Iowa State Fair CEO Gary Slater looking forward to retirement

What's happening: We asked him for a few of his memories of the Iowa State Fair.

🙌 His retirement decision: As Slater reaches his 60s, he told Axios he wants to enjoy his time with his wife and family while both he — and the fair — are doing well.

😷 His biggest challenge: The pandemic. Financially, it forced Slater and the fair board to consider unprecedented questions, including whether they would lose more money canceling it or having no one show up.

💵 A funny memory: When Obama visited the fair along with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The former president opened his wallet to pay for his ticket and realized — he had no money, Slater told Axios.

• "That's okay, Mr. President, I'll buy," Vilsack said.

What's next: Don't expect to see him in an RV at the campgrounds — "I didn't marry a person that loves to camp," Slater said. He'll definitely be back at the fair, but this time, just to enjoy it.