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.