Fair Game Podcast
A Podcast for the Fair Industry.
This week I’m joined by outgoing IAFE CEO, Marla Calico. After nearly 5 decades serving our fair industry in various capacities, Marla retires effective December 31, 2024.
We talk about the upcoming IAFE Convention in Phoenix, her thought process when deciding to retire, what she’s looking forward to in her retirement as well as the folks who mentored her along the way.
This week we check in with a young man who is making a name for himself in the fair industry. Cody Rosenbalm is the fair manager for the East Texas State Fair in Tyler, TX. We talk about the fairs move to their new grounds in Tyler, the impact of YP on our industry, plus Cody talks about some of his mentors in the industry.
This week I’m at the Hillsborough County Fair in Florida. I got to hang out with Danny & Lindsay Grant for a bit before the fair opened. The two entertainers bring the Cowboy Circus and Cowgirl Circus to fairs across the midwest and mid-Atlantic regions of America. The show creates incredible memories for the kids and has been dubbed, “The World’s Smallest Rodeo.” On the show we talked about Lindsay’s transition into the fair industry, how the two met and the influence of podcasts & social media in culture.
Frostify Designs
Rachel Lisk is the fair manager in the Lewis County Fair in Lowville, NY. She had quit the adventure this year at her fair and she shares it with us today. All that and more on Fair Game 347.
Today I’ve got one of my absolute favorite people on the show this week. Tasha Hyder is the manager of the Clay County Fair. No ma’am. Not that Clay County Fair. That one is in Spencer, Iowa. Tasha is at the Clay County Fair in Green Cove Springs, Florida.
Tasha is one of those young professionals who is an asset in every way to our industry. Spunky, quirky and never afraid to try a new idea out, Tasha’s absolutely fearless attitude has helped set numerous records at the Clay County Fair while taking home numerous awards for her efforts.
I hope today’s episode reflects on the friendship I’ve developed with someone I deeply respect and admire.
Madison Brooks is the Corporate Partnerships Manager for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. We talk about what it takes to maintain strong partnerships at one of the largest shows in the nation and how she came to land this role. Plus, if she had to relive one day over and over, which day would it be? Find out on today’s episode.
Bryan Schulz from the Kansas State Fair joins me to discuss the state of the fair industry, how he landed in New Mexico during the pandemic and what brought him to Kansas. Plus! We talk about how entertainers and fairs can strengthen their partnerships with each other. If you’re an entertainer you do not want to miss this episode.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Shari Black, the CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair. Join us as we delve into Shari's extensive background in the industry and gain insight into her journey to becoming CEO of one of the most renowned fairs in the country. Plus! Discover what guests can expect from the highly anticipated 2024 Wisconsin State Fair as Shari gives us a sneak peek into the exciting lineup of events, attractions, and experiences that will await visitors this year.
