowa State Fair, Max and Amy return to the stage at the new Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery on the Grand Concourse with a lively mix of guests. They start with two Warren County farmers—Lori Bochner of Bochner Farm, known for daylilies, dahlias, and ticketed U-pick events, and Mekenze Cortum of Cortum Farm and Co., who runs a diversified operation raising livestock, flowers, and 80 varieties of pumpkins while hosting a barnside farmers market. Both share their passion for agriculture, agritourism, and the growing recognition of women and specialty crop farmers in Iowa.
Next, the spotlight turns to newly crowned 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen, Riah Schrage, who shares her whirlwind first days on the job, including an unexpected slingshot ride tradition, connecting with fairgoers from across the country, and her plans for a future in music education. The conversation shifts to Iowa Nice Guy, Scott Siepker, who offers his humorous takes on fair food (including a corn dog rating scale), people-watching, and memorable fair stories—some involving presidents and on-air surprises. WHO-TV’s semi-retired reporter Roger Riley drops by to reflect on the stories and personal moments that keep him coming back, even in retirement.
The episode’s final stretch is a flavorful one. Will Schroeder and TJ Paskach, the engineers behind Nitro Ice Cream, explain how liquid nitrogen and Iowa dairy create ultra-smooth, fresh-made treats that have become a 25-year fair tradition. Wrapping things up, Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons recaps a weather-challenged but successful run, celebrates improvements like new shade and seating, and hints at early planning for the Fair’s 2026 celebration of America’s 250th birthday. It’s a fitting finale to the Fair series—full of community pride, colorful stories, and the people who make the Iowa State Fair an enduring tradition.

Live at the Fair: Stories from the Porch

In the second of three “LIVE at the Fair” episodes, Max and Amy bring the Iowa State Fair Podcast to the porch of the Fair’s Administration Building for another lively day of conversations. They open with Iowa State Fair Board President Curtis Claeys and the beloved Bill Riley Jr. of the Bill Riley Talent Search, who share stories about fair traditions, the importance of county fairs as the foundation for the big show in Des Moines, and the unique “Iowa nice” spirit that shapes the fair experience. From tales of commemorative benches to the role of agriculture in the Fair Board’s work, their segment captures the mix of history, community, and passion that fuels the event year after year.
The episode continues with 15-year-old Lydia, a public safety helper and Barksdale’s Cookies cashier, whose energy and ambition shine as she talks about her summer job, love of meeting new people, and dream of becoming a police officer. Then, Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director Peter Cownie explains how the Foundation raises millions to preserve and improve the fairgrounds, shares his personal connection to the Fair, and teases future projects, including a new Ag Learning Center. His conversation highlights how philanthropy, planning, and community support keep the Fair vibrant and evolving.
Closing out the show, Grant Campbell and Brandon Schroeder bring the flavor—literally—sharing stories from Campbell’s Concessions and The Depot. As a fifth-generation concessionaire, Campbell reflects on family tradition, new menu hits like pickle pizza, the challenges of staffing 700 workers, and the camaraderie among vendors. From celebrity visits to the logistics of moving semi-loads of corn dogs, their stories remind listeners that behind every food stand is a team, a history, and a deep pride in serving fairgoers. It’s another episode packed with the people, flavors, and heart that make the Iowa State Fair more than just an event—it’s an Iowa institution.

Opening Day Buzz: Live from the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery

The Iowa State Fair Podcast kicks off its first of three “LIVE at the Fair” episodes from the brand-new Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery on the Grand Concourse. Max and Amy welcome a lively lineup of guests, starting with 2024 Iowa State Fair Queen Ellie Blackford of Clarke County, who shares her reflections as she prepares to pass the crown to this year’s winner. Brooks Reynolds from JR’s Southpork Ranch drops by to talk about the sense of camaraderie that exists among State Fair food vendors, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the friendships that flavor the Fair as much as the food does.
Next up, FFA leaders Laura Steinkamp and Lindsay Beyer join the conversation to share their busy schedules and involvement at the Fair. Laura, representing Carroll, serves as the Iowa FFA Southwest Vice President, while Lindsay, from Quasqueton, serves as the Northeast President. Their passion for agriculture and leadership comes through as they discuss the opportunities and experiences that make the Fair such an important stage for young agricultural leaders from across Iowa.
Wrapping up the episode, Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons chats with Max and Amy about the excitement of opening day and the buzz surrounding this year’s “Fair Sweet Fair” theme. Toby Kruse, representing the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery, caps things off with news of the overwhelming success the new sit-down spot has enjoyed during its debut. Housed in the former Steer and Stein location on Grand Avenue, the eatery is already proving to be a crowd favorite, adding yet another delicious stop to the Fair experience.

Behind the Scenes at the New Food Event

Get your forks ready—this episode takes you behind the scenes of one of the tastiest traditions at the Iowa State Fair: the New Food Event! From deep-fried genius to sweet surprises to anything on a stick, we’ll reveal how vendors dream up their over-the-top treats, what it takes to be a concessionaire at the Fair, and why food fanatics across the state count down to their food adventure at the Fair. Join us for flavor, fun, and a few unexpected ingredients.

Blue Ribbon Winner Stories

In this episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast, hosts Max and Amy dive into the heart of Fair food competitions with longtime exhibitor Robin Tarbell-Thomas, whose family has earned thousands of ribbons over multiple generations. Robin shares stories of her grandma’s cooking legacy, her own award-winning recipes and the Crisco baking contest she sponsors in honor of her late mother. Too bad you can’t taste the real treats she shared during the recording.Then, hosts turn to tiny talk with Lori Bauer, superintendent of the Dollhouse Department, the smallest competition at the Fair. Lori talks about the creative and quirky world of miniature entries—from cardboard castles to cookie jar beach scenes—and what is inspiring the next generation of mini makers.

Carving Out a Place at the Fair (ft. The Pork Tornados & Chainsaw Carvers)

We chat with Mike Schulte from The Pork Tornados about their favorite fair memories and what it means to play for hometown crowds. Plus, chainsaw artist Gary Keenan joins us to talk about turning logs into jaw-dropping sculptures. This episode is all about creativity, community, and the magic of the Iowa State Fair.