This Is Iowa: Newton's prize pig Joy is the star of the show

"This Is Iowa" viewers first met Joy the minipig in 2018 when owners and workers renovating Newton's Capitol II Theatre anxiously awaited her approval. After months away from the century-old theater on the town square's east side while renovations were being done, Joy — "very much a diva," owner Dawn Bleeker said — returned to check out her new home away from home. Yes, the new digs, complete with a purple daybed just her size, passed the tutu-wearing pig princess' smell test.Now 11 years old, Joy — "still a diva," Bleeker said — is enjoying a second renovation to the theatre, where some consider her a bigger attraction than whatever movie is on the big screen. "I'll catch myself smiling behind the concession stand because it does warm my heart — seeing how much she touched people's lives," said Bleeker, who owns the theatre. With age has come accomplishment for Joy, who owns the Guinness World Record for most tricks in one minute by a pig. With help from Bleeker, Joy performed 13 tricks in one minute, including honking a horn, toppling a bowling pin and shaking hands. More from the June 2023 Ths Is Iowa episode:This Is Iowa: The Big Game in Newton gives everyone a chance to shineThis Is Iowa: Family's historic trek spurs wagon ride across IowaThis Is Iowa: The Jesse J Sanctuary is a place of peace for those dealing with cancer More Joy ... the pigIowa theater's four-legged resident makes moviegoers smileIowa pig sets Guinness World Record