Every July, thousands of fairgoers flock to the small town of Monticello, Iowa for an experience that has become a rite of summer: the Great Jones County Fair. This iconic event has been going strong for 173 years, and it continues to grow in popularity, drawing top-tier entertainment and building community through generations of shared memories.

But behind the scenes of the “Five Best Days of Summer” is an entire year of preparation, and at the heart of it is Abby Jaeger, Office Manager for the Great Jones County Fair. In Episode 210 of The Found Podcast, Abby joins me on The Found Podcast to talk about the passion, planning, and personal lessons that come with coordinating one of Iowa’s most beloved summer traditions.

Why We Need Fun As Ambitious Women

The theme for this month on The Found Podcast is simple: Just have fun. For many women who lead in business, family, and community, the idea of fun can feel foreign, even irresponsible. But joy isn’t a distraction from the work; it’s fuel for the work. When we prioritize joy, we renew our energy and reconnect with our purpose.

The Fair reminds us that joy matters. Whether it’s a midway ride, a deep-fried treat, or dancing under the stars at a Lainey Wilson concert, these moments of delight are what make the hustle worth it.

The Work Behind the Wonder

Abby shares what it really takes to bring a fair of this size to life: year-round planning, a rock-solid team, and an incredible amount of grit. In one example she shares in the episode, a nationally known country band canceled their appearance just days before they were to take the stage (seriously…like three days before the show). Abby took a beat, and then she got to work making it an opportunity to surprise and delight fairgoers anyway. As she puts it, she told herself: “I’m gonna take five. I’m gonna take five minutes and I’m gonna cry, and then I’ll get to work.” That blend of vulnerability and determination is what makes her a powerful example of leadership in action.

From 4-H competitions to grandstand concerts, from food vendors to volunteer coordination, the moving parts of the Fair are endless. And yet, it comes together with purpose and pride every single summer.

Leading With Love, Even When It’s Hard

Abby doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges. Managing a large-scale event, raising three young kids (including a set of twins), and navigating a high-pressure role means she’s learned to lead through both resilience and grace. Her leadership style is rooted in love—for her community, for her team, and for the legacy of the Fair itself.

“I love to work hard and I love to work hard for things that I love,” she says. And in those long days and late nights, it’s that love that keeps her going.

Community as the Common Thread

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is how deeply rooted the Fair is in community. The event is powered by volunteers who rise before the livestock and stay up long after the concerts end. It’s a space where teens show animals they’ve raised, families share funnel cakes, and neighbors reconnect year after year.

This type of community involvement doesn’t just happen. It’s built through trust, consistency, and a shared sense of purpose. Abby’s work reminds us that when we invest in our people, they turn around and invest right back.

Lessons for Founders and Leaders

Whether you’re running a small-town fair or a small business, the lessons from the Great Jones County Fair apply:

• Hard work is meaningful when it’s rooted in purpose.
• Joy and fun are essential to sustainability.
• Leadership requires both grit and grace.
• Community makes everything better.

Final Thoughts

The Great Jones County Fair is more than a summer tradition—it’s a masterclass in joyful leadership. Tune in to Episode 210 of The Found Podcast to hear more from Abby Jaeger about what it takes to bring this magic to life every year. Want to see the lineup for the 2025 fair? Visit https://greatjonescountyfair.com/ for the daily schedule and ticketing info!

Then, ask yourself: Where in your life or business can you bring in more fun? What would happen if you prioritized joy, even just for five days?