210: The Five Best Days of Summer with Abby Jaeger of The Great Jones County Fair

This week's episode is pure summer joy—and a celebration of one of Iowa's most beloved traditions. In a world where ambitious women are often told to "do it all," we're flipping the script with July's podcast theme: just have fun. And who better to join us for that conversation than someone whose work quite literally brings fun to tens of thousands of people every single year?

Meet Abby Jaeger, office manager of the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello, Iowa, a role that puts her at the heart of one of the most iconic summer events in the state of Iowa.

For 173 years, this fair has been drawing farm families, concertgoers, foodies, and fun-seekers from across the state and behind it all is a team of dedicated folks like Abby who make the Five Best Days of Summer happen.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Abby balances high-stakes logistics with heartfelt connection
• Why the fair is more than concerts and corn dogs—it's community
• What it takes to run a massive annual event while raising a young family
• The importance of trusting yourself, evolving with the times, and leading with heart
• Why sometimes, you just need a five-minute cry under your desk before getting back to work (relatable!)

Favorite Quotes from Abby:

"I love to work hard, and I love to work hard for things that I love. And this is that—a thousand percent."

"I'm gonna take five. I'm gonna crawl under my desk, have a good fiver, and then get to work."

"They're up before the pigs and cows get here, and they're awake when the beer tent closes. There's no time off when you're on the fair board."

"Thinking back, I'm like, how in God's name did I do that? Plus I had two five-year-olds!"

Tune in to hear:

• Behind-the-scenes stories from one of Iowa's most iconic events

• The evolution of fair life over the decades

• What keeps Abby motivated to show up, year after year

• Why making space for fun matters in the middle of your full, ambitious life

• The fair lineup for 2025 - get more info at https://greatjonescountyfair.com/

🎟 Whether you're a fair regular or new to the experience, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for the people and passion that make big summer traditions possible.

Grab your lemonade, find a shady spot, and hit play 🎡

Listen now to Episode 210 on Apple Podcasts + Spotify