Live from the Fair: Part 1

The Iowa State Fair Podcast is LIVE from the Fair! Max and Amy take the microphones to the Animal Learning Center for a special episode celebrating the people, food and unmistakable spirit that make the Iowa State Fair one of a kind.

First, meet Mary Smith, a remarkable 100-year-old Iowa State Master Gardener, longtime Discovery Garden volunteer and blue-ribbon-winning fruit grower. Mary shares memories of her first Fair, her years as an elementary school teacher, tending her orchard and the gardening philosophy that keeps her going strong.

Then, television personality, author and Food Network favorite Sandra Lee joins Max and Amy during her visit to the Fair. The star of Netflix’s Blue Ribbon Baking Championship talks about her television career, her love of state fairs, judging the Ugliest Cake competition, Iowa food traditions—and her mission to find a fried taco and experience a Scotcheroo!

Finally, Gwen Page, owner of Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew in Luther, takes us behind the scenes of creating Star Spangled Swine, one of this year’s standout new Fair foods, and shares how her team serves up serious barbecue to thousands of hungry fairgoers.

It’s great stories, plenty of laughs and a true taste of the Fair—recorded live from the Animal Learning Center!