Iowa State Fair Podcast

Want a free ticket to the Iowa State Fair, a parking pass, and a chance to be part of Iowa’s biggest annual celebration? This episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast reveals how you can get involved behind the scenes while earning money, supporting your favorite organization, or volunteering alongside family and friends. Maxwell and Amy sit down with Shelbie Hill, Iowa State Fair Ticketing Manager,...

The May 2026 episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast with hosts Max and Amy welcomes three remarkable women whose lives have been shaped by the Iowa State Fair Queen tradition: 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen Riah Schrage, former Queen and Dallas County Fair Queen coordinator Celeste Richardson, and 2018 Iowa State Fair Queen Hailey Van Maanen. Together, they share firsthand stories and share how the re...

In this April episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast, hosts Maxwell and Amy lean into one of the show’s greatest strengths: Iowa State Fair Memories. And this time, the stories come from three voices who have lived the fair from deeply personal and very different angles—Roger Miller, Jan Higgins, and John Sample. Roger Miller opens the episode with a remarkable perspective shaped by more than five...

Ever wonder, “How do you enter something in the Iowa State Fair”? In this March 2026 episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast, hosts Maxwell and Amy sit down with Competitive Events Director Jen Cannon and Entertainment Director Tonya Cook to talk about turning your talent into a blue ribbon. From pies to pigs, and everything in between, Jen breaks down how to enter Iowa State Fair competitions, inc...

In this episode, Podcast hosts Maxwell and Amy sit down with Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer and Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons to talk about upcoming America250 plans. Parsons shares plans for a once in a lifetime Fair, featuring nightly drone shows, a permanent art installation, a new veterans memorial walkway, and a special indoor historical exhibit exploring Iowa in 1776.  Lieuten...

The first episode of 2026 invites you behind the curtain with Maxwell and Amy to meet the people who make the Iowa State Fair feel like home. These are the craftsmen, caretakers, and coordinators whose work often goes unseen but touches every visitor. You’ll hear from Ben Robey, who restores historic buildings with handmade carpentry; Steve Milosevic, who keeps major venues running smoothly (even...

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...

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 Am...

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...

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 com...

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...

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 founda...

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 R...

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 Fa...

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 ca...

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.

Ever wondered how the Iowa State Fair books its Grandstand acts? Is there a secret list? Who decides on the lineup anyway? In this episode, Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons pulls back the curtain on the process. From timelines to talent fees, crowd size to artist requirements, he’s answering the questions about how those big Grandstand concert nights come together.

In this episode, we’re celebrating tradition and new beginnings at the Iowa State Fair! Join us as we sit down with Larry McConnell, who is marking his incredible 50th year as a vendor at the Fair, sharing stories from over the years and the changes he’s seen along the way. Then, we’ll chat with Joni Bell, Toby Kruse, and Dianna Marquardt about their exciting new venture—the Blue Ribbon Bar and Ea...

The Iowa State Fair podcast welcomes longtime radio personality Bob Quinn for a special episode filled with stories about his adventures as a kid and radio personality at the Fair. As a familiar voice to many, Bob has covered agriculture, the Fair, and rural life with passion and a little bit of humor. In this episode, he shares his favorite Fair memories, behind-the-scenes radio moments, and the...

A new year means new things at the Iowa State Fair! In this episode, we sit down with the Iowa State Fair CEO, Jeremy Parsons, to talk about what’s in store for the 2025 Fair. From new attractions and must-see entertainment to behind-the-scenes updates and fan favorites, we’ll give you a sneak peek at what’s coming August 7–17. Whether you’re a lifelong Fairgoer or planning your first visit, this...

This episode is a step back into the iconic Crystal Studios at the Iowa State Fair as former WHO radio personalities Van and Bonnie join Max and Amy, the dynamic duos touched so many lives through their time as WHO announcers. Together, they’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite Fair memories, and a glimpse into the magic of broadcasting from the Fairgrounds. This episode is full of laughte...

We have a ‘Thankful’ conversation with former KCCI anchor and long-time Fair fan Steve Karlin. Steve reflects on his decades-long career, his finest Fair moments and the people who have made an impact. The conversation is packed with gratitude for storytelling, the community, and the life lessons learned along the way. Don’t miss this inspiring episode as we give thanks and celebrate people that m...

This Halloween season, the Iowa State Fair podcast is getting spooky! We're talking to a special guest—historian and expert ghost hunter, Adrian Lee —who shares some eerie tales from around Iowa and reveals some haunted happenings you might not expect from the Fairgrounds. Plus, we'll give you a sneak peek at what's coming up on the Fairgrounds, from railroad open houses, to pancake breakfasts, to...

Join us for a special episode as we wrap up the 2024 Iowa State Fair with CEO Jeremy Parsons! Max and Amy reflect on the highlights, good weather, and record-breaking moments from this year's Fair, Jeremy also talks about the next steps and how the planning is going for the 2025 Fair- themed, Fair Sweet Fair. Plus, he shares that the podcast will be a monthly series launching on the last Friday of...

In this heartwarming episode, we check out some love stories that started and continue at the Iowa State Fair. From mutual love of the Fair to lifelong commitments sealed on the Fairgrounds, love is always in the air at the Fairgrounds. Join us as we talk to couples who found their happily ever after at the Fair and share why the magic continues for Iowa’s biggest event. Whether it's a first date...