DES MOINES, Iowa —

Jeremy Parsons, the current CEO of the Iowa State Fair, is living his lifelong dream — a dream that began with a letter he wrote as a child to then-CEO Marion Lucas. That letter sparked a mentorship that would shape Parsons' career and ultimately lead him to the helm of one of the nation's most iconic state fairs.

In elementary school, Parsons reached out to Lucas, asking how he could one day take on his role. Lucas responded by inviting Parsons to Des Moines, where the two formed a lasting connection.

"That letter really led to coming up here to Des Moines and meeting him, and he just kept the door open," Parsons said.

Their relationship continued through the years, with Parsons eventually working under Lucas during high school and college.

"Fast forward from eleme

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