Recently, Iowa State Fair CEO Gary Slater announced that he is retiring after 21 years with the country?s greatest state fair. With the consistent success the fair sees every year, he felt that now was a good time to finally pass the torch and enjoy his summers with his family as another fairgoer. Slater?s tenure will be remembered for the steady growth year-to-year, especially in attendance, and for staying strong through the challenges that were presented by the cancellation of the 2020 Iowa State Fair due to the pandemic.
Iowa State Fair CEO is not the only title Slater has held during his career, however. He made several stops throughout the Midwest on his way to finally taking the reigns for our state fair. Slater reflected on his career journey, all the way from graduating college to now.
The Iowa State Fair is often in the conversation for the country?s best state fair, with many arguing that it sets the standard for all other fairs to follow. Over the past two decades, the fair has seen many changes to both its agricultural and entertainment aspects. Slater talked about some of the changes that lead to the fair becoming what it is today.
While we have seen many modernizations and changes to the state fair, agriculture has stayed at its heart. The 4-H, FFA, and open class shows remain as core experiences for each and every fairgoer. Slater said the Iowa State Fair was built on agriculture, and their mission has been and will continue to be to provide a thorough education of Iowa?s ag industry.
With his two decades of experience, Slater has just about seen it all. There were plenty of challenges, but there were far more positive memories that were made. Towards the top of his list was when President Obama visited the fair and realized he had no money in his wallet, only for Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to offer to pay for him instead.
Slater?s decision to retire didn?t come easily, but with the current condition of the state fair, he felt it was an appropriate time to step away. Slater said he doesn?t think he could?ve left the fair in a better position, and he looks forward to seeing how it will continue to evolve into the future.
All in all, the success of the fair can?t be seen just in writing- it?s seen prominently through the footsteps of the one million attendees who come to the fair every year now. Slater said he?s thankful for the continued support that the public of Iowa continue to show the Iowa State Fair.
The theme for the 2023 Iowa State Fair, which was recently announced, is ?Best Days Ever.? For more information, visit iowastatefair.org.
