Fair Game with Robert Smith

This week I’m joined by AJ & Carolyn Ross, independent concessionaires from Ross Concessions. We discuss the joys and challenges concessionaires face, PLUS, we talk about the upcoming arrival of Baby Ross!

Bryan Schulz from the Kansas State Fair joins me to discuss the state of the fair industry, how he landed in New Mexico during the pandemic and what brought him to Kansas. Plus! We talk about how entertainers and fairs can strengthen their partnerships with each other. If you’re an entertainer you do not want to miss this episode.

Sarah Jean from the Wayne County Fair in New York joins us on today’s show. We have a great discussion about fairs, how she balances her career and her volunteer fair life and what to expect from the 2024 Wayne County Fair.

This week the Fair Game Podcast welcomes Jenni Axelson to the show. Jenni is the president of the board for the Sherburne County Fair in Minnesota. We discuss her plans for the upcoming Sherburne County Fair plus we delve into what it is she loves about what she does. Oh! And the red hair? There’s a story there too. All that and more on this week’s episode.

On Fair Game 331 we welcome Hypnotist Benjamin Jackson. Jackson specializes in comedy hypnosis that is a smash hit at fairs across the country. We talk about his entry into the industry and history in the entertainment industry. Website: https://www.hypnotistbenjamin.com/

On today’s episode we welcome Jodi Buresh from Saffire. As an event industry leader, Saffire provides digital services to fairs and events including web design and online ticketing. We discuss the state of event technology and how fairs and events can stay on top of the rapidly changing tech environment. Web: www.saffire.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamSaffire

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Shari Black, the CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair. Join us as we delve into Shari's extensive background in the industry and gain insight into her journey to becoming CEO of one of the most renowned fairs in the country. Plus! Discover what guests can expect from the highly anticipated 2024 Wisconsin State Fair as Shari gives us a sneak peek into the...

On this episode we are joined by Jerry Ross, CEO of Harmony Artists, an esteemed entertainment agency that has been instrumental in providing exceptional shows for fairs, festivals, corporate partners, and performing arts events for nearly 50 years. Jerry Ross takes us through the exciting history of Harmony Artists and shares some of the most quirky and delightful stories encountered along the ag...

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laura Jaye, the star of the one-woman Strong & Amazing Show. With incredible demonstrations of strength and power, Laura Jaye has captivated audiences and carved out a unique niche in the fair industry. We delve into Laura's foray into the fair industry, exploring her early experiences and the challenges she faced. From her first convention to gaining t...

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laura Jaye, the star of the one-woman Strong & Amazing Show. With incredible demonstrations of strength and power, Laura Jaye has captivated audiences and carved out a unique niche in the fair industry. We delve into Laura's foray into the fair industry, exploring her early experiences and the challenges she faced. From her first convention to gaining t...

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laura Jaye, the star of the one-woman Strong & Amazing Show. With incredible demonstrations of strength and power, Laura Jaye has captivated audiences and carved out a unique niche in the fair industry. We delve into Laura's foray into the fair industry, exploring her early experiences and the challenges she faced. From her first convention to gaining t...

In this episode of Fair Game, Robert sits down with Bill Olson, CEO of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair. We discuss his approach to leadership and his vision for the 2024 fair. As the head of one of the Jacksonville’s largest events, Bill shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of organizing the fair in downtown Jacksonville, FL. During the conversation Bill discusses the fai...

Serenade Spectacle - A Conversation with Marc Dobson Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with an incredibly talented performer, Marc Dobson, known as the One Man Band. This remarkable entertainer captivates audiences by simultaneously playing a staggering 9.5 instruments, creating a true spectacle. Marc shares insights into the inspiration and creativity that drive his captivating show. Addi...

Celebrating the Nebraska State Fair with Karli Schulz Join us as Karli Schulz, the entertainment and events director of the Nebraska State Fair, shares her journey in the fair industry, from pivotal moments to creating memorable experiences. Get an insider's look at how she curates entertainment for the annual fair, delivering a world-class event for all ages. This is a can’t miss episode.

Competitive Advantage: How FFA is Building America’s Future Leaders. In this episode of the Fair Game Podcast, we have the pleasure of welcoming a very special guest, Ella Underberg, who serves as the State President of the New York FFA. In this thought-provoking interview, Ella generously shares her valuable insights on a wide range of topics including FFA, leadership, and the numerous competitiv...

On today's episode of Robert Smith Presents, we are excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Robert Holmes, the esteemed owner of Spectrum Weather Insurance. In this captivating discussion, Robert will delve into the crucial role his company plays in safeguarding events throughout the nation from unforeseen weather-related setbacks.

On this episode, we sit down with Michael Tipton, the CEO of Central Florida Fair in Orlando, Florida. Michael shares insights from his first year at the Central Florida Fair, highlights from the Florida Federation of Fairs convention, and offers a preview of what guests can expect from the 2024 Central Florida Fair. Join us as we delve into the world of fairs, entertainment, and community experie...

Delighting Audiences: A Conversation with Magician Henry Rivera Join us for an episode with Florida-based magician, Henry Rivera. Discover his journey through magic, from early fascination to career-defining moments. Hear about his approach to captivating audiences and the psychology of magic. Uncover the the sheer artistry and charisma of this renowned magician.

The High-Flying Life of Shane Hansen In this gripping episode, we dive into the exhilarating world of Shane Hansen, the charismatic star of the renowned Rock-N-Circu show that has been captivating audiences all over America. Shane takes us behind the scenes of his adrenaline-pumping stunt show, offering an exclusive peek into the heart-stopping details and intricate preparation that goes into each...

Cheryl Flood knows she’s one of the lucky ones. As executive director of the Florida State Fair, she is one of the few fair managers who actually had a fair back in 2020 just prior to the Covid pandemic being declared. While her 2020 fair was a success, she did not escape the pandemic unscathed. As the vaccine began to be distributed the decision had to be made to delay the 2021 Florida State Fair...

Gene Cassidy is the President of the Eastern States Exposition, affectionately known as The Big E! He’s also the current chair of the IAFE Executive Committee. He joins us today from The Big E! to talk about how they’ve navigated the Covid pandemic and what he’s most looking forward to when the fair opens its gates this fall.

Samantha Fairlie is the owner at, “The Pretzel Lady,” a hand-rolled pretzel business based out of St. Augustine, Florida. Not only are her pretzels delicious, she’s the proud owner of one of the most amazing food trailers in the entire industry. When I first saw it my first thought was, “this is the kind of set up you’d see at EPCOT in Disney World during Food & Wine Fest.” We talk about that...

Carey Harveycutter faced the challenges of 2020 with patience, making decisions focused on the health of his staff and community. It’s 2021 now and the folks at the Salem Fair are ready to open. With their dates fast approaching the pandemic is waning just in time for the 2021 Salem Fair. Producer’s Note: This episode was pre-recorded on Wednesday, June 9th, 3 weeks prior to the fair’s opening nig...

If you’ve ever met Cale Moon you know he’s not only an incredibly talented country artist but also one of the kindest men you’d ever meet. We sit down to talk about how he handled pandemic life and the joy of knowing our industry is coming back.

When Adam the Great is performing his magic will amaze, amuse, daze & confuse. It’s a family friendly show that delights all ages at fairs across the country - except for in 2020. On today’s show Adam and I talk about his approach to performing as well as his 2020 story.