Fairs & Expos -- July/Aug. 2019 by fairsandexpos

JULY-AUGUST 2019

ECFAIR.ORG

We want to know how your fair has been a ‘Champion of Change’ for you or your community.

FAIRS & EXPOS STAFF EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Rebekah Lee rebekahl@fairsandexpos.com

COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN AND PRODUCTION MANAGER Missy McCormack missym@fairsandexpos.com

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Brian Kist briank@fairsandexpos.com

ADVERTISING — DIRECTOR OF SALES Steve Siever steves@fairsandexpos.com

ELECTRONIC PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

Fairs & Expos will accept electronic photos in the following file formats: tiff, eps, and jpg. To ensure proper quality, please send photos with a minimum of 300 dpi. Note: Saving files in jpg format will reduce size of e-mail, which helps reduce your uploading and our downloading time. Any files over 1 MB need to be sent on disk.

DEADLINES FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS

All submissions, including advertising, editorial content, and photos, must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the issue.

Sponsored by OABA

TIM MCINTYRE

Tuesday General Session Keynoter

DAVE DAVLIN

Wednesday General Session Keynoter

Visit www.iafeconvention.com for more information — check back often for updates to the daily schedule! Champions of Change Run a Fair-A-Thon

Meet Us at Happy Hour

New to the Convention this year is the Fair-A-Thon. The Fair-A-Thon is a creative problem solving event where people come together to work toward solving challenges. The creative team is working on a challenge suggested by IAFE fair members. Planning for this educational session has already begun! On May 20, a survey was sent to IAFE fair members asking one main question: what is the biggest challenge at your fair that requires change? The program committee sifted though the responses to find the biggest challenge facing fairs. The challenge chosen this year is “Growing Pains/No Room To Grow.” The Change Agents will seek to determine how to better plan for the future, future-proof existing grounds, and find the best solution to incursion of space with no room to grow. Leading up to the Convention, Change Agents from a variety of fairs of different sizes and locations will research the topic and conduct pre-interviews with various fair members. On Sunday, the Change Agents will do live interviews and discussion with fair members seeking advice and experts in the field. The Change agents will continue to work on their findings, recommendations, and solutions through Wednesday. Their work station will be in a highly visible location in the Convention Center, so all attendees can witness the progress. Then, to kick-off the Awards Reception on Wednesday, the Change Agents will present their findings and solutions. This session may require some input from the IAFE membership in the coming months, so be on the lookout, because the Change Agents may be seeking your expertise!

The typical Convention schedule can be hectic for new and experienced attendees. Join other fair industry professionals in the Stars at Night Ballroom on Monday and Tuesday evenings for a special Happy Hour. The Monday Happy Hour is sponsored by Kaliff Insurance and the Tuesday Happy Hour is sponsored by NICA. Both Happy Hours will include drinks, snacks, and entertainment. This will be a prime opportunity to network with old and new friends and meet up before dinner after a long day of Convention sessions. See you there!

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

IAFE CONVENTION Be There for Blast Off The 2019 IAFE Convention will open with Blast Off on Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the Stars at Night Ballroom. Led by IAFE Chair Jessica Underberg of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., the Blast Off will kick off the festivities with a bang. Make sure your fair’s IAFE Zone is well represented at this session, which is sponsored by Strates Shows. More details will be revealed soon. Stay tuned!

Don’t Pay Full Price for the Convention If you are on the fence about attending the Convention, here’s a few offers that we hope help make the decision to attend easier. Every year, thousands of dollars are made available to IAFE members to offset the cost of attending the Convention. If you fall into any of these categories, please apply! Don’t leave money on the table!

Limited Edition Convention Belt Buckles Available for $129

WHO:

PACKAGE:

NUMBER OF PACKAGES:

Small Fair Members

Free attendee registration

Unlimited

New Fair Members

Free attendee registration

New fairs joining in 2019

Fair professionals under the age of 40

Varies by IAFE Zone

Institute of Fair Management — Rhonda Livingstone “Dream Big” Memorial Scholarship, Hazel M. Staley Scholarship

Varies (See www.iafefoundation. org/scholarships for moreinformation)

Do you fall in ANY of these categories? If so, apply by Aug. 31. Details on all these offers can be found on the IAFE Convention website at www.iafeconvention.com/attendeescholarships.

Save Some Money on Travel to San Antonio Order Yours TODAY!

With more than 40 direct flights, it is easy to make your travel to San Antonio quick and inexpensive. The IAFE has acquired discounts from major airline carriers for association members. All discounts can be found at www.iafeconvention.com/travel.

Champions of Change T-shirt To Benefit IAFE Education Foundation Be sure to get your limited edition 2019 IAFE Convention T-shirt celebrating Champions of Change. The shirt is constructed of a 50/50 ring spun combed cotton/poly blend. These high-quality soft shirts are $15 each with all proceeds going to the IAFE Education Foundation. Be sure to order your shirts with your early registration to ensure you get the t-shirt or at www.iafefoundation.org/shop. On site sales will be VERY limited, so don’t miss out!

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

• Delta/Delta Connections — Go to www.delta.com/meeting. Select “Book Your Flight,” then enter the meeting code NY2PF for a 2%-10% discount based on booking class. • United Airlines — Go to www.united. com/meetingtravel. Enter the meeting code ZGKC821067 in the Offer Code box. Flights will be discounted 2%-10% based on booking class. • Super Shuttle/ExecuCar — The IAFE has teamed with Super Shuttle to provide a 10% discount on shared-ride or ExecuCar airport transfers, booked online or via the SuperShuttle/ExecuCar app. Visit group.supershuttle.com/grouppage/iafe-ground-transportation/. When booking a ride from the airport, use the code 6C7VX.

IAFE CONVENTION Lunch Tickets Available ONLY Through Nov. 1

Networking Sessions on All Things Fair-Related

All attendees have the chance to enjoy a delicious lunch buffet for a great price. These lunches are a great opportunity to sit down for a bite and chat with other attendees. For only $55, three lunches on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be provided. The lunch ticket MUST be purchased before pre-registration closes. Lunch tickets WILL NOT be sold on-site. The lunch ticket is required to partake in the meal, but everyone is welcome to participate in the conversations. Sign up at www.iafeconvention.com/register before Nov. 1!

The IAFE Convention will feature networking sessions on a wide variety of topics and job descriptions. These sessions will be a chance to get to know the people with similar job duties, and an opportunity to talk about challenges and successes within those jobs. Networking sessions will include CEOs, Volunteer Fair Managers, Risk Management, Social Media, Foundations, and Ticketing.

Institute of Fair Management Courses Offered Jason Zayac (left) of the Vermilion Agricultural Society in Vermilion, Alberta, and Gary Price (right) of the Hickory American Legion Fair in Hickory, N.C., were two of the many people that participated in the Lunch and Learn sessions at the 2018 Convention.

Tours, Tours, Tours Two special behind-the-scenes tours of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. These tours will be broken up into two groups — Group 1 will tour Maintenance and HVAC of the facility. Group 2 will learn about Security and Staffing of the facility. Both are free of charge, but preregistration is required for these tours and each group is limited to 20 participants. First come, first served. In addition, a SeaWorld Education Session will feature an educational Guest Experience at SeaWorld San Antonio. Buses leave at 1:30 p.m. and will return at 4:30 p.m., on Wednesday. The session will include refreshments and an animal experience at the park. This is limited to the first 100 to register and the cost is $100 per participant. Because all three tours take place on Wednesday afternoon, it is not possible to participare in more than one. If any of the tours are full, put yourself on the waitlist. If there is enough interest, additional tours may be added. Must be full registered attendee. Go to www.iafeconvention.com/tours for more information.

The IAFE Institute of Fair Management will offer exclusive courses at the IAFE Convention. Most of these courses are open to all attendees and all attendees will earn credit for taking the course. The following Institute Courses will be held at the 2019 IAFE Convention: Sunday, December 1 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — Principles of Food and Beverage (IFM #142) 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Event Management — Introductory (IFM #300) 1:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. — Emergency Planning — Introductory (IFM #112) — Additional fee required 1:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m. — Contracts/Requests for Proposals/Request for Qualiﬁcations — Advanced (Graduate Course #306) — Open only to IFM enrolled graduates Monday, December 2 10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. — Insurance Basics — Introductory (IFM #113) Tuesday, December 3 10:30 a.m.-12:00 Noon — Sponsorship II — Introductory (IFM #221) Thursday, December 4 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. — Consumer Protection Program E.coli Workshop (IFM #111) — Additional fee required JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

IAFE CONVENTION What’s in the Ed Shed? Head to the Ed Shed to see entries in the IAFE Contests and the trophies for the winners, participate Champions Circle presentations, and listen to Power Talks in Power Talk Theater. The top entries in each category in the Agriculture, Competitive Exhibits, Sponsorship, and Communications Awards will be available for all attendees to study, copy, and use at their own events. Don’t forget to pick up your fair’s USB with all entries. The USB is sponsored by the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. Power Talks are 15-minute presentations that will offer a lot of information in a short amount of time in an entertaining way. If you’re on the go, these will be sessions that you can watch without a big time commitment.

Register early and SAVE $$ Raisin’ for a Reason Celebrates Wagons and Whiskey The IAFE Education Foundation will host the annual Raisin’ for a Reason fundraiser: Raisin’ For a Reason Wagons and Whiskey on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the LDR Room near the Grotto at the Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Enjoy your evening with fair folk! All monies raised at the Raisin’ for a Reason Wagons and Whiskey are used to support the Institute of Fair Management activities. New this year: VIP tables are available for purchase. For $1,500, you receive 10 admission tickets to the event, reserved table seating, and an array of special hor d’oeuvres. Advanced tickets are $100 per single admission. After Nov. 15, all individual tickets are $125 and can be purchased at the door. To make a donation and for additional event information, visit www.iafefoundation.org/events.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

New Room for Attendees New this year, Etix is sponsoring the Hub-Ticketing/Marketing & Sponsorship Room. Stay tuned for more information.

Registration and Room Reservations for IAFE Convention Now Open Registration for the IAFE Convention is now open. Register early for the best rate and for your best chance to win a Registration Reward of up to $500 in travel costs. The Early Bird registration rate is $409 for attendee registration and is available until Oct. 2. Starting on Oct. 3, the registration rate increases to $479. No online registration will be available Nov. 2-24 and the on-site registration rate for IAFE members is $529. The Registration Rewards, sponsored by Triton Barn Systems, are four prizes of up to $500 in airfare, with names drawn on June 17, July 15, Aug. 12, and Sept. 9. Everyone that is registered for the Convention is automatically entered, so the earlier you register, the more likely you will win a Registration Reward. The June 17 Registration Reward winner was Kenneth Ross of the Pitt County Agricultural Fair in Greenville, N.C. Join Kenneth at the IAFE Convention! Special hotel room room blocks for the Convention are set up at the Marriott Rivercenter (Headquarters Hotel), Marriott Riverwalk (Headquarters Hotel), Courtyard San Antonio Riverwalk, Residence Inn Alamo Plaza, Hilton Palacio del Rio, Grand Hyatt, the Historic Menger Hotel, and the La Quinta Inn & Suites. Shuttles will be available at peak hours from the Courtyard, Residence Inn, Hilton, and Menger hotels. Details on the various amenities, prices, and locations of the hotels and how to book in the IAFE block can be found at www.iafeconvention.com/hotels.

REGISTRATION FORM IAFE Annual Convention & Trade Show

December 1-4, 2019 • Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center • San Antonio, Texas One form per attendee. ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED.

Title or Attendee: ______________________________________ Position: _____________________________________ Fair/Firm: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Fair/Firm City and State/Province: ____________________________________________ Country: ______________ Individual E-mail: _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ Cell Phone: ___________________________________ Emergency Emergency Contact: _______________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________

CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPTIONS/ADD-ONS Early Bird Price (Through Oct. 2)

Advanced Price (Oct. 3-Nov. 1)

$409

$479

$ ___________

Emergency Planning — IFM #112 (Sunday, Dec. 1)

$100

$ ___________

Raisin’ for a Reason Foundation Fundraiser (Sunday, Dec. 1)

$100

$ ___________

Lunch — 3 days (Monday, Dec. 2; Tuesday, Dec. 3; and Wednesday, Dec. 4)

$55

$ ___________

Behind the Scenes Tours — LIMITED SEATS (2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4) Convention Center Maintenance & HVAC Convention Center Security & Staffing SeaWorld Customer Experience

FREE FREE $100

$ ___________ $ ___________ $ ___________

Consumer Protection Program Workshop — IFM #111 (Thursday, Dec. 5) First Registrant Additional Registrant (Same Fair) WITH the notebook Additional Registrant (Same Fair) WITHOUT the notebook

$150 $135 $119

$ ___________ $ ___________ $ ___________

Commemorative Convention T-shirt T-shirt size: S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL

$15

$ ___________

Limited Edition Convention Belt Buckle

$129

$ ___________

Attendee Registration (____________________ IAFE Office Use Only) MUST REGISTER AS ATTENDEE TO CHOOSE ANY ADD-ONS BELOW.

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ ___________ I would like to be assigned a mentor. (First Time Attendees Only) I will be 40 or younger on Dec. 1, 2019.

GO TO WWW.IAFECONVENTION.COM

for hotel reservation information, complete registration policies, or to register online

MAIL TO

IAFE 3043 E Cairo Springfield, MO 65802 To qualify for discount prices, registration form and payment MUST BE POSTMARKED by the deadline. Your registration form CANNOT be processed until payment is received. After Nov. 1, you MUST wait and register on site. On site Attendee price is $529. Non-Member Attendee price is $629. Add $25 for Emergency Planning, Raisin’ for a Reason Foundation Fundraiser, and Consumer Protection Program Workshop.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Written cancellation must be received by the IAFE by Nov. 1, 2019, for a full refund. After Nov. 1, a 75% refund will be given. Optional functions (meals and special events) will not be refunded after Nov. 1. NO REFUNDS will be given after Dec. 6.

QUESTIONS

800-516-0313 or 417-862-5771

PAYMENT INFORMATION All fees are payable in U.S. funds. Make check or money order payable to IAFE CONVENTION. PAYMENT METHOD: Check

Money Order

Visa

MasterCard

Discover

American Express

Name on Card:____________________________________ Signature: ____________________________________ Billing Zip Code: ______________ Credit Card Number: _________________________________________________ Expiration Date:______________________ CVV2/CVC Code: ________ It is our policy not to retain credit card information; therefore, once payment has been processed, this information will be destroyed.

IAFE CONVENTION 2019 Trade Show Exhibitors The ATV Big Air Tour ABE Agency Absolute Marketing Admit One Products Agri-cadabra All Star Monster Truck Tour Allied Specialty Insurance Inc. Amanda S Productions The Amazing Dane Mentalist & Comedy Hypnotist Amusement Today Anastasini Entertainment Animal Cracker Conspiracy Apache Trolleys ARCY Live! Artists & Attractions AT&T Bandaloni, One Man Band Bear Hollow Wood Carvers G.L. Berg Entertainment The Big Bounce America

(as of June 26) BIGFOOT 4X4, Inc. Birds N Beasts Inc. Bissell Commercial Bright White Paper Co. The Johnnie Bubar Show Bula Booking Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show Capitol International Productions Robert Castillo’s BMX Freestyle Team, LLC CEW Enterprises/Sport Fence International Chef Landry Chicago Honey Bear Dancers Dance Spectacular Class Act Performing Artists & Speakers, Inc. The Coca-Cola Company Communications Direct Connecting Dots

Beyond the Booth in the Trade Show The IAFE Trade Show at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will feature exhibitors going Beyond the Booth to showcase their products, service, or acts. More than 20 performances will be featured during the three-day Trade Show — giving you the opportunity to see and find top-notch entertainment for your fair! Two entertainment/stage areas are scheduled to show the latest and greatest in live acts and demonstrations of services that benefit fairs in 15-minute and 30-minute time slots. Onsite signage will display the daily schedule for each stage area.

Stop by the IAFE Foundation Lounge

How Are You a Champion of Change?

Located in the center of the IAFE Trade Show, the IAFE Education Foundation Lounge will provide a great place for attendees to network while in the Trade Show. Stop by, learn about the important work and mission of the IAFE Education Foundation, and enjoy a free beer compliments of Etix!

The theme to the 2019 IAFE Convention is “Champions of Change,” highlighting how fairs influence their communities. And just like their communities, each fair has a unique story. How does your fair work as a Champion of Change? Tell your story at www.iafeconvention.com/ championsofchange. Select stories will be featured during the Convention and are on the website now.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Conventions, Sports & Leisure International Coronas of Hollywood Fair Entertainment The Cowboy Circus Creative Community Promotions LLC Deggeller Attractions Deltronic Labs, Inc. dfest® Disc-Connected K9s DLW Timberworks Lumberjack Show The One Man Band, Marc Dobson DockDogs Inc. Dominguez Entertainment Majestik Spectacular Dr. Magical Balloons Duck Enterprises D’Vaude Entertainment The Dweebs EG Staats & Co., Inc. Elevated Ventures EMC Tickets Etix EuroShine USA Inc. Event Hub EventPro Software Evergreen Music Network Inc. Fair Payment Processing by UMS Banking Fair Publishing House FairEntry Fast Action Motorsports Entertainment Fearless Flores Thrill Show Feil Management Solutions (FMS) Feld Entertainment Inc. Fireﬁghter Show First Data and Clover POS Forza Entertainment Freestyle Productions Inc. Funny Magic for Kids FUSION Talent Group Gist Silversmiths Inc. Glownet Ltd gocashless corp GoGo RV Grand Illusions by the Blooms/ DinosaurXperience Great American Entertainment Company LLC The Great Benjamin Circus

IAFE CONVENTION

Liz Gregory Talent Agency and Gregory Productions GT Grandstands, a Playcore Company Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Ham Bone Express 3 Hanneford Circus Inc. Harmony Artists Inc. Heath Tarlin Entertainment High Flying Pages HomeTown Mobility Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” I Believe in Fairies Productions IG Presents (formerly Imagination Gallery) Imagine Exhibitions Indiana Ticket Co. Innovation Station Jayson Promotions Inc. C. H. Johnson Consulting Dale Jones Entertainment K & K Insurance Group Inc. K/O Fairground Planners Kardenni Entertainment Kellie Karl Hypnotist Kay Park Recreation Kern Studios Kids Celebration Family Game Show The Kinkead Entertainment Agency Kissel Entertainment LLC Kitchen Craft Klein’s Entertainment LLC Krendl Magic Lady Houdini Escape Show Laser Encore Laser Spectacles, Inc. Leapfrog Entertainment The Dennis Lee Show Los Moralitos Circus Magic Money LLC Major League Circus Show/ The Hockey Circus Show (Equilibrium Circus) Marvel Characters Appearance Program Company The Marvelous Mutts Mattress Firm Mazel Marketing The Mighty Mike Show Milord Entertainment

Mobile Glass Studios MOBILEMONEY The Monster Mural Monster X Tour Moo U Guided Livestock Tours, LLC The Moogician Cale Moon Music City Show National Event Services National Recreation Systems, a Playcore Company National Tractor Pullers Association Neste Live! Next to Real & Associates North Pole Productions Oscar the Robot by Pro-Bots Outdoor Aluminum Inc. Paciﬁc Animal Productions Paradise Artists ParkMobile The Party Company LLC Robbie Pfunder’s Bicycle Action Show Play With Gravity Pompeyo’s Dog Show Populous Powers Great American Midways Priefert Complex Designs Protect the Harvest Rattlesnake Dave’s West Texas Trained Rattlesnake Show Regalia Manufacturing Co. Reithoffer Shows, Inc. The Rhinestone Roper Show Rixstine Recognition RM Cleaning, LLC Jeff Roberts & Associates Robinson’s Racing and Paddling Porkers Robots and Cars Entertainment (ROBOCARS) Roger, The Giant Bowl Turner! Safﬁre Alan Sands Entertainment Sandscapes Scales, Tails, and Teeth Sensational Murcias Show-Me Safari Petting Zoo/Pony Rides/Pig Races ShoWorks Software (Gladstone Inc.)

Showtime Awards The Silver Starlets Aerial Show/ The Farmer’s Daughter Show (Equilibrium Circus) Conjurer by Robert Smith Presents, LLC Southern Bleacher Company Inc. Southwest Dairy Farmers SP Plus Corporation Spectrum Weather and Specialty Insurance, Inc. Star Attractions The Status Crowes Stilt Circus Strates Shows Inc. Street Drum Corps The Strong Man Stunt Dog Productions Sturdisteel Co. SuperDogs Swifty Swine Productions Talley Amusements, Inc. Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment The Texas Trick Riders That’s Entertainment International TicketSpice Touring Dragons Trams R Us Triangle Talent LLC Triton Barn Systems Inc. TSE Entertainment LLC Twisted Booking/ Chubby Checker Ultimate Air Dogs Uncommon USA Ungerboeck Unique Images LLC Universal Attractions Agency Leroy Van Dyke Enterprises LLC Variety Attractions Inc. Vortex Insurance Agency Watershow Productions Inc. Western Fairs Association Whirley-DrinkWorks! Wild Dinosaurs Entertainment Wolves of the World World of Wonders W-W Manufacturing Co. Inc. Zoppé an Italian Family Circus ZPass, LLC

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

‘Leading Change’ at the IAFE Management Conference The IAFE Management Conference was held May 3-5 at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif. A total of 125 individuals from 75 fairs attended this Conference, which had the theme of “Leading Change.” This Conference was designed to help attendees become better leaders for their respective fairs. The Conference kicked off with Wine, Money & Chocolate, a session that was a unique and highly interactive exercise where attendees could discover their money archetype. Participants also identified their strengths and challenges in their leadership style and learned empowering tips for greater organizational results, all the while enjoying delicious wine and chocolate. The session was facilitated by Lora Newman, founder/ CEO of Zero2Sixty Performance Coaching, LLC. Saturday began with breakfast and recognition of the individuals receiving Certified Fair Executive designations. Following breakfast, breakout sessions were held. “Leadership Transition — Planning for the Future,” was moderated by Kathy Kramer with panelists Renae Korslien, Kathleen O’Leary, and Greg Stewart providing their different viewpoints when leadership changes. In “Profit Centers — New Revenue Streams,” Gary Slater and Amanda Frignon presented innovative ideas and led discussions on revenue. “Labor Tomorrow” had interactive and insightful discussions on finding real solutions to labor shortages. Facilitators Lori Cox and Ray Allison plan to present follow-up information at the 2019 IAFE Convention. After the breakout sessions, attendees traveled to beautiful Newport Beach to hop aboard the “Legacy” for a light lunch and whale watching tour. After the boat tour, attendees went to OC Fairgrounds for a tour of Heroes Hall and the Centennial Farm, where they learned about the fully functioning education farm. The evening closed with a farm-to-table banquet prepared under the guidance of Nick Nicora of Spectra and award-winning wine from the Orange County Wine Society. Sunday began with breakfast and committee meetings. Following breakfast, Kathy Kramer of the OC Fair & Event Center presented “Organizational Succession Planning — Are You Ready for the Future?” Kramer covered how the OC Fair created

a “playbook” for organizational succession. Next, Denise Brousseau, CEO of Thought Leadership Lab, presented “Leading & Scaling Change.” The workshop covered what it takes to develop a vision, build and leverage a personal brand, connect with influential people, communicate effectively, and lead with purpose. During lunch, attendees could participate in interactive sessions on a variety of topics. Some of the topics included Communication Techniques, Empowering Your Team, Going Cashless, Non-Fair Opportunities for Your Grounds, Ticketing Systems vs. Physical Tickets, and more. Following lunch, Brousseau presented “Ready To Be a Thought Leader.” During this session, Brousseau helped attendees understand and identify their unique motivations for being a leader and what leaders need to know to embrace change.

IAFE President and CEO Marla Calico (second from left) presented a plaque of recognition to (from left) Ken Karns, Kathy Kramer, and Michele Richards of the OC Fair for hosting the 2019 IAFE Management Conference in Costa Mesa, Calif.

IAFE Certification Committee Chair Greg Lybeck (left) of the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima and IAFE Chair Jessica Underberg of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., congratulated the 2019 class of Certified Fair Executives (from left) Judy Carrico of the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif.; Kirby Dygert of the Erie County Fair; Laura Murek of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg, Md.; Jeff Shreaves of the Florida State Fair in Tampa; and Jessica Klump of the Florence County Fair in Florence, Wis., “on a stick” who couldn’t attend the meeting.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Management Conference Held in Costa Mesa

Bill Ogg (left) of the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days in Walla Walla, Wash.; and Bill Dutcher of MontanaFair in Billings presented IAFE Chair Jessica Underberg (second from left) of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., and IAFE Convention Committee Chair Jennifer Giesike of the Washington Town & Country Fair in Washington, Mo., with custom “Champions of Change” belt buckles.

Jeff Thayne of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition in San Antonio, Texas, and Brandi Herndon of the Tulsa State Fair in Tulsa, Okla., met up at the IAFE Management Conference.

The OC Fair’s Heroes Hall celebrates and recognizes members of the armed services. At this year’s Management Conference, IAFE veterans recognized included (from left) Chris Pickering of the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden; Christian Kowieski of the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis; Greg Stewart of the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima; Bryan Schulz of the Red River Valley Fair Association in West Fargo, N.D.; and Dennis Voeller of the Big Sky Country State Fair in Bozeman, Mont.

Brian Hudalla (left) of the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul met up with Andrew Vandepopulier of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance at the Conference.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

IAFE Zone 5 Director Jo Reynolds of the Warren County Agricultural Association in Indianola, Iowa; caught up with Cliff Barton of the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair in Baton Rouge, La., at the IAFE Management Conference.

The Plaza of Heroes Hall was a beautiful feature at the OC Fair.

MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Management Conference Wraps Up

IAFE President Emeritus and Legal Counsel Jim Tucker (left) congratulated Greg Stewart on this upcoming retirement from the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima.

The IAFE Board of Directors engaged in a sand castle building competition at the beach after a long day working on the IAFE strategic plan.

Paul Laughter (left) of Etix met with first time Management Conference attendee Tom Eshelman of the Shenandoah County Fair in Woodstock, Va.

IAFE First Vice Chair Nancy Smith (left) of the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, and IAFE Director at Large from Associate Members Dominic Vivona Jr., of Amusements of America were welcomed by Kathy Kramer of the OC Fair to the Millennium Barn in the Centennial Farm where a hosted dinner was held.

Educational sessions during the Management Conference involved group discussion.

IAFE Zone 7 Director Brianne Brower, Sublette County Fair, Big Piney, Wyo., is with Barney Cosner of the Fremont County Fair in Riverton, Wyo., during the IAFE Management Conference.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

SPECIALTY SEMINAR

Tools of the Trade Seminar Held in Indianapolis The Tools of the Trade Specialty Seminar, focusing on Agriculture, Facilities, and Physical Plant Operations, was held April 16-18 at the Westin Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Ind. The Seminar was attended by 66 individuals from 33 fairs and companies, according to IAFE President and CEO Marla Calico. The attendees had the option to arrive a day early to attend a tour of nearby Fair Oaks Farm, the number one agri-tourism destination in the Midwest. The Seminar began on Tuesday with a Chip Overton of K/O keynote address by Diane Sullivan, who Fairgrounds Planners preFrom left, Diane Sullivan’s keynote speech during the provided a unique perspective on animal sented “Peripheral DevelTools of the Trade seminar on animal rights extremrights extremists. Following the address, opment & Our Fairists was sponsored by Protect the Harvest, repreattendees went to workshops focusing on grounds” at the seminar. sented by Betty Doke. issues relating to agriculture, facilities, and physical plant operations. Topics included “Drug Testing: How To Effectively Establish Your Protocol,” “Peripheral Development & Our Fairgrounds,” “Legend-Led: Agri-Xperience” “How To Attract & Market to RV Rallies,” and “Six Steps to a Zero-Waste Event.” The evening closed with a reception. Breakfast on Wednesday included round table topic discussions. Topics included Cashless Payments to Exhibitors, Inexpensive Ways to Implement Ag Education, New and Unique Facility Rentals, Security for Non-Fair Events, Drones, and Storage of Fair-Owned Property. Attendees then visited Indiana Farmers Coliseum General Manager Bruce the Indiana State FairSigmon gave a tour of the facility on the Indiana State Fairgrounds. grounds for lunch and a tour of the facilities. Following the tour, the attendees broke into discussion groups to brainstorm how they would use what they learned at the fairgrounds at their own fairs. The evening closed with a reception. Thursday opened with breakfast and round table discussions. Topics included Recruiting & Retaining Junior Auction Buyers, Innovative Awards & Unique Premium Structures, Developing Campground Business, Non-Compete Clauses in Contracts, and Operations Decisions. The Seminar closed with a keynote address from Samuel Duchac of the Department of Homeland Security on “Soft Targets & Crowded Places.”

Gist Silversmiths

Visit www.fairsandexpos.com for current job openings in the fair industry. 24

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

SPECIALTY SEMINAR

Scenes from the Seminar

IAFE Chair Jessica Underberg (second from right) of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., thanked Indiana State Fair leaders (from left) Michelle Leavell, IAFE Hall of Famer Cindy Hoye, and Ray Allison for hosting the Tools of the Trade Seminar, April 16-18 in Indianapolis.

A school held an educational trip to the greenhouse on the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Attendees held intense discussions at the Tools of the Trade seminar.

Ray Allison (center) received a thank you basket from Agriculture Committee Vice Chair Elena Hovagimian of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., and Master Planning & Physical Plant Operations Chair Ken Karns of the OC Fair in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Sustainable Events Consultant Julia Spangler presented â&#x20AC;&#x153;Six Steps to a Zero Waste Eventâ&#x20AC;? at the Tools of the Trade seminar.

Attendees participated in various round table discussions during breakfast. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

Spend the Time, “C” the Difference By: Beth Pomije

pend a minute thinking about all of the things you currently have on your to-do list. What is next? What is most pressing? What are you excited about? What are you dreading? How are you keeping it all together? Take a deep breath. The goal of this exercise was not to stress you out, but to see yourself in the shoes of our vendors. While on an ever-

. . . how can ❝ we make our vendors’

lives just a little bit easier without putting an even bigger strain on our time and resources?

❞

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evolving event and fair circuit, they put on a juggling act of traveling, operations, paperwork, hiring, promotions and advertising, setups and teardowns, and packing and unpacking, all while trying to maintain personal lives. On the event side, we control the deadlines, the contracting, the programming, the collection of hundreds (sometimes thousands) of documents, the processing of payments, the constant reassessing of operations and infrastructure and layout, and answering the questions, concerns, and comments from the public and our vendors. While we do our best to keep it all together, how can we make our vendors’ lives just a little bit easier without putting an even bigger strain on our time and resources?

How can successful strategies work, not only for our vendors, but also across your internal fair departments and the industry as a whole? The Challenges (Or in Some Cases . . . Fears) Let me tell you a quick story about a 19-year-old me. I came in to the fair industry having only been an attendee. Amongst the challenge of learning a fair (which many of us know, you can only learn a fair by living it), I was asked to face three of my biggest fears head on, which all happened to start with C: Call, Collect, and Conflict. In my first year, I would often find myself with shaky fingers dialing the numbers of vendors who had yet to pay their space rental

While creation of these timelines and sendfees, sometimes months past the deadline, and ing of multiple mass e-mails may seem timecollecting what I could at the time. Someconsuming, remember that time spent times these calls were met with apologies being proactive is often equal or less to the and action. Other times there were voices . . . remember time being reactive. In our industry, reacon the other end filled with strain and tive efforts often come at our busiest pressure. that time spent times leading up to our event, and anyFast-forward 10 years. While there being proactive thing we can do to decrease our to-do were some improvements, many of the list when we are stretched thin is worth same struggles were still evident. It was is often equal or spending the time. no secret that we struggled every year less to the time with the timely return of vendor license Coordination & Collaboration agreements and their corresponding paybeing reactive. Whether your event is large or small, ments, as well as proof of general liability coordination and collaboration of departinsurance, workers compensation, and various ments within your own entity are essential. vendor promotion program forms. In 2014 Deadlines must align and be attainable for all and 2015, 29% of our vendors paid after their parties involved, including you, your vendors, and due date, causing myself and my coworkers to spend any outsourced agencies. Take, for example, a vendor promodays calling and e-mailing for statuses and payments. tion you have going on that involves your Marketing DepartIn addition to late payments and documents, we struggled ment. It is important that dates and deadlines are discussed with vendors who had vendor license agreement compliance prior to execution of any of the actions. Vendors should know issues, as well as those who had a hard time understanding what about the promotion before it is added to the event’s website. we were looking for aesthetically from their display setup. Deadlines for vendor offers or involvement in the program must also occur before any sort of media kit or information is posted. The Solutions (Or at Least a Start) Also, don’t forget to assess how any deadlines and programs may After some in-depth assessment, much brainstorming, disaffect other departments within your organization. It is often cussion, and many light-bulb idea moments, our Vendor Sermost helpful to back-plan from any final due dates or live vices Department staff decided to implement an improved comdates, and then communicate to vendors once the plan is set. munication plan to help our vendors stay up-to-date and on track. This plan can be summed with some easy “C” strategies: Communication (pre- and post-event) • Calendar This is a very broad topic, but let’s focus on some specific • Coordination & Collaboration strategies that can affect the success of vendors at your event • Communication (pre- and post-event) for both the current year and future years. • Conversation

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Calendar The use of calendars and timelines is probably the most effective and universal method we have seen to affect the timeliness and success of our vendors. In 2016, we created and sent out a timeline of notable dates that served as a handy onesheeter for vendor reference. Not only does this help our vendors to fill their calendars and check off items as they are completed, but it keeps our department accountable to our own deadlines and gives us milestones to put in our own calendars. Our work calendars are crucial to the next successful method we have instituted: two-week and two-day e-mail reminders. Before any big deadline (signed agreements, payments, insurance, etc.), our goal is to send out a mass e-mail to those vendors who have not yet turned in that required item both two weeks and two days prior to the due date. We also do our best to follow this rule when it comes to forms related to vendor promotions, ticket deadlines, etc. One important note is that we have found it important to only send these e-mails to those vendors who have not yet turned in the item; if you send as a mass e-mail to all, you will get a multitude of e-mails back that say “I already turned that in.”

Continued on page 29

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WANTED Fairs have the opportunity to change the communities we live in and the lives of those we support, sometimes without realizing it! Change comes in many forms like education, scholarship, and advocacy. Fairs can also change lives by providing that first job with lessons of hard work, being the perfect stage for a first date, or fostering perseverance inside the showring where confidence is gained. Our efforts make us all change agents. This year as we prepare for the 2019 IAFE Convention & Trade Show, we want to hear how you and your fair are Champions of Change. No matter how big or small, our fairs make a difference. Share your stories of change as we look to inspire others on how to be change agents.

www.iafeconvention.com/championsofchange

IAFE CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW DECEMBER 1-4

SAN ANTONIO

vendors paid their space rental fees after the due date. When we implemented our communicaOne communication method that has been tion strategies beginning in 2016, we saw helpful in keeping vendors informed about these numbers decrease drastically, with . . . it their payment status has been the use of only 19% of our vendors paying after payment confirmations. Upon receipt of their due dates in 2016, 9% in 2017, may seem like payment, the following e-mail is sent out and a record-low of 7.5% in 2018. a simple thought, to vendors letting them know whether While statistics are the most telling, they have paid part of the balance or it cannot be downplayed that vendors but many issues can be the full balance, and any further due have actually communicated back to us solved through actual dates. “Please accept this e-mail as conabout how helpful they have found these firmation that your payment has been strategies to be. From those who find our conversation. received in the amount of $1,005.00 timelines and reminder e-mails to be help(please note that it may take up to two ful while on the road, to those who didn’t weeks for the check to be processed). This payrealize they were $10 short of their balance ment was applied to [Agreement Number] [Busiuntil they received a payment confirmation. There ness Name]. The remaining balance of $1,000 must are even some of our vendors who received low evaluabe received by June 1, 2019.” tion scores who have thanked us for helping them to identify Another pre-fair communication that has proven to be effecareas where they needed to improve. tive is an “application received” confirmation. A quick template that can be e-mailed to applicants can save a lot of time An Industry-Wide Application involved in answering calls about application statuses. Be sure When I present on this topic at meetings and conventions, I to include a date in this e-mail by which an applicant will be often get asked how these strategies can be executed on differnotified of acceptance, and send a mass e-mail (don’t forget to ent scales. I have the utmost respect for those who individually blind copy!) to those who were not accepted on that date. run multiple departments and, sometimes, full events. My It is also important to send other pre-event communications advice to these people is always to start with a timeline that when there are policy changes, staffing changes, or anything can be shared with as many applicable players as possible. A else that may affect the success and/or convenience of your half hour of creating a document that can keep the masses vendors at your event. organized can save the largest amount of time. Post-event communications may include surveys completed Lastly, while this article and most of the examples within by vendors that serve as a powerful assessment tools for future have revolved mostly around vendors, we cannot overlook the events. In addition, if your time and staffing allows, vendor benefits these “C’s” can have across departments and our evaluations should also be completed and communicated to industry. As an example, consider the benefits a timeline docuthe vendor to ensure improvement or maintenance in the areas ment can have when posting calendar dates for entry, drop-off, of compliance, business operations, and aesthetics expectations. and competition deadlines for agriculture and competitive You can find helpful articles on vendor evaluations and improveexhibitors. Open conversation methods can be carried across ment matrices in past issues of Fairs & Expos. many issues, and we can always strive to improve in this area. Our industry truly is top-notch when it comes to collaboration Conversation and cooperation, and that extends to our partners and associLastly, it may seem like a simple thought, but many issues ates. We can continue to communicate our ideas, help each can be solved through actual conversation. However simple, other through challenges, and be advocates for each other. this may be the most difficult for many of us, myself included. I challenge you to take time following your event to truly While a number of the issues are easy fixes, some may take a look at the biggest areas in which a level of be sensitive or subject to conflict (remember one of improvement would save you time, ease the operathose original fears mentioned earlier?). If I have tions of those involved in the event, and posilearned anything from one of my most taltively affect the experience of the attendees. ented co-workers, it is the importance of From there, determine how the “C’s” can We can open conversation, complete with goals help you to achieve these improvement and facts. Prepare by thinking about the goals. Then, don’t forget a very imporcontinue to main goal of the conversation. Go in tant “C” when you get the results you communicate our ideas, with confidence. Be open to hearing the are looking for: Celebrate! other side, but stress what is nonhelp each other negotiable. Lastly, be conscious of what through challenges, Beth Pomije is the comis best for both parties, but most impormercial vendor mantantly, your attendees or consumers (a and be advocates ager at Wisconsin State win-win-win!). for each other. Fair in West Allis and is a member of the IAFE The Results Commercial Exhibits and How do we know these “C’s” work? As menConcessions Committee. tioned previously, in 2014 and 2015, 29% of our Continued from page 27

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

Opportunities for Agricultural Education By: Sydney Zehnder

“C 30

an my daughter pet your cow?” a fair-going mom asks as I feed and water my cattle after a busy day at the Iowa State Fair. “Sure!” I reply, knowing this is an important opener to a conversation about the livestock industry. While the mom looks on carefully as the young girl eagerly gives my heifer some extra attention, I ask if she has any questions about the cattle. She replies with questions on how much they weigh, what breed they are, and the meat production process. This interaction is almost a daily experience for

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me as a livestock exhibitor at the Iowa State Fair, but getting to directly ask a farmer questions about where their food comes from is rare for this fairgoer. As the general population becomes further removed from agriculture, fairs are a fantastic opportunity for agricultural education. Many fairs have beginnings rooted in agriculture that are still strong today. Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and

largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. From its beginnings in 1854 to its record-breaking attendance in 2018, the fair still stands to be one of the world’s largest livestock shows, among other agricultural features. The unique setting of fairs and the special events they hold gives rise to natural conversations about agriculture. Amid the fun and food to be had, the fair atmosphere

creates a space for open communication between the farmer and fairgoer. Fairs provide a place for agriculturalists and consumers to come together in a fun environment, creating an opportunity to learn in an interactive and untraditional way. It is no secret there is a disconnect from farm to table, and the lack of conversation between farmers and consumers is a big reason why. Fairs can provide a chance for open communication between these two groups. Bringing the learning experience to consumers provides a more comfortable environment to ask questions and facilitate conversation. Interactive activities, animals on display, and different exhibits allow for hands-on education. Many areas of agriculture are displayed to represent the state or community’s commodities. Highlighting the industries specific to the fair’s community makes agricultural education more relatable for the fairgoer. Utilizing special events takes an experience with agriculture up a notch. Fairs across the country hold educational events, from crafts to play farms, to teach younger attendees the importance of agriculture. A popular event for school-aged fairgoers at the Iowa State Fair is Vet Camp, according to Emily Wynn, the Iowa State Fair agricultural education coordinator. This preregistered, free event teaches fairgoers in grades 4-7 about animal health and the roles of a veterinarian. The Iowa State Fair also offers Advanced Vet Camp, which dives further into veterinary medicine and vet school for students in grades 8-12. Youth activities tend to be hot spots at the fair, but adult crowds can be just as intrigued. The Iowa State Fair implemented two new events in 2018 in an effort to open these interactive experiences to adults. These events, Farm to Fair and Fair After Dark, aimed to create an environment allowing for the free flow of questions from consumers to farmers. The Farm to Fair event invited 500 select fairgoers to share a meal with a farmer at the largest dinner table the Iowa State Fair has ever seen. This event occurred on the first Sunday of the fair over lunch. The dinner table setting provided the opportunity to discuss the food right in front of them, featuring Iowa’s seven main commodity groups: beef, dairy, pork, corn, soybean, egg,

provide ❝ aFairs place for

agriculturalists and consumers to come together in a fun environment . . .

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and turkey. The guests received a booklet highlighting families from Iowa in each of these commodities, their meal menu and the recipe for each menu item. Of course, their menu had a food item from each of the seven commodity groups, ranging from deviled eggs to edamame salad to beef brisket with cheese sauce. This event was a prime example of making agricultural education relevant to the consumers’ life. The other new event series presented at the 2018 Iowa State Fair was Fair After Dark. This was a 21 and older ticketed event, letting fairgoers into some of the most iconic and popular places at the fair. Two variations of the event were held: Animals After Dark and Agriculture After Dark. Animals After Dark let fairgoers into the Animal Learning Center to snuggle with the newest furry additions to the fair. At Agriculture After Dark, attendees got to meet the iconic Butter Cow up close

As a ❝ livestock exhibitor,

I had the opportunity to answer questions fairgoers had on the animals I was exhibiting and the livestock industry as a whole.

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and personal, create floral crafts, and learn more about Iowa’s bee industry. These events, original to the Iowa State Fair, were both popular and achieved their purpose of opening up conversations between farmers and fairgoers. Emily Wynn reiterates that these educational events can be recreated at any fair attendance level by zeroing in on the interests of the community. I have experienced fairs at the state and county level as an intern, livestock exhibitor, and fairgoer. Each of these roles plays a part in the success of a fair and each makes a contribution to the agricultural education that takes place. As an intern, I have been behind the scenes of an educational booth for a commodity group at the Minnesota State Fair as well as working in marketing for the Iowa State Fair. These roles taught me the interests of the fair attendees and how we can implement agriculture education into what they’re looking to get out of the fair. As a livestock exhibitor, I had the opportunity to answer questions fairgoers had on the animals I was exhibiting and the livestock industry as a whole. I have found that people have a ton of questions on the livestock at the fair and are just looking for a friendly face to talk to. Programs like 4-H and FFA are a great platform for teaching young livestock enthusiasts to be agriculture advocates. Finally, in the experiences I have had as a fairgoer just “doing the fair,” I see how willing people are to learn. Fairs seem to put everyone in a friendly mood and opening up a simple conversation about how the fair food we all love is produced can go a long way. Fairs are both a family favorite event and a prime place for agriculture education. This winning combination can make a huge difference in expanding the knowledge of agriculture production if utilized properly. How can your fair highlight the elements people already love through a lens of agricultural education? Sydney Zehnder is a junior majoring in agricultural communications at Iowa State University and the marketing content intern at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

Enhancing Your Character . . . The Mighty Mascot

M 32

By: Eileen Walsh Grzenia

r. Peanut . . . Tony the Tiger . . . Big Tex . . . Mickey Mouse . . . Mr. Clean . . . the Racing Sausages undoubtedly bring instant images to mind, as well as grins, when reflecting on the costumed characters for products, schools, sports teams, businesses, and our fellow fairs and festivals, the crowd-favorite mascot. The term “mascot” comes from the French word “mascotte,” meaning a person or thing that brings good luck. The tradition of having mascots for teams or events dates back to the 1880s when the mascot came to America by way of a popular French opera called “La Mascotte.” The opera is about a

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

down-on-his-luck farmer who is visited by a girl named Bettina. As soon as she appears, the farmer’s crops start doing well and his life turns around. So initially, mascots were mostly quiet characters that just stood around being lucky, from the farm field to the baseball field and beyond.

. . . a fair ❝ or festival of any size Fast forward to the varying fields in today’s culture spanning the globe, and you are guaranteed to experience a mascot representing not only sports teams, as well as schools, corporations, and events such as yours and mine. Some fine examples within our industry include Mr. Berry from the Florida Strawberry Festival, the Osceola County Fair’s (Fla.) Rocco, and Harry the Horse at the Calgary Stampede. The L.A. County Fair first introduced its mascot Thummer the Pig in 1948, as well as today’s counterparts Daisy the Cow and Lily the Lamb. The Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., has Fair Bear, the Minnesota State Fair for 53 years has Fairchild, and Butters D. Cow greets guests at the Ohio State Fair. The significance of mascots has fortified the link between consumers and fairs and expositions. Mascots are engaging, fun, and bring association with your unique event. Their value is greatly enhanced through use of traditional and non-traditional promotion, from onsite engagement as well as offsite promotional efforts. Among the many avenues a mascot can travel promoting your fair or exposition, social media ranks near the top. A mascot’s presence on your fair or exposition’s website and social media sites, such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and SnapChat, allow the mascot to be more lifelike and telling of your fair or exposition story and its values with engagement and personality. A growing opportunity, a mascot can develop a voice for your fair or exposition, and provide an enriched, engaging, and memorable experience for your guests. A mascot’s job is a combination of several elements; part athlete, mime, actor, and clown. Whether in person, online, or on a page, a mascot brings to life the positive spirit and attitude that contributes to your must-see event. So does your fair or exposition have a mascot? If not, with some careful thought, a large dose of humor, and a relatively small budget, you can soon be singing the praises of a new and unique voice to enhance your brand. At the Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn, Wis., the creation of a mascot evolved through the inexpensive purchase of a 6-inch farmer action figure and the creative naming of the mascot as “Farmer Wally Worth” by this author’s daughter. Walworth County Fair Board President Bill Thompson humorously insists that Farmer Wally Worth is an exact replica of himself, although that is something for the rest of us to evaluate. Farmer Wally Worth has been the Walworth County Fair’s mascot since 2010. Farmer Wally Worth is the Walworth County Fair’s go-to guy, sharing agriculture education facts, events and information about the fairgrounds, photo opportunities, and engagement with the fair’s social media audience, including his own Instagram page. Whatever Farmer Wally shares, engagement is certain. Farmer Wally Worth is not afraid to try anything, from making snow angels, planting spinach, driving tractors, leading cattle, shoveling ice cream, picking mulberries, helping in the butterfly barn, checking crops, conducting an Instagram “Find Farmer Wally Worth” contest during the fair, representing at banquets, sponsoring exhibitor classes, and so much more. And, yes, Farmer Wally Worth has his own Bitmoji, so the opportunities to share his image from a comical platform have been terrific. Without a doubt, Farmer Wally Worth’s action always produces a positive reaction. And the best part is his engagement thus far has been organic, with priceless creativity, at very minimal cost. That translates to you that a fair or festival of any size can and should explore the magnificent world of mascots. While the Walworth County Fair continues to positively develop mascot Farmer Wally Worth into a broader spectrum, I encourage you to find your fair or festival’s good luck charm mascot; whether a cousin to Flat Stanley, a stuffed animal or food (think Wisconsin State Fair’s Cravin D. Cream Puff who keeps the fair moooood sweet), a toy tractor, or a character original to your fair or festival. The opportunities are limitless and the rewards are great in guest engagement, mood setting, meet and greets, educational opportunities, fan building, and positive fair exposure. Three cheers and best wishes to all fair and festival mascots!

can and should explore the magnificent world of mascots.

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Eileen Walsh Grzenia is the director/board secretary for the Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn, Wis., and a member of the IAFE County Fairs Committee. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

How Much Do You Give Back to Your Community? By: Amy Olson

attended the Zone 4 meeting in South Dakota this year. Why do I love attending the Zone 4 meeting, IAFE Convention, and the WAF Convention? I enjoy being around like-minded people that I can network with, share fair ideas, and learn about our great fair industry. I was so motivated by our speakers this year at Zone 4 that I wanted to share my thoughts and give a little insight on a workshop, in hopes that this impels you to stop and think of how you give back to your community, and that we need to let the community know all the good things we do as an organization. We never give ourselves enough credit and we should, far more often than we do.

IAFE Speaker Jeremy Parsons from the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa, presents “Take Care” as the Zone 4 meeting keynote speaker, sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance.

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The workshop was “Take Care” presented by Jeremy Parsons from the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa. He did a wonderful job explaining how to bridge the gap between your fair and the community. I was so inspired to think just how much we take care of our community. Just how much our community needs us as much as we need them. As I sit here in the airport ready to head home, my mind is racing. It made me think how important it is to let your community know how your fairgrounds is being used by area businesses and organizations and how

much we give back to our county. Stop and think for a moment, what does your fair do to give back to the community? Is it important that you give back? And if so, does your community know? These are questions that I asked myself. Think of all the things you do for your community and what your community would do without a fairgrounds. Think of all the organizations and businesses that use your facility at no cost to them. All of you have people that ask to hold their meetings or fundraisers at your facility at no cost. Some of these organizations may include 4-H Clubs,

Lion Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, local fire, EMS, and police. How many times are you also asked for the rental fees to be waived to help out a benefit? You may even lend out tables and chairs at no cost. All these organizations would have an added expense if it wasn’t for your fairgrounds. So after thinking of all you do for the community, the question remains: do you let your community know? Most of you, as well as I, would probably answer this question with a “no.” I didn’t see this as a vital part of my job as the director of our fair. But after hearing how important it is, my thinking has changed. I was reminded of how much our fairground is needed and how we don’t give ourselves enough credit for our community involvement. Now I’m not saying that you have to boast and brag every time you forgo costs, but you do have to TALK BIG once in awhile about all the wonderful things you do at your fairgrounds. Most people tend to hear the negative side of the fair and think that the only thing the fairground is used for is to host the annual fair. Well, the fair is not always what your grounds are used for and people really do love your facility. Many of you are open year around and are an essential part of the community. Without your grounds and your in kind contributions to your community what would they do? Bottom line is . . . people need to know. I was absolutely blown away when I got back to work and started to document all the tickets I give away for the fair, all the fees that are waived for organizations and businesses, and all the space we provided throughout the year at no cost. We ARE a great asset to the community. Our facility is used by the Chamber of Commerce and the county for events and meetings. The Cub Scouts have a four-day camp every year, which shuts down our fairgrounds for any other use so the kids can be educated, explore, and experience camping. The city uses the grounds as part of their summer recreation. The West Grant Saddle Club uses the arena on the grounds to host events at no charge to them. Area schools have career days for their high schools students. Youth organizations and the 4-H hold educational meetings all year round. This is just a small portion of what we do that

So after ❝ thinking of all you do

for the community, the question remains: do you let your community know?

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doesn’t even begin to touch base on waiving fees for benefits and fundraisers. How many of you do some of these exact same things we do? If you are, you are giving back to your community and probably touching lives of those that need help. As you think about all you do for your community, let us take it one step further. Giving back can even include shopping local. Yes, shopping local has a huge impact not only on your community but your county. We all know it can be much easier to go online or order from that company out of a catalog that you have used for many years. But how many of you shop local? If you do, you are also giving back to your community by keeping your business close to home. Again, stop and think just how much money you spend locally. We all have water bills, electric bills, heat bills, and up keep on the grounds. We host events other than the fair

. . . I love going ❝ to these conferences

and Convention. You learn something new every time you go.

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where we need to buy groceries, decorations, and supplies. I know for a fact that our local hardware store reaps the benefit of our improvements and care of the fairgrounds. So I’m challenging you to make a list. Make a list of all the checks you make out to local businesses, whether that is by ear marking them in your system or writing up a list. Next, make a list of all the organizations, businesses, and families that you waive fees for. Find out just how much you give back to your community and your county. Not only will these lists help you develop a tool for the media, your county board supervisors (or commissioners), it will help you when you want to develop an economic impact study for your fairgrounds (different topic but very important as well). Show them just how vital your venue really is to the community. Put an article in the paper at Christmas time (it is the time of giving). Incorporate what you do to give back and how you enjoy being part of the community, and then thank everyone for their support as well. This is also a great tool when you need to upgrade or build on your fairgrounds and are in need of sponsors and donations. If you can show them how much your facility is being used by this data it may help you get that sponsor. I know this seems like more work and some of you may be saying I don’t have time for this. But I believe we can’t afford not to do this. Most know we exist for the fair but many do not know just how much we contribute back. This is why I love going to these conferences and Convention. You learn something new every time you go. I want to thank Jeremy for a wonderful presentation that gave me some awareness of just how important it is to bridge that gap. We all have wonderful facilities that are used for many events so tell your story. Tell the community about the good things you do for them. It’s okay to TALK BIG. Pat yourself on the back for the great job you do in supporting your community. Amy Olson is the fairgrounds and operations director at the Grant County Fair in Lancaster, Wis., and a member of the IAFE County Fairs Committee. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

The Keys to Customer Service By: MaKayla Cromwell

ing, ring, ring — the phone is answered, with a warm tone and a willing attitude. You guessed it: customer service starts here! The vibe portrayed through a phone call can just as easily deter an exhibitor from participating as it can attract. Laying the foundation for an enjoyable user experience starts with good communication!

❝is Communication one of many

vital components that serve as the foundation for success in our industry.

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Communication is one of many vital components that serve as the foundation for success in our industry. Effective communication can foster a good working relationship not only amongst your staff, but also your guests. When communication is implemented efficiently and effectively, it leaves all parties involved feeling engaged and satisfied. In this industry, our roles contribute to a unique, one off event that requires an abundant amount of attention, dedication, and patience. We run on minimal sleep, adrenalin, and the occasional flying by the seat of our pants when the need arises.

But one thing we can all relate to is the need to create a memorable experience that keeps our guests and exhibitors coming back for more. In Dallas, our seasonal staff and interns start working mid-summer to start fielding phone calls and e-mails to ensure we are providing quality services and effective communication to our guests. It is often a misconception to the general public that the hard work starts when exhibitors arrive on grounds. However, “game time” never ends. Communication with your customers is extremely important to maintain year-round. Whether your event chooses to uti-

lize social media channels, e-mails, your website, or even printed materials and mailers, it is vital to maintain consistent “we care” messaging. Internally, we use all the listed above, and have found success in each method. A primary focus that carries across our entire livestock department is providing the best customer service possible, always. Our guests are coming to us to have an enjoyable experience, and we are here to create that for them. But you may ask: how? In order to maximize your guests’ experience, you must first evaluate your audience. Helpful ways to get to know your audience may include conducting a survey or feedback form following the event. It may also include tracking historical data you have access to and evaluate geographic information of your guests. Sample questions include, “Where are they coming from? Who are they traveling with? What is their means of transportation?” With a cumulative database of contacts and information, you will begin to see trends and the ability to familiarize yourself with your audience. At this time, you can then focus on their specific needs and what appeals to them. The State Fair of Texas Livestock Department has found success in effective communication prior to our guests arriving. By communicating prior to an event, most of your guests will know what to expect once they arrive. For example, providing load in maps, information about check in times, and deadlines as well as clear signage will help your guests feel informed. Another great, free resource the state fair has utilized is social media. The Livestock Department has a Facebook page dedicated specifically to our audience that has an interest in our livestock and equine events. In our off-season, we focus on messaging that is just enough to let our audience know we are still here. As we get closer to our event, we will use our Facebook page to push out important dates, rule changes, and other pertinent information. When the fair is finally here, we are far more engaged with our audience. That includes Facebook live videos, candids, daily schedules, and more! This is an effective resource that pushes out our messaging and provides information to our guests. The fair has also partnered with like associations including Texas A&M AgriLife Exten-

As we ❝ evaluated our audience,

we have recognized the generational differences and the need to target them differently.

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sion Services to cross promote. Being able to identify with a like entity and partnering is a great way to create a larger following and working partnership. In addition to social media, we use e-blasts and a free service called Remind. Remind allows subscribers to opt into push notifications for real time information through text messaging. For example, if check in is closing in 30 minutes, we can send out a Remind text message to all who have subscribed to the group and they will receive the text. Remind is great, free tool that received positive feedback when we implemented it. Also, we utilize the Big Tex website to provide readily available, current information. As we evaluated our audience, we have recognized the generational differences and the need to target them differently. Keeping that in mind, the Internet has served as a happy medium. Speaking from personal experience, there is nothing more frustrating than

By having ❝ a conversation one on one, through a phone call, one can truly make a lasting impression on your guests.

❞

calling a company with an inquiry to only be connected to an operator that continues to tell you, “I am sorry, we did not catch that, please repeat your question”— sigh! One can see how this can lead to discontent or a bad experience leading into your event. Therefore, it is vital to be prepared to serve those guests who opt to call in for information. In preparation to field phone calls, we practice accurate, consistent answers. If a representative fielding phone calls does not know the answer, we preach no news is better than wrong news. Helpful tools that can be provided can include phone lists, the official schedule and handbook of rules for reference, or a FAQ sheet. As a millennial myself, I know firsthand that our generation seeks answers here and now. We want quick answers and do not like to wait. Data shows millennials prefer to send an e-mail, text message, or communicate through social media channels to avoid having to have a face to face conversation. However, pushing generational differences aside, we still receive a significant number of exhibitors calling in looking to visit with an individual within our department to field their questions. We believe there is something about calling a number and visiting with an actual person that holds an upper hand. By having a conversation one on one, through a phone call, one can truly make a lasting impression on your guests. Whether your event utilizes social media, phone calls, e-mails or all the above, your customer service and willingness to communicate must be consistent and effective to your audience. With those collaborative efforts, most tend to turn positive impacts. We have seen growth in entry numbers, an increase in first year participation, but truly the most rewarding return is the ability to watch exhibitors make lifelong memories. Next time your phone rings at the office, hours until opening day of your event, and your stress levels are elevated, just remember a kind tone and a willing attitude goes a long way! MaKayla Cromwell is the livestock director at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas and a member of the IAFE Agriculture Committee. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

ZONE COVERAGE

IAFE Zone 1 Meets in Maine The IAFE Zone 1 Conference was held April 11-13 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. A total of 154 guests attended the conference, according to Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs President Kathryn Hunter and IAFE Zone 1 Director Mark St. Jacques of the Washington County Fair in Greenwich, N.Y. The conference kicked off with a welcome reception and hospitality gathering on Thursday evening. Friday began with breakfast and an address from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. The educational session in the morning was “Emergency Plans.” During lunch, the keynote address was delivered by U.S. Army Sergeant Travis Mills of Maine. Mills discussed surviving critical injuries while serving in Afghanistan. The Travis Mills Foundation maintains a veterans retreat in the Belgrade Lakes area of Maine where he has hosted numerous combat-injured veterans and their families. Following the address, attendees participated in breakout sessions. Topics included “Farm to Fair,” “The Importance of Bylaws,” “Volunteer Programs,” “Government & Your Fair,” “Children’s Activities at Your Fair,” “H2B Program,” and “Handling a Crisis at Your Fair.” The evening closed with a lobster bake and a hospitality gathering.

New York fair representatives at the Zone 1 meeting, held April 11-13 in Rockport, Maine, included (from left) Ed Rossler of the Delaware County Fair in Walton, Nick Pelham of the Steuben County Fair in Bath, IAFE Chair Jessica Underberg of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, and Andy Imperati of the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck.

Saturday began with breakfast and guest speaker Tom Peaco, executive director of the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce. Breakout sessions followed including “Being an Owner, Trainer, Driver in the Harness Racing Industry,” “Rising Stars of Maine Fairs,” and “IT Support for Fairs.” St. Jacques gave a Zone 1 update and Maria Lucero of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., hosted a mystery card roulette game to raise funds for YPI scholarships. During lunch, IAFE Speaker Gordon Hibbard of Dale Carnegie of the Kansas Heartland presented “Building Boards That Build.” Jen Cannon of the Iowa State Fair presented Institute of Fair Management course #130 Ag Programming. The attendees then boarded buses to the Union Fair in Union, Maine. The fair presented a sampler of a typical Maine fair, including horse drawn carriage rides, music by Saltwater Hillbilly, cotton candy, race horse and driver, a blacksmith, a chainsaw carver, antique tractors, a cow hoof trimming demonstration, a sawmill in action, and a construction rodeo on display. After the trip to the fair, attendees departed to the Thompson Community Center for dinner and a wine tasting. After dinner, guests traveled back to Samoset Resort for a fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean.

Attendees held discussions during the Emergency Planning educational session at the IAFE Zone 1 meeting.

The Zone 1 Planning Committee members were (from left) MAAF Legislative Liaison Catharine Damren, Director David Byras, Second Vice President Michael Timmons, President Kathryn Hunter, Director Darcy Winslow, Treasurer Rayma Ashby, and Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Agricultural Promotions Coordinator Melissa Jordan.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

ZONE COVERAGE

IAFE Zones 3 & 6 Meet in Indianapolis IAFE Zones 3 & 6 held a joint meeting April 14-16 at the Westin Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Ind. A total of 50 individuals attended the meeting, according to Ray Allison of the Indiana State Fair. The conference kicked off with a welcome reception hosted by Visit Indy. The reception included a behind-thescenes tour of Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. Monday began with a trip to Fair

Allison Burkhead of the Rogers County Fair in Claremore, Okla., checked out one of the exhibits at Fair Oaks Farms during the combined Zones 3 and 6 meeting, held April 14-16 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Oaks Farms, the number one agritourism destination in the Midwest. At the farm, attendees participated in a breakout session titled “Creating an AllEncompassing Guest Experience,” led by Julie Basich of Fair Oak Farms and Micki Tomich of MixDesign. After lunch at the Fair Oaks, guests toured the facilities. After traveling back to the hotel, guests had dinner on their own. Tuesday began with breakfast and zone meetings. Following breakfast,

Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Bruce Kettler presented “Introduction to Indiana Agriculture.” Jen Cannon of the Iowa State Fair presented Institute of Fair Management course #130 Ag Programming. Steve Richo and Mark O’Shea of Noise New Media presented “How To Stop Thumbs & Sell Tickets! What Your Fair Needs To Know About Digital & Social Media in 2019.” The conference concluded with lunch and closing remarks.

Members of Zones 3 and 6 enjoyed the unique sights at Fair Oaks Farms.

From left, Micki Tomich of Mix Design and Julie Basich of Fair Oaks Farms presented a workshop titled “Creating an All Encompassing Guest Experience” at Fair Oaks Farms.

Kristen Bright of the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville demonstrated the proper way to sonogram a pig.

Director of Indiana State Department of Agriculture Bruce Kettler presented an Introduction to Indiana Agriculture.

From left, Mark O’Shea and Steve Richo of Noise New Media presented a workshop titled “How To Stop Thumbs & Sell Tickets! What Your Fair Needs To Know About Digital & Social Media in 2019.” JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

ZONE COVERAGE

FFF and IAFE Zone 2 Hold Concurrent Meetings The Florida Federation of Fairs (FFF) Annual Convention and IAFE Zone 2 meeting were held May 16-18 at the Renaissance Hotel at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. The event kicked off on Wednesday, May 15 with the Annual Giles Ellis Golf Tournament, which was held at the St. John’s Golf & Country Club and had more than 50 participants. There were 160 associates in attendance and total attendance was close to 500. Wednesday featured the YPI Mix & Mingle Haunted Pub Tour. This year, the YPI committee chose the Lee Conlee House in Putnam County as the beneficiary of their annual charity drive. The Lee Conlee House supports victims of domestic violence with shelter, counseling, support groups, and offers education. The joint meeting with Zone 2 allowed the groups to share additional resources for speakers and participants in educa-

G.L. Berg Entertainment

tional workshops and discussion sessions. A total of 28 Zone 2 attendees represented 12 fairs. The welcome reception was held Thursday evening in the expanded hospitality room. The Zone 2 meeting was held Saturday morning where IAFE Chair Jessica Underberg of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., welcomed attendees and discussed the upcoming IAFE Convention theme, Champions of Change. IAFE President & CEO Marla Calico presented an IAFE update and discussed the upcoming IAFE Convention to be held in San Antonio. Greg Miller of Miller & Co., announced a $1,000 donation for a Zone 2 Scholarship to the IAFE Convention. Zone 2 scholarships were presented to Tom Eshelman of the Shenandoah County Fair, Woodstock, Va., and Melinda Harbin of the Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair of Westminster, S.C. Topics at the meeting included “Animal Welfare or Animal Rights — The True Story — Protecting the Culture of our Fairs,” “Social Media,” “Evaluating Vendors,” and “Security/Emergency Preparedness.” The Opening Session featured Keynote Speaker Aaron Alejandro, executive director of the Texas FFA Foundation. Later, Alejandro presented a workshop titled “Compete for Minds.” Several past presidents and other long time fair members were on hand to help answer questions at the first time attendee networking session.The FFF trade show was a sell out with 106 vendors. Activities have increased in the trade show. Activities in the trade show included lunch on Friday, showcases, a silent auction and a happy hour. The President’s Party on Thursday in honor of President Paul Davis of the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, had a Hollywood theme complete with “Academy Awards.” A photo studio was set up to capture the luxurious outfits with complimentary photographs.

The hotel furnished a big room that we called the “Green Room” a place to G-ather, R-eunite, E-ntertain, E-xcite, N-ightly. The room was open each evening. Three retiring fair managers and retiring FFF Executive Director Lisa Hinton were honored on Friday night. The FFF business meeting was held during Saturday’s luncheon to conduct the official FFF business for the year. The grand finale was Saturday night’s Gala with the theme “Lights! Camera! Gala!” and featured the presentation of awards, showcases, and the presentation of the FFF Hall of Fame and Associate of the Year awards. Jeff Shreaves, director of information at the Florida State Fair was recognized for receiving his CFE designation. The membership award was presented to Joel Bieschke and Larry Chamberlin of Creative Community Promotions LLC. The IAFE Institute of Fair Management Scholarship was awarded to Rachael Wolfe of the Highlands County Fair in Sebring, Fla. The 2019 Hall of Fame award was presented to Dan West, manager of the Manatee County Fair in Palmetto, Fla. West was recognized for his dedication to the fair industry, the FFF, as well as the Manatee County Fair. The Associate of the Year award was presented to Kathy Ross who, with her husband Jeff and son AJ, runs Ross Concessions. Ross has served as a director with the FFF and has been chair of the Annual Fair Partner’s Shootout. The evening closed with a Toast to the incoming President Bill Olson of the Greater Jacksonville Ag Fair and the Hall of Fame and Associate of the Year recipients. Olson is the youngest person to serve as president of the FFF and first YPI member to hold that office. The next FFF convention will be held May 14-16, 2020, at the Renaissance Resort at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine.

Weekly updates at www.iafeconvention.com 40

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

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ZONE COVERAGE

Fun in Florida

IAFE Chair Jessica Underberg of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., spoke on behalf of the IAFE at the FFF/ IAFE Zone 2 joint meeting, held May 16-18 in St. Augustine, Fla.

Nicole Jones of the St. Lucie County Fair in Fort Pierce, Fla., serves as the YPI Steering Committee representative for IAFE Zone 2.

IAFE Speaker Aaron Alejandro of the Texas FFA Foundation was the keynote speaker for the meeting.

From left, Tracy Thompson and Jim Ward of the Pasco County Fair in Dade City, Fla., met up with NICA President Kathy Ross of Ross Concessions.

Hal Davis of the Citrus County Fair in Inverness, Fla., and Fran Crone of the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair in Fort Myers serve on the board for the FFF.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Jay Spicer (left) of the Martin County Fair in Stuart, Fla., caught up with Jerry Ross of Harmony Artists in the trade show.

IAFE Past Chair Rick Vymlatil of the South Florida Fair and Palm Beach County Expositions in West Palm Beach welcomed attendees to the meeting.

From left, IAFE President and CEO Marla Calico had to get a selfie with Adrienne, Benny, and Collin Rolf of the band Renata.

The winners of the FFF scholarships to attend the meeting, open to Zone 2 fairs, were Tom Eshelman of the Shenandoah County Fair in Woodstock, Va., and Melissa Harbin of the South Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair in Westminster.

ZONE COVERAGE

Scenes from FFF/IAFE Zone 2 Meeting

FFF President Paul Davis (left) of the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, and Scooter Korek of North American Midway Entertainment presented Rachael Wolfe of Highlands County Fair in Sebring, Fla., with a scholarship to the IAFE Institute of Fair Management.

The FFF/IAFE Zone 2 joint meeting was well attended.

Dan West (center) of the Manatee County Fair in Palmetto, Fla., was inducted into the Florida Federation of Fairs Hall of Fame.

Greg Miller (left) of Miller Concessions presented a check for $1,000 to IAFE Zone 2 for a scholarship for an individual from the Zone to attend the 2019 IAFE Annual Convention. IAFE Past Chair Rick Vymlatil accepted on the Zoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behalf.

Charles and Sheri Panacek of Belle City Amusements sponsored the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party.

Incoming FFF President Bill Olson of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair in Jacksonville, Fla., presented an honorary plaque to Outgoing President Paul Davis.

FFF President Davis toasted to the Zone 2 fairs from outside of Florida for attending the meeting. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

AGRICULTURE SPOTLIGHT

Delaware County Fair, Iowa his issue’s winning entry from the Delaware County Fair in Texhibit Manchester, Iowa, is from category 4 — Program/event/ designed to educate consumers/fair-going public of a current agriculture or fair industry challenge — and division 1 — fairs with attendance up to 100,000. The fair created the Giant Bacon-Cheeseburger to inform the public that some of the “facts” they hear about their food are myths and educate them on the truth about their food. The burger was created with four layers: bun, cheese, bacon, and beef patty. Each layer contained both a myth about their food and the fact that dispelled the myth. The burger was about four feet wide and seven feet tall to attract fairgoers’ attention and entice them to read the facts. The burger was suspended from a tree and the public was invited to pull out the layers of the burger to check out the individual layers. It was a great tool to teach people about food safety. This project was designed and created by Delaware County Fair staff, but was made possible through the Community Chest Grant. This grant focuses on education and health of the community. Once obtained, the Delaware County Fair

staff cut and assembled the cheese burger from insulation foam and used a fiber glassing technique to make the burger strong and able to withstand the public using it during the fair. Lastly, the fair called upon a past intern who donated her time to come back and paint the burger to look realistic. This message is relevant because both the fair and community are heavily involved in the agriculture industry. Falsehoods propagated about agriculture, and the products it creates, can have a very negative impact on the community. Educating the public on their food sources is important. The public needs to feel confident that their food is, not only safe, but healthy. Many fairgoers were impressed with the size and impact that the exhibit had. It was an eye-catcher having a giant burger suspended from a tree. Many younger children were drawn to it and had fun reading the information on the giant burger. Older kids and adults also took their turns reading and looking at the exhibit. Many people complimented the burger and said how interesting it was to present the facts in this new and interesting way.

This article was written using information from an entry submitted to the IAFE Agricultural Awards Program, sponsored by ShoWorks.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS SPOTLIGHT

Tennessee Valley Fair his winning entry from the Tennessee Valley Fair in KnoxT2 —ville is from category 4C — Special Contest — and division fairs with attendance between 100,001 and 250,000.

The fair held the inaugural Cotton Candy Classic 5K and 1 mile fun run/walk in 2018. The fair officially established the Tennessee Valley Foundation this year and the 5K was the first event held to raise money for the local children’s hospital and the fair foundation. The Cotton Candy Classic gave a unique venue to those interested in running. The course itself ran through the fairgrounds. Cotton candy ice cream sampling, free cotton candy, and free coffee were offered thanks to event sponsors. Promotional partners included Blue Bell Ice Cream which sampled cotton candy ice cream, Dunkin’ Donuts gave out coffee, and The Candy Man (a local sweets company) offered free cotton candy to race participants. To promote the sponsorships, fair officials placed each company’s logo on the back of the race shirt that every participant received. The fair promoted the sponsorships on social media and mentioned the partners at the end of the race. The race also brought a new type of exhibitor to the fairgrounds and created an opportunity for a new type of contest — athletic competitions. The 116 participants were judged on the

time they finished the course. Winners were awarded for the Top Male and Top Female Overall Participants, the Top Finishers in the 40-60 age group, and in age groups with five-year increments from 0-75+. Participants were only eligible for one award. The race was promoted on the schedule of events, and the fair’s website and social media as well as the social media of several running clubs. Local news stations promoted the 5K and small flyers were printed and handed out at other local races and at local gyms. For the future, fair officials would like to bring families from the local children’s hospital to cheer on race participants. They would also like to promote the race even more beforehand and to double participation in order to raise more funds. They plan to have decorations such as balloons or decorations made to look like giant cotton candy throughout the course to make it more fun. Lastly, officials would like to involve more sponsors in the event and have games for those who finish the race early to occupy their time while they wait for everyone to finish. Upon speaking with participants after the race, officials found that participants enjoyed the competition and would be returning next year.

This article was written using information from an entry submitted to the IAFE Competitive Exhibits Awards Program, sponsored by North American Midway Entertainment. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

SPONSORSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Alameda County Fair, Calif. his issue’s winning entry from the Alameda County Fair in Ttinuity Pleasanton, Calif., is from category 3 — Sponsorship Con— and division 3 — fairs with attendance between

250,001 and 500,000 people. To strengthen its local roots, Big O Tires of Northern California began its partnership at the Alameda County Fair to ensure involvement in the largest area fair with the aim of keeping the Big O name top of mind when it came to consumers purchasing tires. The hybrid sponsorship between Big O and the Alameda County Fair Association includes three major components: title sponsorship of the Concert Series, a premium onsite placement for activation, and a large ticket giveaway to foster goodwill at local Big O retail branches. Big O chose to sponsor the Concert Series due to its large media footprint; the Concert Series is mentioned in nearly all of the fair’s print and digital media, as well as advertisements pre-event and onsite. With the advent of full amphitheater pricing, Big O’s name is now also connected to one of the fair’s VIP assets. Since each individual had multiple steps to attend, it is much more likely they are an attentive — and receptive — audience. Big O looked to reach all vehicle-owning individuals in the Tri-Valley area with its sponsorship. Big O Tires received the largest proportion of promotion

through its title sponsorship of the Concert Series. Specific examples include the “Concerts” page on the annual website, Facebook events for each concert, and multiple types of calendar print advertisements (posters, brochures, onsite banners and signs, individual advertisements, etc.). Within Big O Tires’ onsite footprint, the brand operated a booth each day the fair was open. The team also operated a photo booth on weekends and other select dates throughout the fair, including the Fourth of July. The graphic used on the Concert Lawn Jumbotron, while promoting the Concert Series, also directed fairgoers to Big O’s booth, where the team had coupons, contests, and prizes. Alameda County Fair social media channels were also used to promote the booth and photo op. This was a collaborative effort by Big O Tires and Alameda County Fair Association, as Big O submitted a sample photo from the booth of the onsite team (and the fun props!), which was then edited to better fit within the image portrayed by each partner. While Big O Tires was mentioned in numerous social media posts on all Alameda County Fair channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) in conjunction with its Concert Series title sponsorship, the brand also had a post featuring its onsite activation on the fair’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Featuring the photo opportunity at Big O’s booth, the post accrued excellent numbers. Shown in (Facebook/Instagram) format, reach (4,600/3,168), impressions (6,700/4,197), and engagements (53/82). While the engagement rate on Facebook was only 0.875% for this particular post, the Big O “Fair Face” post directly resulted in two new follows on the fair’s Instagram — rare for a sponsorship post. Of seventeen concerts in the Concert Series, seven were sold out in the first year of an all-ticketed amphitheater (sold out is defined as at least 2,900 tickets sold). This results in more than 20,300 people seeing Big O branding associated with the concert series (without including concerts that did not sell out). Big O Tires first became a partner of the Alameda County Fair in 2005, with the most recent renewal signed prior to the 2018 event. With this renewal, Big O Tires will be one of Alameda County Fair’s most valued partners through at least 2020. As the title partner of the Concert Series, Big O is one of the fair’s largest partners due to the level of promotion accompanying the series.

This article was written using information from an entry submitted to the IAFE Innovation in Sponsorship Awards Program, sponsored by Etix.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

LEGISLATIVE & LEGAL ISSUES

Written by IAFE Legal Counsel Jim Tucker n May 21, 2019, Arizona Representative Raul Grijalva along with 16 cosponsors introduced H.R. 2863 in the U.S. Congress known as the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act. The resolution is now co-sponsored by 28 members of the United States House of Representatives. His fellow Arizonian, Representative David Schweikert, the lone Republican to co-sponsor, joined Congressman Grijalva, a Democrat, in the introduction of the Resolution. The other 27 co-sponsors are Democrats, eight of whom are from California. The Resolution has been assigned to the House Agriculture Committee and on June 21, was referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. The Resolution was introduced to amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling performances. The proposed prohibition provides in Paragraph 1: “No person shall cause a performance of, or allow for the participation of, an exotic animal or wild animal in a traveling animal act.” The proposed resolution also specifically provides that the prohibition in Paragraph 1 shall not apply to domestic animals or farm animals. Farm animals are defined in the proposed resolution to include alpacas, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, poultry, rabbits, horses, mules, or donkeys. The Resolution’s proposed definition of exotic and wild animals means any animal that is not a domestic or farm animal, which is now or has historically been found in the wild or in the wild state. Specifically excluded from the definition of “exotic and wild” are dogs, alpacas, bison, cattle, deer, elk, goats, llamas, reindeer, swine, sheep, horses, donkeys, and mules. Interestingly, in addition to excluding domestic and farm animals, the proposed Resolution goes a step further by providing that it does not prohibit the use of exotic or wild animals in a rodeo. Other uses of exotic and wild animals in film, television, advertising, certain defined education programs, and university and laboratory research are specifically not prohibited by the proposed Resolution. The change in the control of the U.S. House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats following the 2018 off-year election increases the likelihood that this proposed resolution will move further through the lawmaking process then previously introduced similar resolutions. To date, a similar or companion Senate Bill

covering the same subject has not been introduced. It seems highly unlikely that this legislation would ever be passed in the Senate and even less likely that the President would sign it. We will continue to monitor H.R. 2863 as its progress or lack of progress through the legislative process will be instructed on what to expect from the Democrat controlled lower chamber. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) pushed through Congress by the GOP controlled Senate and House chambers and signed into law in 2017 by President Trump included a substantial departure in the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) arena from previous law that applied to non-profits. Tax-exempt organizations such as charitable nonprofits, non-government fairs, foundations, and associations that provided transportation and parking benefits (free parking in lots owned or controlled by the non-profit) to their employees were not subject to paying taxes on those benefits, whether provided directly or indirectly. The TCJA changed this for tax-exempt organizations by imposing a 21% UBIT on qualified transportation benefits, including amounts withheld by employees. Previously, exempt organizations could report their unrelated business income from all activities, deduct the related expenses, and pay the tax on the resulting net taxable income. That too has changed as now tax-exempts with more than one unrelated trade or business (for example the sales of advertising and the sale of souvenirs or novelties) are required to calculate unrelated business taxable income (UBIT) separately with respect to each trade or business. At the time of writing this article, the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee was holding hearings on these issues in response to many complaints from the non-profit community. These issues should be brought to the attention of the tax return preparer for your fair. We will continue to monitor and update on the developments on these issues.

K/O Fairground Planners

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

ASSOCIATE CLOSE-UP

The Dweebs ichael Blue knew at M the age of 5 years old that he wanted to be a

singer, as he sang along to Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins. By 1986, Blue was a talented yet struggling musician finding it hard to make a living playing music and being able to provide for his growing family. He knew that talent alone would not ensure a career in the music industry. In need of something new and unique, he searched for an image and name to use for a cover/party band that people would remember. After stumbling across an article written about nerds, he knew right then that he would call his band “The Nerds” and they would dress up, go into the crowd, bring people up on stage, and provide quality performances of top songs from the ’50s-’70s. Surrounded with seasoned musicians, it didn’t take the band long to build up a following and Blue soon found himself and the band performing at many town fairs and festivals. In July of 1989, a house fire injured Blue with second and third degree burns over 34% of his body and he was hospitalized for 30 days. This unfortunate event would put the band and his family in jeopardy as he had to take the next six months off to heal and was

unable to provide for his family. Determined to get back on his feet, Blue and the band would return to the stage on New Year’s Eve in 1989. By 1994, The Nerds developed a following throughout western Wisconsin and the Twin Cities metro area, packing tents at local fairs and festivals. Blue was now making enough money with the band to support his family and do what he loved doing. In 1995, the band received a letter from another group called “The Nerds” from New Jersey stating that they owned the trademark on the name and that he had to change his band’s name. This was devastating to Blue as he had finally started to see success with the band and would now have to change the name.

The Nerds ’87

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Enter The Dweebs. Blue wanted to keep the nerdy image and still provide fun, quality entertainment. Determined to continue making a living performing music, Blue would take The Dweebs to all across Western Wisconsin and the Twin Cities metro area from the mid ’90s to 2000s playing fairs, festivals, company events, and private parties. In 2005, Blue brought his three children into the band, as he watched them grow up with the same passion and love for music that he has. Michael Jr. (23), Benjamin (21), and Claire (19) joined their father on stage and have been sharing their love and passion for music and entertaining people of all ages at fairs, festivals, and corporate events all across the country. The Dweebs family band brings an interactive, unique, and adaptable show that is perfect for all ages in beer gardens or as main stage entertainment. Colorful costumes, impersonations, crazy stage antics, and lots of crowd participation are all a staple at every Dweeb performance along with listening to hit songs from the ’60s through today. Comedic impersonations of Elvis, Neil Diamond, Ozzy, Lady Gaga, and more have the crowd singing, dancing, and laughing. With more than 30 years in the music industry, The Dweebs continue to travel the country looking to “bring out the inner dweeb in everyone they encounter and help spread the message of love, laughter, and harmony within all different likes of people.”

FAIR CHATTER

Debbie Donk Program Specialist Evergreen State Fair Monroe, Wash. Can’t live without during fair time: Of course, nobody can live without their cell phone (somehow, we managed years ago without them)! I must say that my husband is very supportive and I cannot live without him or my sons visiting me at the fair! I also have a great fair team, which we call our “fair family.” It is family that gets you through the fair, especially very long hours for 19 days in a row! Favorite spot to unwind after the fair: My favorite spot to unwind after the fair is at the beach with my husband! Washington state has some of the best beaches and sunsets. If you weren’t involved with fair: I have been working at the Evergreen State Fair for 30 years. The fair is in my blood, but if I was not involved with the fair, I would be an event manager or wedding planner. I have always liked to plan and produce events from start to finish.

Favorite involvement outside of the fair: My favorite activities have been my three sons’ sporting events (basketball, baseball, and track). I have served on our local Chamber Board and the Washington State Fair Board; and served as the Grad Night Committee chair, Royal Ranger commander, and a Big Sister for Big Brothers/Sisters. I really enjoy doing family genealogy research. Managing our fair’s historical research and preservation projects has also been one of my favorite activities. Most important issue facing the fair industry today: There are a lot of important issues facing the fair industry. I think the safety of our guests is the most important issue in today’s world. People want to feel safe going to any size event, and if they don’t attend, that affects us as well as our fair partners’ bottom lines. Emergency planning is very important. I appreciate that the IAFE has workshops and is partnered with the Department of Homeland Security.

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NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME TO ‘THE NETWORK’! Let’s all make our new members feel welcome by reaching out and saying hello!

FAIRS:

ASSOCIATES:

United States

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Consultants

California

Anastasini Entertainment Luciano Anastasini 1811 Englewood Rd. #276 Englewood, FL 34223-1822 (941) 416-4581 anastasini@hotmail.com www.anastasini.com

Feil Management Solutions (FMS) Barry Feil 6043 Ridge Ford Dr. Burke, VA 22015-3650 (703) 732-6284 barry@feilmanagement.com www.feilmanagement.com

D’Vaude Entertainment Jason D Smith 1650 Summit St., Apt B Kansas City, MO 64108-1153 (816) 550-0288 jason@dvaude.com www.123higher.com

Equipment

Mother Lode Fair / 29th DAA Ken Alstott 220 Southgate Dr. Sonora, CA 95370-5054 (209) 532-7428 info@mlfair.com www.motherlodefair.org Colorado Denver County Fair Shelby Rich 4655 Humboldt St. Denver, CO 80216-2818 (303) 299-8641 info@denvercountyfair.org www.denvercountyfair.org Illinois Macon County Fair Teresa McWilliams P.O. Box 3305 Decatur, IL 62524-3305 (217) 875-0135 staff@maconcountyfair.com www.maconcountyfair.com Ohio Highland County Fair Tom Oglesby P.O. Box 564 Hillsboro, OH 45133-0564 (937) 393-9975 highlandcountyfair@gmail.com www.highlandcountyfair.org

Billy Elvis Lindsey Billy Lindsey 668 Allegheny Dr. Sun City Center, FL 33573-5167 (813) 786-9110 billyelvislindsey@gmail.com www.billyelvislindsey.com The Mighty Mike Show Mike Johns 407 Spadina Ave., 3rd Floor Toronto, ON M5T 2G6 Canada (647) 780-1316 themightymikeshow@gmail.com www.mightymikeshow.com Carnivals and Midway Rides Cincinnati Circus Company Dave Willacker 6433 Wiehe Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45237-4215 (513) 921-5454 info@cincinnaticircus.com www.cincinnaticircus.com

MityLite Brigham Baller 1301 W. 400 N. Orem, UT 84057-4442 (800) 909-7958 brigham.baller@mityinc.com https://mitylite.com/ Livestock Equipment Stronghold Mfg. Tom Hinschberger 19626 County Road 8 Glenwood, MN 56334-2800 (320) 278-3560 dale@bakkobros.com www.strongholdmfg.com Tickets/Ticketing Services Deltronic Labs, Inc. Gary Todd 4 Granada Ct. Newnan, GA 30263-1190 (404) 307-6441 info@deltroniclabs.com www.deltroniclabs.com

Help Grow the IAFE and Win! Newly recruited IAFE members are entries into the Coca-Cola Membership Contest. For more information, go to bit.ly/iafemembership or see page 51. 50

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

MEMBERSHIP CONTEST

Recruitment Leaderboard November 2, 2018-June 15, 2019 Emily Pitcock................................3

Tom Hodson.................................1

Russ Marquart ..............................2

Jim McKiernan .............................1

Kathie Amspaugh..........................1

Bill Owen......................................1

Clancy Anderson...........................1

Daryl Real.....................................1

Steve Bell ......................................1

Jo Reynolds ...................................1

Sarah Haight .................................1

Nancy Smith .................................1

Shane Hansen ...............................1

Scott Wick ....................................1

Jill Hardesty ..................................1

2019 MEMBERSHIP CONTEST

Individual Competition

Each individual, associated with an active member, who recruits a new member, will receive one entry into a drawing for the $3,000 Gift of Travel. Those sponsoring new members into IAFE’s network will receive one entry in the drawing for each new member sponsored. The more new members you sponsor, the greater your chances are to win!! The drawing will take place at the 2019 IAFE Convention. The Coca-Cola Company will recognize the top three recruiters at the Convention in San Antonio, Texas. These individuals will receive plaques for their efforts in recruiting new members to the IAFE. The overall top recruiter will receive $500 cash award (in the event of a tie, the cash award will be divided equally).

IAFE Zones Earn Cash

In 2019, each Zone Director will be provided a current list (11/2/2018present) of fair members from their Zone. We are challenging each Zone to increase the number of members within their respective Zones. To be successful, not only will each Zone have to recruit new members, in addition they will encourage current members to renew their membership with the IAFE.

What is in it for you? • Each IAFE Zone that successfully increases the number of members between 11/2/2018 and 11/1/2019 will automatically be rewarded with $500 to be used for educational programming. • The Zone with the largest increase in fair members will be awarded an additional $500 (ties will be prorated). • Each Zone with an increase in the number of fair members will receive one entry into a drawing for each member they are above last year’s total. For example, if XYZ Zone has five more members on Nov. 1, 2019, than what they had on Nov. 2, 2018, they receive five entries into a drawing. One lucky Zone will win the grand prize of $1,500 for their Zone.

State & Provincial Directors Can Win Big!

We encourage every State and Provincial Director to retain and solicit IAFE members. The IAFE provides valuable resources to all State and Provincial members and it is membership that enables these resources to continue. What is in it for you? • The State and Provincial Director who recruits the most new IAFE mem-

bers (Nov. 2, 2018 through Nov. 1, 2019) will receive $500 (ties will be prorated).

Complimentary Convention Registration for New Fair Members

In addition to providing The Gift of Travel as an incentive to recruit members, The Coca-Cola Company is once again offering scholarships to cover the registration fee for fair delegates who have not previously attended the IAFE Annual Convention and Trade Show. Complimentary Convention registrations will be awarded for: • New fairs (qualifying as active fair members) joining as a new member between Nov. 2, 2018, and Nov. 1, 2019, receive one complimentary delegate registration (per fair) to the IAFE Annual Convention and Trade Show. Events or venues that are not agricultural fairs are not eligible for the Complimentary Convention Registration. • Fairs who are already a member, have less than 100,000 in attendance, and have not previously attended an Annual Convention, may apply and receive one of 10 complimentary delegate registrations available for existing members (eligibility requirements exist). JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2019 July 21-24 — IAVM (International Association of Venue Managers) Venue Connect Annual Conference and Trade Show, McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, Ill. Aug. 1 — IAFE CYBERSEMINAR: ANIMAL HEALTH PLANNING — A systematic approach to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from animal health situations at fairs. 2:00 p.m. Central Aug. 15 — IAFE Hall of Fame Award Nomination Deadline. Aug. 31 — IAFE “First Time” Convention Scholarship Application Deadline. Aug. 31 — IAFE Heritage Awards Nomination Deadline. Aug. 31 — IAFE Institute Scholarships Application Deadline.

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Aug. 31 — IAFE YPI Rising Star Award Nomination Deadline. Aug. 31 — IAFE YPI Zone Convention Scholarship Application Deadline. Sept. 25-27 — IFEA (International Festivals & Events Association) Annual Convention, Expo & Retreat, Williamsburg Lodge Marriott Autograph Collection, Colonial Williamsburg, Va. Sept. 30 — IAFE Association Executive of the Year Award Nomination Deadline. Oct. 1 — IAFE Awards Contests Entries Submission Deadline. Oct. 2 — IAFE Early Bird Convention Registration (Best Pricing!) Ends. Oct. 2-4 — Wyoming Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Cheyenne, Wyo. Oct. 17-19 — British Columbia Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions Annual Convention, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre, Sun Peaks, British Columbia. Oct. 18-19 — Kentucky Association of Fairs & Horse Shows Annual Fall Conference, Crowne Plaza, Louisville, Ky. Oct. 23 — IAFE CYBERSEMINAR: ADVERTISING/SOCIAL MEDIA BASICS (IFM #120). 2:00 p.m. Central Oct. 24-26 — Washington State Fairs Association Annual Convention, The Centennial Hotel Spokane, Spokane, Wash. Oct. 26 — Association of Connecticut Fairs Annual Meeting, Lyceum, Terryville, Conn. Nov. 1 — IAFE Convention PreRegistration Ends. Nov. 8-9 — Colorado Association of Fairs and Shows Annual Convention, Hotel Eleganté Conference & Events Center, Colorado Springs, Colo. Nov. 8-9 — Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Fairs Annual Joint Convention, Marriott Farmington, Farmington, Conn. Nov. 13 — IAFE CYBERSEMINAR: ENTERTAINMENT I (IFM #133). 12:00 Noon Central with RMAF Nov. 13-15 — Canadian Association of Fairs & Exhibitions Annual Convention, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Nov. 13-16 — Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Davis Conference Center, Layton, Utah.

Nov. 18-22 — IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Expo 2019, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. Nov. 21-23 — Dakota Fairs & Celebrations Annual Convention, Best Western Ramkota Hotel, Aberdeen, S.D. Dec. 1-4 — 129TH ANNUAL IAFE CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW, HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. Dec. 13-15 — Association of Iowa Fairs Annual Convention, Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines, Iowa. 2020 Jan. 2-4 — North Carolina Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Convention, Embassy Suites Hotel, Cary, N.C. Jan. 2-4 — Virginia Association of Fairs Annual Convention, The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Va. Jan. 2-5 — Ohio Fair Managers Association Annual Convention, Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio. Jan. 3-5 — Indiana Association of Fairs Annual Convention. Jan. 5-8 — Wisconsin Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Jan. 8-11 — Kentucky Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Ky. Jan. 9-11 — Arkansas Fair Managers Association Annual Convention, Hot Springs, Ark. Jan. 9-11 — West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Annual Convention, Charleston Civic Center and Charleston Marriott Town Center, Charleston, W.Va. Jan. 9-11 — Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions Annual Convention. Jan. 9-12 — Oregon Fairs Association Annual Convention, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg, Ore. Jan. 16-18 — Tennessee Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Embassy Suites Hotel, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Jan. 16-19 — Minnesota Federation of County Fairs Annual Convention.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jan. 17-20 — Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Convention, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, Ill. Jan. 17-20 — New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Convention, Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, N.Y. Jan. 19-22 — Western Fairs Association Annual Convention, Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nev. Jan. 22-25 — Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs Annual Convention, Hershey Lodge & Convention Center, Hersey, Pa. Jan. 30-Feb. 1 — Georgia Association of Agricultural Fairs and South Carolina Association of Fairs Combined Annual Convention, Embassy Suites Hotel Golf Resort and Conference Center, Greenville, S.C. Feb. 1 — Vermont & New Hampshire Fair Association Annual Meeting, Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon, West Lebanon, N.H. Feb. 28-March 1 — IAFE Zone 5 Annual Meeting, Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Des Moines, Iowa. March 5-7 — IMPACT & IMPRESSIONS SPECIALTY SEMINAR (Advertising, PR, and Sponsorship), RENAISSANCE COLUMBUS DOWNTOWN HOTEL, COLUMBUS, OHIO. March 22-25 — IAFE Zone 4 Annual Meeting, LaCrosse, Wis. April 14-17 — 52ND ANNUAL IAFE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE (for fair management staff ), HYATT REGENCY ST. LOUIS AT THE ARCH, ST. LOUIS, MO. May 3-5 — SUMMIT (limited to enrollees/grads of the IAFE Institute of Fair Management), MARRIOTT COLUMBIA, COLUMBIA, S.C. May 7-9 — IAFE Zone 1 Annual Meeting, York, Pa. May 14-16 — Combined Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows Annual Convention and IAFE Zone 2 Annual Meeting, Renaissance at World Golf Village, St. Augustine, Fla. May 15-18 — Oregon Fairs Association Spring Conference, Tillamook County Fairgrounds, Tillamook, Ore. June 30-July 11 — RASC Commonwealth Agriculture Conference, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom.

July 26-29 — IAVM (International Association of Venue Managers) VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, Long Beach, Calif. Nov. 11-14 — Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Hotel Eleganté, Colorado Springs, Colo. Nov. 17-20 — IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Expo 2020, Orlando, Fla.

Nov. 19-21 — Dakota Fairs & Celebrations Annual Convention, Grand Hotel, Minot, N.D. Nov. 29-Dec. 2 — 130TH ANNUAL IAFE CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW, HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. Dec. 10-13 — Association of Iowa Fairs Annual Convention, Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines, Iowa.

Enter an IAFE Contest! www.iafecontest.com

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

THE INSIDER

WELCOME ABOARD . . . The Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., recently announced the hiring of Maureen Freniere as an event sales coordinator. Maureen previously served as a commercial trust specialist at FarmTek. As event sales coordinator, she will be responsible for securing new partners, opportunities, and events to be held on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition throughout the year. LEADERSHIP REORGANIZATION . . . The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis recently announced the promotion of several employees as part of a reorganization of roles. Each overseen by a chief officer, the new divisions include Finance, Marketing, Operations, Police & Public Safety, and State Fair Programming. The new chiefs are Chief Programs Officer Shari Black, Chief Operating Officer Chris Kowieski, and Chief Marketing Officer Jen Puente. Jamie Kwiatkowski was named director of entertainment, events & guest relations, serving within the State Fair Programming division. NEW RECRUIT . . . The Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) in Billings, Mont., has announced the hiring of Mackenzie Holmberg as director of communication and equine programs department head. Her responsibilities include handling horse sales and futurities, the ranch rodeo, and raffle filly. She is the lead on the Stetsons and Stilettos fundraiser and works on other graphic design and website projects. PROMOTION TIME . . . The IAAPA recently announced the promotion of David Mandt to executive vice president and chief engagement officer. The newly created position is responsible for association membership engagement and global marketing, communications, and education. David most recently served as senior vice president of marketing and communications for IAAPA. LIKE AND SHARE . . . Noise New Media, along with marketing members from the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis and Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis recently visited the Chicago offices of Facebook to discuss emerging Facebook advertising objectives and techniques. From left are Steve Richo of Noise New Media, Fernanda of Facebook, Jay Matthes of the Wisconsin State Fair, Anna Whelchel and Alexis Behnkendorf of the Indiana State Fair, Mark O’Shea of Noise New Media, Jen Puente and Angela Sheahan of the Wisconsin State Fair, and Manny Girón of Facebook. 54

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

AWARDING AN ADVENTURER . . . The New England Fellowship of Agricultural Adventurers presented Wilson “Bill” Clark with the 2019 Agricultural Adventurers Award at the annual meeting of the Eastern States Exposition. The award, sponsored by Eastern States Exposition, was presented to Bill for his significant and far-reaching contributions to the maple sugaring industry in Vermont and beyond. He and his brother started a commercial maple operation called Clark Brothers and a maple mail-order business, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. He served as president of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association for 32 years.

THE INSIDER

WITH HONORS . . . The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition in Miami, Fla., recognized seven middle and high school students for going out of their way to help others in the community. All seven were finalists for the Walter B. Arnold Jr. Youth Hall of Fame Community Service Award. Each finalist received $100 and the winners of the award received $1,000. The winners were Joi Turner and Jazmin

Neadle. Joi of Frank C. Martin K-8 Center is founder, chef, and CEO of Delivering Joi, an organization that collects donated food, turns it into meals, and delivers to those in need. Jazmin created the nonprofit A Sweet Chance to bring pampering and glamour to teens in foster care as a means to help them get through tough times.

NEW CHAIR . . . The board of directors for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, the organization that produces the Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock, has announced the hiring of Dawn Mabry as livestock chair. In her role, Dawn will oversee all livestock show activities during the Arkansas State Fair, including working with the livestock committee to organize the livestock show, assisting breed superintendents, enforcing competition rules and regulations, administering the youth scholarship programs, and helping raise funding for the annual Sale of Champions.

BABY ON BOARD . . . The IAFE office grew by one as Administrative Assistant Matt Combes and his wife Emmy welcomed baby boy Fox to their family. Fox was born on May 20, weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz., and 20 inches long. Dad, mom, brother Van, and baby Fox are all happy and healthy.

Do you have any special announcements (anniversaries, awards, births, new hires, promotions, retirements, weddings, etc.) to share with The Insider? Please send your information to: IAFE, Attn. Fairs & Expos Magazine, 3043 E. Cairo, Springfield, MO 65802 or rebekahl@fairsandexpos.com.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

ASSOCIATION AFFAIRS

Florida Federation of Fairs Announces New Executive Director

VAF Announces Leadership Change

The Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows (FFF) recently announced Daniel West as its new executive director. An extensive search for a replacement for the retiring Lisa Hinton began in March. West has served as manager of the Manatee County Fair in Palmetto, Fla., since 2003. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1993 with a degree in Agronomy and Agriculture Extension Education. He returned to his alma mater Palmetto High School in 1994 where he was awarded “Teacher of the Year” and the Palmetto Elks’ “Teacher of the Year,” both in 1999. In 2003, West was named manager of the Manatee County Fair, the same year he was named Palmetto High School Citizen of the Year. In 2005, he became a member of the board of directors for the FFF and served as the organization’s president in 2012. He was inducted into the FFF Hall of Fame in 2019.

The Virginia Association of Fairs (VAF) recently announced the retirement of Executive Services Coordinator Joye Wood. Wood previously served as president of the VAF from 2007-2008 and was a longtime volunteer at the Warren County Fair in Front Royal, Va. Taking over from Wood are Dawn Burch of the Shenandoah County Fair in Woodstock, Va., and Theresa Woodall of the Isle of Wight County Fair in Windsor, Va. The will serve as co-executive directors of the VAF.

Contact Steve Siever at steves@fairsandexpos.com to advertise in Fairs & Expos.

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FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

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“Find That Fair” is easy to use! Search by Start Date or Month Search by State or Province Search by Reported Attendance It’s as easy as 1-2-3! 1 Go to Site Login at www.fairsandexpos.com 2 Use your e-mail address and member password 3 Go to About Us ➛ Find That Fair ➛ and Filter your search Need help? Call us at 800-516-0313 or check out the video tutorial at https://www.youtube.com/user/IAFEtheNetwork

ASSOCIATE NEWS

NALS&RMA Holds Annual Meeting in St. Paul

The Executive Board of the North American Livestock Show & Rodeo Managers Association (NALS&RMA), consisting of (from left) Secretary-Treasurer Jen Cannon of the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines; President Glen Alan Phillips of the American Royal Association in Kansas City, Mo.; and Vice President Brandi Herndon of the Tulsa State Fair in Tulsa, Okla., met up at the NALS&RMA Annual Meeting, May 20-23 in St. Paul, Minn.

Ames Percheron Farm displayed exhibitor ribbons dating as far back as the early 1900s.

A panel of exhibitors of draft horses, sheep, beef, and hogs, answered questions about why they show at fairs, what is important to them, and what should be changed. Tom Burke of the American Angus Hall of Fame reminded fairs that they are â&#x20AC;&#x153;citizen buildersâ&#x20AC;? through the competition offered for youth.

The attendees toured Cedar Ridge Arabians and met the new foal, Nugget.

Jerry Hammer of the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul welcomed the delegates to a dinner and tour of the fairgrounds.

The Ames Percheron Farm was a stop on the industry tour where attendees saw the famed Ames Six-Horse Hitch in action. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

FAIR NEWS

State Fair of Texas Awards Nearly $1.25 Million to Texas Students Since its establishment in 1992, the Big Tex Scholarship Program has continued to uphold the State Fair’s nonprofit mission of supporting agriculture, education, and community involvement. Looking forward to another year of supporting Texas students through college scholarships, the State Fair honored its Dallas-area 2019 scholarship recipients at the annual Big Tex Scholarship Awards Luncheon on May 2. New recipients and their families gathered at the Tower Building in Fair Park for the event, recipients hailed from six Dallas Independent School District (DISD) high schools in the Fair Park area and Seasonal Employee recipients hailed from across the DFW metroplex.

Awarding a total of nearly $1.25 million in new college scholarships in 2019, the fair recognized 85 Pete Schenkel Scholarship recipients from DISD and seven Seasonal Employee Scholarship recipients, in addition to 111 Youth Livestock Scholarship recipients from around the state who could not be in attendance. Guests got the chance to hear from Brandon Todd, an anchor-reporter for Fox4 news and presenter of the awards. Students listened to the keynote speaker Chief Dominique Artis of Dallas FireRescue, a Dallas native and an alumnus of Roosevelt High School. In addition, attendees heard from Big Tex Scholarship Program alumnus, Marcus

Johnson, who is now the assistant principal at his alma mater — James Madison High School. Recipients receive a $6,000 grant, renewable each semester if the student meets the criteria for renewal. Students must attend an accredited college, university, or trade school within the state of Texas. In order to qualify for scholarship renewal, recipients must enroll in, and pass, a minimum of 12 hours each semester. In addition, recipients must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA their first semester and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for every semester thereafter. The 2019 State Fair of Texas will be held Sept. 27-Oct. 20 in Dallas, with the theme “Celebrating Texas Creativity.”

Are you using the IAFE online library? It’s free with membership and FULL of helpful documents in many categories, including: Human Resources/Personnel, Agriculture/Livestock Programs, Competitive Exhibits Programs, Commercial Exhibits & Concessions, Sponsorship, Facility Usage (Year Round), Physical Plant (Operations, Maintenance, etc.), Advertising/Promotions/Public Relations, Consumer Protection Program Components, Carnival Midway, Organizational Structure, Emergency Procedures/Risk Management, Scholarship or Grant Programs, Other Policies and Procedures 60

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

FAIR NEWS

Walter ‘Shorty’ Plymate Passes Away Walter “Shorty” Plymate of Shelbyville, Ind. passed away on May 10, 2019. He was 84. Plymate was born October 27, 1934, the son of Walter F. and Roberta (Marshall) Plymate. On February 17, 1959, he married his beloved wife of 60 years Peggy “Emogene” Plymate, and she preceded him in death on March 18, 2019. Plymate graduated from Fairland High School in 1952. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Army Reserves for five years. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis after 31 years of service in 1996. He was formerly a member of the Eagles and Moose Lodge No. 17 in Indianapolis. Plymate was very active at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. He and Emogene frequently participated in the Indiana Association of Fairs and Festivals annual convention. Plymate is survived by his son Kevin Plymate and wife, Dianne; sisters Patricia Martin, Mary DePrez, Linda Wilson, Carolyn Randolph, and Sharon Russell; brothers Richard Plymate, Robert Plymate, James Plymate, and Charles Plymate; grandchildren Jake Kittinger, Kasey Girardin and husband Garrett; and numerous other family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby County Fair Association, P.O. Box 977, Shelbyville, Ind. 46176.

Cedar County Fair Offers Personalized Bricks In mid-March, northeast Nebraska experienced the worst flooding seen in 50 years. Numerous homes and businesses were affected, including the Cedar County Fair in Harrington, which took on the most damage it has seen in its century long existence. For two days, the fairgrounds was under two-feet of water destroying roads, fences, and a portion of the livestock facilities. One building was torn from its foundation, turned 180 degrees, and then carried 400 feet downstream. Once the waters finally receded, fair officials found piles of mud and cornstalks carried from the water, damaged sheetrock, damaged furniture, and doors pushed in from the water currents. One week after waters receded, organizers asked for help with the clean up from the community via social media, expecting only 10-15 volunteers on two nights to respond. On the first night, more than 100 volunteers showed up to help. Fire departments brought with their trucks, restaurants brought food for the volunteers, and board members from three neighboring fairs donated their time. Organizers tried to throttle back the response, with more then 50 volunteers the second night. After the two nights, most of the cleanup was completed. The rebuilding was ready to begin. After evaluating the damage, estimates for repair totaled $150,000. The main cost is replacing the destroyed livestock building. Organizers started a brick campaign to fund the repairs and replacements needed. Donors can purchase a brick for as little as $100 to help sponsor the rebuild. To date, almost $9,000 has been raised. Organizers hope to raise $120,000 before breaking ground on the new livestock building. Personalized bricks can be purchased at www.cedarcountyfair.net/floodrelief. Updates can be found at www.facebook.com/cedarcountyfair/.

Eastern States Exposition Donates $236,423 to Big E/West Springfield Trust Fund The Eastern States Exposition made a donation of $236,423 to The Big E/West Springfield Trust Fund, the second largest gift in the fund’s history. The amount represents 1% of the Exposition’s gross revenues for 2018 and contributions to the Fund, including this year’s gift, now total $4,236,423. The check was presented in a special ceremony held at Town Hall April 23. “The support of youth, elderly, and education in our hometown is of great importance and the exposition is pleased to have continued the tradition of donating to this fund annually for the past 25 years. Every qualifying town organization or agency should consider applying for a grant to supplement its important projects,” stated Big E President and CEO and IAFE Second Vice Chair Gene Cassidy. Fund trustees award a percentage of the donation to benefit education, youth, and the elderly in West Springfield and leave the remainder to accrue. Trustees of the Fund are West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt, Cassidy, and Attorney Mary Paier Powers. In 2018, the exposition waived rental and parking fees for horse and agricultural shows as well as special events such as West Springfield High School graduation and the town’s Family Concert Series on Storrowton Village Green. Town residents also receive free parking for year-round events. In-kind services and donations include providing free Big E admission for all Town students on West Springfield Day, a value of over $63,264. In addition, ESE provides sponsorship and marketing support for the Rotary Club of West Springfield, the Boys & Girls Club and several town organizations. The 2019 Eastern States Exposition will be held Sept. 13-29 in West Springfield, Mass.

Submit your job openings and RFPs to us — we’ll list them on our website for FREE. JULY/AUGUST 2019 | FAIRS & EXPOS

FAIR NEWS

Minnesota State Fair Boasts $268 Million Economic Impact in Twin Cities The year-round operations of the 2018 Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul generated $268 million in economic impact for the Twin Cities, plus additional unmeasured impact throughout the Midwest. The economic impact study, conducted by IAFE Member Markin Consulting shows that the state fair supports more than 12,000 fulltime, seasonal, and part-time jobs with $76.9 million in direct earnings for Twin Cities residents. In addition, the state fair’s annual operation generates $9.9 million in state and local taxes. The economic impact study was produced using data from the state fair’s 2018 operations (fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2018) of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, the governing body of the state fair. The society is responsible for the production of the annual state fair, year-round activities, and upkeep of the 322-acre state fairgrounds. The 2018 state fair attracted a record 2 million visitors during its 12-day run, plus the fairgrounds hosted a busy schedule of 150 non-fair events throughout the year. “By far, the state fair’s most important impact is social. It’s where everyone feels welcome and where we celebrate the very best of each other. But every now and then, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the state fair’s economic impact. It’s important to remember that this study focuses only on the Twin Cities. There’s additional unmeasured impact throughout Minnesota and in neighboring states. And every Minnesotan can be proud that our fair receives no government funding,” stated State Fair of Minnesota General Manager and IAFE Hall of Famer Jerry Hammer. The 2019 Minnesota State Fair will be held Aug. 22-Sept. 2 in St. Paul.

Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition Selects Eduardo Cora as President and CEO The board of directors at Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition has hired Eduardo “Eddie” Cora as its new president and CEO. “We are pleased to announce that Eddie Cora will be leading the MiamiDade County Youth Fair & Exposition. While searching for candidates to lead our organization, Eddie stood out for his ability to bring years of valuable Youth Fair experience to the table. As a longtime board member and former chair of the board, he understands our business and has the ideas needed to carry it well into the future,” stated Nelson Bellido, chair of the board of directors. A resident of Miami since 1979, Cora was elected to The Youth Fair board of directors in 2000 and served two terms as chair. Before taking the helm at The Youth Fair, Cora was involved with the landscaping and agricultural industries since 1998. He promoted best management practices in landscaping to ensure environmental sustainability throughout all communities in Florida. He is a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, and worked with partners in the community to preserve and increase the canopy coverage in Miami-Dade County.

Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Expo Awards College Scholarships The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Expo in Miami, Fla., recently awarded $1,000 college scholarships to 157 recipients. The scholarship recipients are graduates of public, private, charter, home schooling, alternative education, and adult vocational schools in Miami-Dade County. Eighteen of the scholarships will go to students planning a career in agribusiness. In addition, the scholarship program has provided six $1,000 scholarships to Florida International University students who assisted with performing arts competitions during 2019 Youth Fair. For the sixth year, the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Expo provided $6,500 in scholarships to the winners and finalists of the prestigious 2019 Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics Essay Contest. Overall, Scholarship Program disbursements, prizes, premiums, awards, and contributions totaled approximately $600,000. “The high cost to attain post-secondary education is placing an unprecedented financial burden on our young people. It is our hope that the scholarships will help ease the burden for these students and their families. We applaud their high achievement and encourage them to do great things in their lives and in our Miami-Dade community, the country and the world,” stated Eddie Cora, president and CEO of The Youth Fair. To date, The Youth Fair has awarded more than $11 million to Miami-Dade County students to help them achieve higher education.

www.iafefoundation.org 62

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

FAIR NEWS

Allentown Fair Announces New Booking Alliance with Live Nation

Delaware State Fair Celebrates Expanded Use of Special License Plates

In an effort to elevate the fan experience and secure new performers for the Allentown Fair in Allentown, Pa., the Lehigh County Agricultural Society recently announced a new alliance with Live Nation Philadelphia. “Live Nation has an outstanding reputation for securing live performances across the Lehigh Valley and across the United States. We are excited for the opportunities that Live Nation will bring to the Allentown Fair,” stated Ray Hoffman, CEO/executive chair of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. “The Allentown Fair has a long and storied history and we are thrilled to be working with the Lehigh County Agricultural Society in helping bring some of the best entertainers to Allentown,” said Geoff Gordon, regional president of Live Nation Philadelphia. The Allentown Fair concert stage will feature Live and Bush on Aug. 27; truTV’s the Impractical Jokers on Aug. 28; Brooks & Dunn on Aug. 29; Miranda Lambert on Aug. 30; Why Don’t We on Aug. 31; and Daryl Hall & John Oates on Sept. 1. The 2019 Allentown Fair will be held Aug. 27-Sept. 2.

The Delaware State Fair recently celebrated Governor John Carney signing S.B. 42. In April, the Department of Motor Vehicles began offering limited-edition a special license plate commemorating the fair’s 100th anniversary. Senate Bill 42 expanded the opportunity to display these special tags on any car, truck, or trailer weighing less than 26,000 pounds owned by individuals or businesses. At the bill signing ceremony in Dover, Fair President Ron Draper acknowledged the need for the amendment to permit supporters of the fair to display these tags on their cars and trucks. He thanked the governor, former legislators Gary Simpson and Harvey Kenton, and bill sponsors Sen. Dave Wilson and Reps. Jesse Vanderwende and Bill Carson for their support in preparing and seeking passage of the bill. Fair General Manager Bill DiMondi noted the limited edition plates are uniquely designed and draw a fair amount of attention when seen on area roads, in addition to offering fair supporters an opportunity to display a low-digit special Delaware license plate to show their support for the fair.

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FAIR REPORTS

Salinas Valley Fair Location: King City, Calif. Person Completing Report: CEO TJ Plew Dates: May 16-19, 2019 Attendance: 32,515 — Down 20% Admissions: $12 adults, $10 youths and senior citizens, free children Parking: $10 Theme: “Farm to Fable” Carnival/Midway: Butler Amusements Carnival Gross: Down 24%

Livestock Sales Total: $2,385,859 — Up 4% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 1,411 — Down 1% Number of Competitive Exhibits: 6,642 — Down 4% Free Entertainment/Attendance: Farmer 500 Amateur Auto Race — 5/16 — 1,500; Fireworks of America — 5/16 — 500; WGAS Truck Pulls — 5/17 — 1,500; ProWrestling — 5/17 —

From left, David and Steven Gill of Gill’s Onions were honored at the Salinas Valley Fair Auction for their lifetime support of the auctions and the 4-H and FFA programs in Monterey County, Calif.

The Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation raised $108,000 from the sale of the market goat raised by Ivan Trujillo (front and center) of Greenfield FFA. Trujillo was awarded more than $2,500 in scholarships and cash for his part in helping to raise funds to benefit the fair.

The Mullins sisters of Chualar 4-H donated all auction proceeds of their steers to “Save JT,” to benefit a young boy born with TPI.

Fair organizers partnered with local concert promoter, M&S Entertainment, to produce a Sunday entertainment line-up that appealed to all ages, including three bandas performing on stage at once.

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

500; Humpz-n-Horns Bull Riding — 5/18 — 400; Como La Flor — 5/18 — 50; Humpz-n-Horns Jaripeo — 5/19 — 1,500; Carnaval Bandero by M&S Entertainment — 5/19 — 700 Other Entertainment/Attractions: Wild Science, Barnyard Adventures, Cook’s Racing Pigs, Fables of the West, Animal Cracker Conspiracy, Adam the Great Weather: Cool, rain

In its fourth year at the Salinas Valley Fair, the WGAS Truck Pulls had its biggest turn out to date with a capacity crowd and more than 48 trucks at the Friday night event.

Fairgoers of all ages enjoyed the carnival at the Salinas Valley Fair, especially on Friday and Sunday when the weather was dry.

FAIR REPORTS

Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. (The Youth Fair) Location: Miami, Fla. Person Completing Report: Director of Marketing & Entertainment Claudia Hernandez Dates: March 14-April 7, except March 18-19 & April 1-2 Attendance: 552,404 — Up 21% Admissions: $14 adults, free children and senior citizens Parking: Free Theme: “Be There! The Fair” Carnival/Midway: North American Midway Entertainment Livestock Sales Total: $53,000 — Down 28% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 261 — Up 1% Number of Competitive Exhibits: 63,120 — Down 1% Free Entertainment/Attendance: Becky G — 3/15 — 3,060; Zach Williams — 3/24 — 1,583; Farruko — 3/29 — 6,237 Other Entertainment/Attractions: The Royal Hanneford Circus, Rosstyn Ice Skating Show, The Living Vine, “Night Fever” — An Evening of the Bee Gees, The Fritters, RoboCars, Tadpole & Katie the Clowns, Strolling Piano, kids tractor pulls, The Giant Bubble Show, Show-Me Safari Petting Zoo, Pig Races & Pony Rides Weather: One day and two evenings affected by rain, remaining days were perfect

Clinton County Fair Location: Albany, Ky. Person Completing Report: Secretary Kelly Guﬀey Dates: June 8-15, 2019 Attendance: 7,500 Admissions: $8-$15 adults, free children Parking: Free Carnival/Midway: Forever Young Amusements Carnival Gross: Up 10% Ticketed Entertainment/Attendance: Family Night — 6/11; Demolition derby — 6/12; MTPA Truck Pull — 6/14; Full Throttle Monster Truck Show — 6/15 Weather: Rained out on the ﬁrst day, wonderful weather the rest of the time

Southeastern Youth Fair Location: Ocala, Fla. Person Completing Report: Executive Director Sara LeFils Dates: Feb. 15-23, 2019 Admissions: Free Parking: Free Theme: “Our Roots Fun Deep” Carnival/Midway: Paradise Amusements Carnival Gross: Up 23% Livestock Sales Total: $686811.30 — Down 1.5% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 428 — Same Number of Competitive Exhibits: 1,175 Weather: Perfect, sunny, very hot

School’s Agriculture and Nutrition Location: Pomona, Calif. Person Completing Report: CEO Silvia Bishop Dates: May 14-18, 2019 Attendance: 3,700 – Down 21% Admissions: Free Parking: Free Theme: “Get Your Mooove On” Number of Competitive Exhibits: 1,800 – Same

Other Entertainment/Attractions: Dairy Council of CA Mobiel Dairy Classroom, AG DAY LA, All About Animals Petting Zoo, Discovering Science, face painting, rope making demonstrations, corn grinding demonstrations Weather: Cool, overcast, rain

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FAIR REPORTS

Glenn County Fair Location: Orland, Calif. Person Completing Report: CEO Miki Martin Dates: May 16-19, 2019 Attendance: 13,510 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Down 30%

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Livestock Sales Total: $725,261 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Up 11% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 497 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Same Number of Competitive Exhibits: Same Ticketed Entertainment/Attendance: Auto racing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5/17 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 625; Destruction Derby â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5/18 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 978 Free Entertainment/Attendance: Vintage tractor pulls â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5/16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; cancelled; Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 6/19 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; cancelled Other Entertainment/Attractions: All Alaskan Pig Races, Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, Washboard Billy, Matt Henry â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Trained Human, Frank Thurston, The Cutest Show on Earth, The Perceptives, Amanda Gray, Four for the Gallows, Willows Bluegrass Band, Mill Creek Rising, local entertainment Weather: Raining and cold

St. Lucie County Fair Location: Fort Pierce, Fla. Person Completing Report: General Manager Jeanne Keaton Dates: Feb. 22-March 3, 2019 Attendance: 131-112 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Up 5% Admissions: $15 adults, $8 senior citizens, $5 youths, free children Parking: Free Theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thrills, Squeals, and Ferris Wheelsâ&#x20AC;? Carnival/Midway: Strates Shows/Murphy Brothers Carnival Gross: Up 9% Livestock Sales Total: Down 3% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 578 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Up 4% Number of Competitive Exhibits: 618 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Up 3% Free Entertainment/Attendance: Carly Pearce â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2/26 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1,100 Other Entertainment/Attractions: Hypnotist Chris Mabrey, Funny Little People, Danny Grant Cowboy Circus, Groovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Groundhogs, Thundergrass Band, Ninja Experience, Red Dragon Laser Tag, Robots and Cars Entertainment, Show Me Safari Petting Zoo, Checkmate Band, T.E. Productions Demolition Derby

FAIR REPORTS

Highlands County Fair Location: Sebring, Fla. Person Completing Report: Administrative Assistant Rachel Wolfe Dates: Feb. 8-16, 2019 Attendance: 24,743 — Down 18.1% Admissions: $8 adults, free children Parking: $3 Carnival/Midway: Reithoffer Shows Carnival Gross: Down 1.7% Livestock Sales Total: $311,900.80 — Up 4.03% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 253 — Up 8.2% Number of Competitive Exhibits: 205 — Same Other Entertainment/Attractions: Scott’s Crazy Comedy Magic Show, Eudora Farms Petting Zoo, Tricky Dogs Show, Cowtown USA Weather: Partly cloudy, one day of rain, temperatures between 59-83 degrees

Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival

San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo

Location: West Friendship, Md. Person Completing Report: General Manager Kris Thorne Dates: May 4-5, 2019 Attendance: 19,000 — Down 9.5% Admissions: $5 adults Parking: Free Theme: “More Sheep and Wool Than You Can Imagine” Livestock Sales Total: $22,675 — Up 4% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 675 — Down 17% Number of Competitive Exhibits: 2,215 — Down 7.3% Weather: Cloudy and a few showers on Saturday, rainy and flash flood warning on Sunday

Location: San Angelo, Texas Person Completing Report: Senior Manager Brittni Kaczyk Dates: Feb. 1-17, 2019 Attendance: 240,000 — Up 8% Admissions: $8 adults, $5 youths Parking: Free Carnival/Midway: Carnival Americana Carnival Gross: Up 10% Livestock Sales Total: $932,000 — Up 10% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 13,400 — Down 8% Other Entertainment/Attractions: Great American Petting Zoo, GASCAR Animal Races Weather: Favorable for February

Verde Valley Fair Location: Cottonwood, Ariz. Person Completing Report: Director Coleen Gilboy Dates: May 1-5, 2019 Attendance: 25,089 — Up 9% Admissions: $8 adults, $6 youths, $5 senior citizens, free children Parking: Free Theme: “Rodeos, Cows, Ribbons & Sows” Carnival/Midway: Brown’s Amusement Livestock Sales Total: $328,084.50 — Up 9% Number of Livestock Exhibits: 422 — Up 25% Number of Competitive Exhibits: 673 — Up 8% Free Entertainment/Attendance: Stray Gathering — 5/3 — 1,500; Jed Morrison — 5/4 — 2,000; Rough Stock — 5/4 — 2,500 Other Entertainment/Attractions: Walk on the Wild Side, Steve’s Fun Balloons, Washboard Willy, Counour, Playing with Giants, chainsaw carver, Frekle Farm Petting Zoo Weather: Five beautiful days

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Rixstine Recognition

ADVERTISERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; INDEX

Allied Specialty Insurance

B G.L. Berg Entertainment

IAFE Champions of Change

IAFE Convention

IAFE Find That Fair

40 K

C Caravel Marketing

The Coca-Cola Company

K&K Insurance

K/O Fairground Planners

N D

National Event Services

DockDogs

IFC

2 P

Priefert Complex Designs

Erie County Fair (NY)

IBC

1 R

F Fair Publishing House

Fanastil Meats

First Data

Regalia Mfg.

Rixstine Recognition

S ShoWorks Software

South Carolina State Fair

Giant Ride, Inc.

Gist Silversmiths

H OBC

Want to advertise in the next issue of Fairs & Expos? Call Steve Siever at 800-516-0313 to reserve your space today! 68

FAIRS & EXPOS | JULY/AUGUST 2019

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Haas & Wilkerson Insurance

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