Latest news with #JeremyParsons
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The countdown is on: 100 days until the 2025 Iowa State Fair; see what's new
DES MOINES, Iowa — The final countdown is on as the Iowa State fair is officially 100 days away. While the fair won't start for a few months, work is already underway to prep the fairgrounds. 'Whether it's our interns ordering all of the ribbons people use at the fair, or the thousands of flowers getting planted, lots of little details,' said Jeremy Parsons, CEO of the Iowa State Fair. Iowans share stories to help others on National Fentanyl Awareness Day While the Fair holds years of tradition for Iowa, there will also be some new additions for fairgoers to enjoy. The former Steer 'N' Stein is currently being transformed into the Blue Ribbon Bar and Eatery after the Iowa State Fair Board didn't extend a contract with the previous owner. Additionally, Iowans will be able to enjoy the new Variety Star Playground, which will replace the Fun Forest. The playground will be accessible for all children to use year-round. Fair-goers will also notice construction being done at the Horse Barn, as the first leg of a $13 million dollar renovation for the barn is underway. On Tuesday, the Fair announced its free entertainment lineup for this year's fair, including the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. Iowans will get to enjoy a range of rock and country stars, tribute acts, family fun, and some favorites who are returning to the fair. Over $500,000 worth of entertainment all free with admission. 'Eleven great nights of country music. These artists, someday you might see on the Grandstand. There's a whole list of artists who have made that change so it's a chance to see some people up-and-coming, whether it's country on that stage or any of our other free stages,' said Parsons. Iowa News: Iowa lawmakers change 'bullying' definition for schools Iowa bill requiring districts share immunization exemption information with families sent to governor Forecast: Rain chances round out the week; beautiful weekend The countdown is on: 100 days until the 2025 Iowa State Fair; see what's new Iowans share stories to help others on National Fentanyl Awareness Day Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How the Iowa State Fair books its grandstand acts
DES MOINES, Iowa — A new podcast from the Iowa State Fair is giving fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the fair's biggest attractions: the Grandstand concerts. In a conversation with hosts Maxwell and Amy, Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons explained how acts are booked, what factors go into setting ticket prices, and why affordability remains a top priority. One of the biggest takeaways? Booking a Grandstand act is far more complex than simply choosing popular artists. Parsons detailed how routing, radius clauses, ticket affordability, and even the size of the venue all impact who can realistically perform at the fair. At its core, the fair aims to keep Grandstand tickets affordable — something Parsons stressed multiple times. While it's common to see $300 concert tickets at arenas in nearby cities like Omaha, Kansas City, or Minneapolis, the fair tries to cap its top ticket price at around $125. Even then, that $125 level usually covers standing-room spots at the front of the stage, not reserved seats. Iowa State Fair reveals free entertainment lineup 'We want people to afford the experience,' Parsons said. He emphasized that fairgoers not only buy Grandstand tickets but also pay admission to the Fairgrounds and parking. Balancing a memorable concert experience while keeping prices reasonable is part of the fair's longstanding philosophy. One surprising fact Parsons revealed is that the Iowa State Fair generally hopes to break even on Grandstand shows. That's right — the money made from ticket sales usually goes right back into paying for the artists and expenses like sound systems, lights, security, and staffing. Any profit comes primarily from concessions, where plenty of fairgoers quench their thirst and grab a snack during concerts. Another critical factor? Scale. With the Grandstand holding about 17,000 people (including standing-room areas), the fair simply cannot compete financially with 80,000-seat stadiums. Acts commanding more than $1 million per performance are often out of reach. As Parsons explained, 'There are some great acts out there that will never perform at the Iowa State Fair because they're above that million-dollar threshold.' In choosing artists, the fair also looks to offer variety, balancing genres from contemporary Christian music to country, pop, and classic rock. Parsons cited this year's lineup, featuring Forrest Frank, Parker McCollum, Pitbull, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, as an example of appealing to different audiences. The fair's team, including entertainment director Tonya Cook and partner agency Triangle Talent, carefully crafts the lineup each year with the goal of creating memorable experiences — and sometimes, introducing audiences to tomorrow's stars. Parsons pointed to big names like the Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks) and Luke Bryan, who once performed on the Fair's free stages before becoming household names. Listen to Behind the Booking: Grandstand 'Secrets' with CEO Jeremy Parsons Ultimately, the top takeaway from Jeremy Parsons is this: At the Iowa State Fair, Grandstand concerts are about more than making money — they're about creating lasting memories. The podcast, now available for streaming, offers even more insight into the tough but heartfelt process of bringing top acts to the fair every year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa State Fair Board to pick new operator for old Steer ‘N' Stein location
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair Board listened to seven presentations on Tuesday afternoon. The food and beverage operators came in armed with ideas, enthusiasm, and delicious food samples for board members to consider. The spot had been under the name of Steer 'N' Stein, but some employees' wages were delayed last year. After pondering the situation, the Fair Board elected to find a new operator for the property. 'When you look at that Steer 'N' Stein location, kind of a prime real estate on the fairgrounds and obviously Iowans are creative people,' said Jeremy Parsons, State Fair CEO. 'Iowans love their food and beverage and so kind of all those things combining as we kind of, as we listen to these presentations today.' Here are the proposals the Board heard Tuesday: Lucky's on Grand Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery Lucky's Hideout Kenny's Place Lucky Leprechaun D Gee's Sham Rocks Perry internet provider repaying firefighters who battled headquarters fire Scott Carlson has run the State Fair Craft Beer operation for a few years. He proposed opening the property as Lucky's on Grand. It includes an extensive remodel. Carlson also focused on his work serving on RAGBRAI. 'We are the number one stop on RAGBRAI. We do two stops a day. We host about 20,000 riders throughout the state of Iowa,' said Carlson. Kylee Hulet, of CMBA Architects, gave a presentation on a redesign of the space for the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery. 'So, we want to make all four corners of this building approachable and accessible as you're traversing around the building, that you just are drawn in from every side of it,' said Hulet. Joni Bell is leading the proposal for the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery. She also has run the Rib Shack at the State Fair. The Board will vote on which proposal will be offered the chance to run a business on the prime spot of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Iowa News: Iowa State Fair Board to pick new operator for old Steer 'N' Stein location Gov. Reynolds, Auditor Sand trade blows about ESA account financial details Drag shows and minors, Iowa House Republicans advance policy that charges parents with a felony Perry internet provider repaying firefighters who battled headquarters fire Near record-breaking cold hits Iowa Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
