Aug. 19, 2026
S1E27 | From Fair Singer to Fair Legend
Before there was “securing the perimeter,” there was the Iowa State Fair Singers. 😂🎡
Lisa and Fred sit down with Matt Schutt , a familiar face from the Jewell community, Lisa’s former classmate, and even her son’s former music teacher. But when it comes to the Iowa State Fair , Matt has a history that goes all the way back to 1988.
He got his start with the now-retired Iowa State Fair Singers, has won several food contests, worked in multiple buildings across the Fairgrounds, and now helps run and set up the Varied Industries Building.
We talk about the long 9-to-9 days, his very important daily “break” of securing the perimeter by walking around the building 😂, and the incredible vendors and people he gets to work with along the way.
And of course... there are the cookie connections. 🍪👀
Come hang with us for another behind-the-scenes look at the people who help make the Iowa State Fair what it is — one perimeter check, vendor conversation, and cookie connection at a time. 🎡🍶