Iowa State Fair Podcast Special: Brisket Bribery & A Hidden Beer Tent

In this special Iowa State Fair Podcast two part special, Gwen Page, owner of Watcha Smokin’ BBQ and Scott Carlson of The Iowa Craft Beer Tent tell you their fair secrets and give you an inside look at how they went from fair rookies to fair icons.

You’ll learn why one location on the fairgrounds with LOTS of alcohol went completely unnoticed by The Iowa State Patrol AND how food bribery might be the key to getting accepted to the Iowa State Fair as a vendor.

Part 1: Watcha Smokin’ Founder Admits To Brisket “Bribery” and Tells Fair Secrets!

After making the top 3 best Iowa State Fair foods last year, Gwen Page of Watcha Smokin’ BBQ is back in the top three with her Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll looking for a win out of 84 submissions.

For those that don’t know, it’s highly competitive getting accepted in the Iowa State Fair as a food vendor. We ask how she made it in, and she confessed to brisket bribery!

Because Page has been going to the fair since a child, and is now a vendor, she tells her best secrets on how to make the most of the Iowa State Fair, especially if you have little kids. Don’t miss Part 1 of this Special Iowa State Fair Podcast Episode!

Part 2: Craft Beer Tent Founder on Why The Cops Didn’t Notice His “Hidden” Location

Thirteen years ago The Iowa State Fair told Scott Carlson where he could put the brand new Iowa Craft Beer tent behind Diamond Jacks—a place no one would see. That didn’t stop him and Iowa brewers across the state from outgrowing it, causing a move into the new giant tent they have today. 

Carlson, the founder of Gilroy’s and Americana tells of why, despite pouring beers left and right, their entire operation went completely unnoticed by The Iowa State Patrol. He explains the significance of the sirens and bullhorn that go off occasionally, and why people get excited when they kick the keg and have to wait 5 min for their beer. 

Don’t miss Part 2 of this Special Iowa State Fair Podcast Episode!