Community Matters: Lessons from the Iowa State Fair

On Wednesday, I spent the day at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, and let me tell you — it did not disappoint. The weather was perfect, the crowds were lively but relaxed, and everywhere I looked people were enjoying themselves. It reminded me why the Fair is more than just rides, livestock, and fried food on a stick. It’s a community — one that, oddly enough, has a lot in common with real estate.

Before I even got to the Fair, there was an unplanned comedy moment at my house. My wife, Kristy, is there all day for the entire 11 days with a group of artists. I didn’t see her leave that morning, but when I pulled on my Costco shirt, it turned out to be the exact same color as hers. So when I arrived at her booth in the court yard of the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center, we looked like one of those couples who intentionally match outfits. Pure coincidence, but we got a good laugh out of it.

That shirt also led to another funny moment — a complete stranger walked up, pointed at my shirt, and confidently identified me as a Costco shopper. Apparently, I was wearing my wholesale loyalty on my sleeve. We chatted for a bit, and it reminded me how easy it is to connect with people over a simple common thread… or in this case, common threads.

I started my Fair day wandering through the 4-H exhibits. Every year I’m amazed at the hard work and creativity these kids put into their projects. Whether it’s woodworking, photography, or prize-winning livestock, you can tell each entry is the result of dedication, care, and pride. It struck me how similar this is to preparing a home for sale. The best results come when people put in the effort, sweat the details, and present something they can be proud of.

Of course, the Fair wouldn’t be the Fair without a little horsepower. The truck and tractor pulls are a yearly favorite of mine. There’s just something about raw power, competition, and a cheering crowd that gets you pumped. In real estate, that “pull” feels familiar — multiple buyers tugging on the same property, each hoping they have the horsepower to come out ahead. And just like at the pulls, sometimes the smallest detail is what gets you across the finish line first.

I also ventured into something new this year — stepping inside the Maytag Family Center kitchen for a seminar. The session, led by ISU Extension Meat Specialists, was all about the “Beef Break Down” — how to enjoy value cuts and save money without sacrificing flavor. It’s the same philosophy I use with buyers — you can get great value if you know where to look and have the right guidance. Not every great home is the “prime rib” of the market. Sometimes the “value cut” ends up being the most satisfying.

And yes, I sampled some Fair food. My repeat favorite was the Deep-Fried Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese sandwich (say that five times fast) from the What’s Your Cheez stand, washed down with a Scotcheroo Shake from the Over The Top stand. You could argue this has nothing to do with real estate… but here’s the thing: it’s about knowing what you like and making it yours. Just like a home, the right choice isn’t always the most traditional — it’s the one that fits your taste.

Along the way, I bumped into people I knew — clients, old friends, and even the parking crew, which happened to be made up of District leaders from the BSA Council I was once active in. That’s the Fair for you: a place where your worlds overlap, where community ties show up in unexpected ways.

In the end, the Fair is just like a great neighborhood. It’s not perfect, but it’s full of energy, variety, and people who are glad to be there. When you find that feeling in a home — comfort, connection, and a sense of community — you know you’ve found the right place.

So whether you’re enjoying a perfect August day at the Fair or searching for your next home in Central Iowa, remember: it’s not just about the “stuff” you see. It’s about the feeling you get when you know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

As a Broker Associate/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty and Associates, I specialize in buying and selling real estate throughout Central Iowa, including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill. I proudly serve Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison Counties.

💬 Get honest, straightforward real estate insight from someone who knows Central Iowa.
Call me, Jon Niemeyer, at 515-490-4675 — no pressure, just perspective.

*Header Image provided by the Iowa State Fair