Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc.
The Faircracker
President’s Message
OFFICERS
Rhonda Ward Hello fair family! The New Year has come and we are now already a month in. Spring fairs are happening all over our state and it is a great thing. I have been able to get out to a couple this past month and they were fantastic. I look forward to visiting more this month. Last month we held our Winter Board Meeting and had a nice group attend. Dawn Rowe set-up a perfect dinner for us and we all shared lots of laughter and excitement for our upcoming convention and year. We also toured a possible new convention hotel the Rosen Centre and the Caribe Royal where we will be in 2023. We enjoyed both the tours and cannot wait to get to the Caribe Royal and have so much space. It is currently being updated and will be a larger, brighter and more inviting space when we arrive. They are currently undergoing a huge renovation. We were able to see some of what they are doing and know that you will be pleased with all they are doing to make our stay fantastic. During our board meeting we discussed a lot about convention and continue to move forward with great and exciting ideas. If there is anything that you would like to see at convention, please let Dan or Elaine or myself know. We want to bring the best information and keep up with current issues in our industry. A big thank you to all the committees for the great things you are doing and helping to make it all come together. Zone 1 and Zone 2
Spring 2022
President Rhonda Ward The Collier Agricultural Fair and Exposition, Inc. 751-39th Avenue NE Naples, FL 34120 Phone: 239-455-1444 rhonda@colliercountyfair.com are also excited to join us and help make this convention a huge success. They are working with Dan and providing speakers to add to the program. Please keep an eye out for registration because you don’t want to miss it! In closing I pray that each of you are blessed in immeasurable ways today and always. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all you do. Let the Fair Times Roll! GOD BLESS, Rhonda
First Vice President Terry Atchley, Hardee County Fair Second Vice President Hal Porter, Citrus County Fair Secretary/Treasurer Fran Crone, SW FL & Lee County Fair Immediate Past President Jim Ward, Pasco County Fair DIRECTORS Eddie Cora, Miami-Dade County Fair Cheryl Flood, Florida State Fair Authority Mark Harvey, North Florida Fair Rita DeMier Lincoln, South Florida Fair Bill Olson, Greater Jacksonville Ag Fair Jay Spicer, Martin County Fair Shelly Terrell, Northeast Florida Fair Stacey Wade, Lake County Fair ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Eddie Porcelli, Spaghetti Eddie Robert Smith, Robert Smith Presents HONORARY DIRECTORS Geoffrey Patterson, Florida Farm Bureau Michelle Faulk, FDACS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dan West P.O. Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220-0368 813-763-0161 dwest1840@gmail.com
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From The Executive Director Dan West Hello Federation Members! I trust everyone had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to “Let the Fair Times Roll!” That is the theme for the upcoming Florida Federation of Fairs Zone 1 & 2 Convention coming up in May. I think that it is appropriate for our industry right now because the Florida Fairs are off to a great start for 2022. We have made several visits since January to Fairs around the state and hopes are high for the good trends to continue. In December many Federation members were able to make it to the IAFE Convention in San Antonio. We had a great time meeting with folks from all across the county who we had not seen for two years. It gave everyone a chance to discuss issues from the past two years and talk about developing issues in the industry. A BIG shout out goes to Dawn Rowe of the Osceola County Fair, who was a recipient of the IAFE Heritage Award. Congratulations Dawn! We are so proud of you! Congratulations to all of the Florida Fairs receiving awards from the IAFE! In January, the Federation Board met in Orlando at the Rosen Hotel to officially begin preparations for the 71st Florida Federation of Fairs Zone 1 & 2 Convention. “Let the Fair Times Roll” a Mardi Gras theme was chosen for this year’s event. The showcase lineups were selected and the convention schedule is a work in progress. Don’t forget, the convention will be held in Naples at the Naples Grande Beach Resort May 12-14, 2022. Information about the convention was emailed out to everyone so please let us know if you did not receive it. Make your hotel reservations and register for the convention at Floridafairs.org. Also, look on page 7 for the information about the Florida Federation of Fairs Convention Fun Shoot that will be held on Wednesday, May 11th at Gulf Coast Clays in Naples. Come out and enjoy this time with other fairs and associate members for a great networking and fellowship. We are continuing our efforts to get out and visit fairs so be on the lookout for us to show up to a fair near you. I look forward to seeing all of you at the convention and at a Florida Fair soon! Daniel West
Dates to Remember Deadline to reserve hotel Rooms April 20 Make Reservations for Shoot-Out Make Reservation for YPI Mix ‘n Mingle Deadline: May 1 Reservations for YPI Mix N Mingle/ Directory Photo Contest Sign up for Hospitality Donations Sign up for Auction Items Sign up to volunteer for Welcoming Committee Transmit photos for Year In Revue Sign up for Sponsorships Giles Ellis Memorial Shoot-Out May 11 FFF Convention, Naples May 12-14 Board of Directors meeting 10 AM May 12 Board of Directors meeting 2:45 May 14 IAFE Convention Nov. 27-30 Indianapolis, IN
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Advertisers............................................................................. 4 Associate Members (new) ................................................... 76 Attorney’s Corner ................................................................... 4 Board of Directors .................................................................. 1 Board Meetings ..................................................................... 3 Capitol Update ..................................................................... 49 Convention ................................................................ 5,6,7,8,9 Executive Director ................................................................. 3 Faircracker Advertising .......................................................... 4 Festival & Events ................................................................. 45 IAFE............................................................ 51,52,53,57,58,59 Important Dates ..................................................................... 3 In Memory............................................................. 77,78,79-80 NICA .................................................................................... 61 OABA................................................................................... 67 President’s Message ............................................................. 1 Shoot out ............................................................................... 7 UCA ..................................................................................... 73 YPI ....................................................................................... 11 Zone 1 ................................................................................. 54 Zone 2 ................................................................................. 55
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2021 Sep 28-Oct 2 Sep 23-Oct 3* Oct 11-16 Oct 14-24 Oct 21-Oct 31 Oct 23-31 Oct 29-Nov 6 Nov 4-14 Nov 4-14 Nov 4-14
2021-22 FAIR DATES Northwest Florida Fair Gtr Hillsborough County Fair Walton County Fair Northeast Florida Fair Pensacola Interstate Fair Alachua County Fair Assn Florida Gateway Fairgrounds Gtr Jacksonville Ag Fair North Florida Fair Volusia County Fair
Ft. Walton Bch Sydney DeFuniak Sprg Callahan Pensacola Gainesville Lake City Jacksonville Tallahassee DeLand
2022 Jan 14-30 South Florida Fair W Palm Beach Jan 13-23 Manatee County Fair Palmetto Jan 28-Feb 6 Charlotte County Fair Port Charlotte Feb 4-12 DeSoto County Fair Arcadia Feb 4-12 Highlands County Fair Sebring Feb 8-13 Hendry County Fair Clewiston Feb 10-21 Florida State Fair Tampa Feb 11-19 Martin County Fair Stuart Feb 11-20 Osceola County Fair Kissimmee Feb 19-26 Hardee County Fair Wauchula Feb 21-27 Pasco County Fair Dade City Feb 25-Mar 5 Southeastern Youth Fair Ocala Feb 24-Mar 6 SW FL & Lee County Fair N. Ft. Myers Feb 25-Mar 6 St. Lucie County Fair Ft. Pierce Mar 3-13 Central Florida Fair Orlando Mar 4-8 Alachua County Youth Fair Gainesville Mar 3-13 Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City Mar 4-12 Sumter County Fair Webster Mar 8-13 The Bradford Ag Fair Starke Mar 12-21 Indian Rvr Cty Firefighters Vero Beach Mar 17-27 Collier County Fair Naples Mar 15-20 Okeechobee County Fair Okeechobee Mar 17-Apr 10 Miami-Dade County Fair Miami Mar 19-26 Suwannee County Fair Live Oak Mar 18-26 Putnam County Ag Fair East Palatka Mar 18-27 Sarasota County Ag Fair Sarasota Mar 28-Apr 3 Citrus County Fair Inverness Mar 31-Apr 10 Clay County Ag Fair Green Cove Spr Apr 7-11 Flagler County Fair Bunnell Apr 7-16 Lake County Fair Eustis Apr 9-16 Hernando County Fair Brooksville Sep 9-17 Baker County Fair Macclenny Nov 17-27 Broward County Fair Hollywood TBD Greater Pinellas Country Fair Pinellas Park *Check Fair website for dates closed during this period
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Attorney’s Corner Lance Fuchs
Our sincere sympathy to Lance in the loss of his father E. Darwin Fuchs
Check for cancellations or postponements
Be Seen, Get Noticed!
Advertise in THE FAIRCRACKER, a publication of the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc. Published in SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL AD Rates for Members: Ad Size One Issue Business Card (2”x3”) $30.00 1/4 Page (4”x5”) $60.00 1/2 Page (7”x5”) $90.00 Full Page (7”x10”) $125.00 Inside front or $175.00 Back cover when available.
3 Issues* $ 75.00 $155.00 $225.00 $300.00 $425.00
Deadline for Advertising Submissions: June 1 – deadline for Summer issue October 1 – deadline for FALL issue February 1 – deadline for SPRING issue; *3 issue rate available with prepay for all 3 issues; Digital ads required; acceptable in PDF, TIFF, or high resolution JPEG format.
PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS Belle City Amusements ..... 23 Belmont Magic .................. 33 Belmont Magic .................. 56 G.L. Berg .......................... 67 Johnnie Bubar Show ......... 26 CAS Government Services ......................... 48 Comedy Hypnotist Jon Simon ....................... 40 Dorado Graphix................. 14 Fair Payment Processing by Celero Commerce ...... 46 Fair Publishing House ....... 32 Florida Dairy Farmers ....... 66 Haas Wilkerson Insurance ........................ 30 Harmony Artists, Inc.......... 74 Indiana Ticket Company ... 54 Las Vegas Birds/Squawk .. 44
Lightning Wireless Solutions ........................... 2 Magic of Lance Gifford...... 43 North American Midway Entertainment .... 81 Road House Entertainment .. .......................................... 29 RORRing Entertainment... 69 Scott’s Magic Shows......... 65 E.G. Staats ....................... 63 Stilt Circus ........................ 68 The Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist Show .............. 50 The Moogician ..........48 & 71 The One Man Band Marc Dobson .................. 60 UCA .................................. 73 Vegas Birds ...................... 47
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HOTEL INFORMATION The Naples Grande Beach Resort / 475 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS NOW! Reservations are to be made by the individual attendees. Click on the link on our website floridafairs.org or call this number Reservations Department (855) 577-2370 Group Code: GFFF22)
Important If you find that your plans change and you will not be needing your hotel room, please do not cancel with the hotel! Contact Dan West so he can help those on the waiting list. Dan West 813-763-0161 dwest1840@gmail.com
FLORIDA FAIRS FULL REGISTRATION Registration includes registration for convention, President's Party, Friday Lunch, Friday Night Showcase Extravaganza, Saturday Gala, Trade Show admittance, and all educational sessions. Before May 1st—Full Registration $275 After a May 1st: $300
ZONES 1 AND 2 FULL REGISTRATION Registration includes registration for convention, President's Party, Friday Lunch, Friday Night Showcase Extravaganza, Saturday Gala*, Trade Show admittance, and all educational sessions. Before May 1st—Full Registration $275 After May 1st: $300 *Zone meetings officially end at 4:00 pm on Saturday. Additional tickets for the Gala in advance are $100 NO REFUNDS after May 1st.
ONE DAY REGISTRATION ON SITE ONLY $150 Includes educational sessions and trade show admittance for that specific day. Thursday's registration includes President's Party Reception. Friday's registration includes Lunch. Saturday's registration does not include the Saturday Night Gala ticket, Saturday Night Gala Tickets can be purchased separately for $100 per person, if available.
ASSOCIATES & TRADE SHOW REGISTRATION OPTION 1—$275 Registration includes registration for convention, President's Party, Friday Lunch in the Trade Show, Friday Night Showcase Extravaganza, Saturday Gala*, Trade Show admittance, and all educational sessions. Before May 1st-Full Registration $275 After May 1st: $300 OPTION 2-$250 Registration includes everything listed above except IT DOES NOT INCLUDE SATURDAY NIGHT GALA OPTION 3-$175 Registration includes everything listed above but DOES NOT INCLUDE FRIDAY MEAL OR SATURDAY NIGHT GALA. NO REFUNDS AFTER MAY 1st Thursday, May 12, 2022 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Friday, May 13, 2022 12:30 - 5:30 pm; Lunch will be served in the Trade Show (Exhibitors must purchase a registration package with lunch included if they want to include a lunch on Friday, as lunch must be reserved. Tickets will be taken) Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Show, Inc. 71st Annual Convention with Zone 1 and Zone 2 May 12-14, 2022 The Naples Grande Beach Resort 475 Seagate Dr., Naples, FL 34103 Zone 1 Zone 1 includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The 2022 IAFE Zone 1 Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Florida Federation of Fairs Convention May 12-14 in Naples, FL at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. Zone 2 Zone 2 includes Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. The next IAFE Zone 2 meeting will be held in conjunction with the Florida Federation of Fairs Annual Convention, May 12-14, 2022 in Naples, FL at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.
72nd Annual Convention May 18-20, 2023 73rd Annual Convention May 16-18, 2024
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THE HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE HOPES YOU WILL MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO VISIT AND BE A PART OF THE HOSPITALITY SUITE THIS YEAR. We have appreciated all the donations from the Fairs and Associates in past years and look forward to your participation this year. We have 500 delegates at the Convention so we need to be prepared for each one to visit the Hospitality Suite. We are also encouraging all the Fairs to share homemade snacks again this year. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP. Please fill out the donation form on our website: floridafairs.org And return by May 1st to: Shelly Terrell, Hospitality Chairman Northeast Florida Fair PO Box 1070—Callahan, FL 32011 Or call: (904) 838-8134
We welcome your support of the Federation with a sponsorship for the convention. A Sponsorship Opportunity Flyer can be found on our web-site: floridafairs.org. You can also indicate your interest in a sponsorship on the online registration form and we will contact you. If you have any questions please contact: Cheryl Flood, Federation Sponsorship Chair 813-627-4221 cheryl.flood@floridastatefair.com Our committee wants to make everyone feel “Welcome” at the convention, while also assisting with directions to meeting locations, etc. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please sign up on the website or fill out the form and mail or email by May 1st to: Eddie Cora, Miami-Dade County Fair 10901 SW 24th St. Miami, FL 334165 Email: ecora@fairexpo.com
We need your help! It’s time to prepare for the annual auction as we gear up for the Florida Federation of Fairs Convention in Naples. At this year’s annual auction, we are hoping to break records. Every Fair can take part in this special event by making a monetary donation that will be used to purchase items or by donating an auction item valued at a minimum of $50.00. Our goal is to have each Fair donate a unique and thoughtful gift that is representative of your geographical area. If you are making a monetary donation, please send by May 1st to allow time for items to be purchased. Please fill out the online form and get it to Jay Spicer by May 1st at 772-220-3247 or email to jay@martincountyfair.com. Upon arriving at the convention, please bring your Auction Item to the Registration/Silent Auction Table which will be located at the Registration desk at the convention. Please have your Auction Item delivered no later than Thursday at 1:00 pm as the Auction committee could like to have the Auction set up for the Trade Show on Thursday afternoon.
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CONVENTION COMMITTEES Convention Program Chair: Terry Atchley ................................. Hardee County Fair Advisor: Rhonda Ward ............................... Collier County Fair Vicki Chouris ................................................ South Florida Fair Fran Crone ............................Southwest FL & Lee County Fair Cheryl Flood .................................................. Florida State Fair Gayle Hart ........................................... Gtr Jacksonville Ag Fair Mark Harvey ................................................. North Florida Fair Tasha Hyder .................................................... clay County Fair Rita DeMier-Lincoln..................................... South Florida Fair Bill Olson ............................................ Gtr Jacksonville Ag Fair Hal Porter ..................................................... Citrus County Fair Jay Spicer .................................................... Martin County Fair Jacqueline Stough ...................................... Central Florida Fair Shelly Terrell ................................................ South Florida Fair Stacey Wade .................................................. Lake County Fair Ambassadors for First Time Attendees Chair: Vicki Chouris ................................... South Florida Fair Felecia Frenkel Chivington ................. Pensacola Interstate Fair Paul Davis ...................................... Florida Strawberry Festival Doris Graska ................................................ Citrus County Fair Gayle Hart .......................................... Greater Jacksonville Fair Lisa Hinton, Retired .......................................Ex. Director FFF/ Ellany Johnson ............................... Florida Strawberry Festival Jeanne Keaton, Retired ........................... St. Lucie County Fair Eddie Porcellis ............................................... Spaghetti Eddie’s Jim Ward .......................................................Pasco County Fair **Auction Live/Silent Chair: Jay Spicer ........................................ Martin County Fair Mary Hiers ................................................... Citrus County Fair Lisa Kelley ................................................. Hendry County Fair Paige Poole ................................................... South Florida Fair Hal Porter ..................................................... Citrus County Fair Robert Smith ................................. Robert Smith Presents, LLC Lee Stokes .................................................... Citrus County Fair **Awards Chair: Tasha Hyder ........................................ ClayCounty Fair Renee’ Hough ............................................ Putnam County Fair Nicole Jones ................................................ Martin County Fair Stacey Wade .................................................. Lake County Fair **Door Prizes Chair: Rita DeMier-Lincoln ......................... South Florida Fair Pat Cookson ................................................ Collier County Fair Kathy Ross .................................................... Ross Concessions Dawn Rowe .............................................. Osceola County Fair Lee Stokes .................................................... Citrus County Fair **Gala Chair: Cheryl Flood....................................... Florida State Fair Danny Alfonso ......................................... Manatee County Fair Kayla Cawley................................................. Florida State Fair Heidi Deggeller Pugh.......................Deggeller Attractions, Inc. Charley Fraley ..............................................Pasco County Fair Alyssa Reidy ............................................... Collier County Fair Kimsey Ryan .............................................. Collier County Fair Tracy Thompson ...........................................Pasco County Fair Lane Wetherington ........................ Florida Strawberry Festival
Page 9 **Hospitality Suite Chair: Shelley Terrell............................. Northeast Florida Fair Advisor: Pat Cookson ................................. Collier County Fair Kayla Cawley ............................................... South Florida Fair Suzanne Holcomb ............................. Gtr Hillsborough Cty Fair Lisa Kelley................................................. Hendry County Fair Richie Ryan ................................................ Collier County Fair Bodie Ward................................................. Collier County Fair **President’s Party Chair: Stacey Wade....................................... Lake County Fair Co-Chair: Lane Wetherington .............. FL Strawberry Festival Darren Burton ................................................ Florida State Fair Charles Fraley ............................................... Pasco County Fair Lisa Marie Furth ........................................................ G.L. Berg Richie George ............................................ George’s Fun Foods April Goodnight .......................................... Collier County Fair Nicole Jones................................................ Martin County Fair Alyssa Reidy ............................................... Collier County Fair **Registration Chair: Rita Di-Mier Lincoln ....................... South Florida Fair Dan West .........................................Florida Federation of Fairs Elaine Maxwell ............................... Florida Federation of Fairs **Showcases Chair: Hal Porter ......................................... Citrus County Fair Co-Chair: Fran Crone .......................... SW FL & Lee Cty Fair Gino Aull .................................................... Collier County Fair Dawn Rowe .................................... Osceola County Fair Show Richard Ryan .............................................. Collier County Fair Tracy Thompson ........................................... Pasco County Fair Lane Wetherington ........................ Florida Strawberry Festival **Trade Show Chair: Fran Crone .......................... SW FL & Lee County Fair Beth Buckley ................................................. Florida State Fair Darren Burton ................................................ Florida State Fair Randy Crone ................................... SW FL & Lee County Fair Clay Crosby ................................................... Florida State Fair Cheryl Flood .................................................. Florida State Fair Frank Sherkus ................................. SW FL & Lee County Fair Tracy Thompson ........................................... Pasco County Fair **Welcoming Chair: Eddie Cora ............................. Miami-Dade County Fair Danny Alfonso......................................... Manatee County Fair Lisa Marie Furth ........................................................ G.L. Berg April Goodnight .......................................... Collier County Fair Natalie Gordillo .......................................... Collier County Fair Stephen Hayes ............................................ Collier County Fair Wayne Howard ............................................. Pasco County Fair LynAnn Hudson ............................................ Florida State Fair Nicole Jones................................................ Martin County Fair Delores Lanigan............................................ Pasco County Fair Tim Lovett ..................................... Florida Strawberry Festival Mary Beth Lumbra ....................................... Pasco County Fair Paige Poole ................................................... South Florida Fair Beau Pugh ........................................ Deggeller Attractions, Inc. Kimsey Ryan .............................................. Collier County Fair Robert Smith ................................. Robert Smith Presents, LLC Stacy Wakefield ............................................ South Florida Fair CONTACT YOUR COMMITTEE CHAIR UPON ARRIVAL FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT
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Tasha Hyder Fair General Manager & FFEA Board Member
Awards Committee Update:
Orlando, FL SHOWCASE COMMITTEE MEETING Front: Dawn Rowe, Osceola County Fair, Fran Crone, SW FL & Lee County Fair, Rhonda Ward, Collier County Fair, Lane Wetherington, Florida Strawberry Festival, Tracy Thompson, Pasco County Fair. Standing: Dan West, FFF Executive Director, Hal Porter, Citrus County Fair with Past President Jim Ward, Pasco County Fair looking on.
Our committee is moving along and getting ready for the upcoming conference. We have added several new award categories and many of them can be submitted for the IAFE awards. We will be adding new photo categories that involves: Carnivals, Contests & Games, Animals, Kids, Senior Citizens, Entertainment, Rodeos, General Interest, Off Season Activities and Black & White photos. We will also be adding: a scrapbook/ photo book contest, a Community Service Award, Best Scholarship Program, Best Gate Promotion, Best Social Media Contest, Innovative Sponsorship Ideas, Merchandise, Posters, New Ag Awards, Competitive Exhibit Awards, Best New Food for concessionaires only, Promo Video/Piece for Entertainers only and adding two new big awards to recognize a professional in our industry and a volunteer. We will be showcasing all of the award entries in our Think Tank at conference and taking official photos with a press release. Our goal was to add categories that ALL fairs could participate in and we’re looking forward to seeing all of the great talent that our fairs produce.
Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Ceremony Florida State Fair, February 15, 2022 Elaine Maxwell, Executive Assistant, Florida Federation of Fairs Dan West, Executive Director, Florida Federation of Fairs Jemy Hinton, Board of Directors, Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation
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Convention is rolling upon us quickly! The YPI group has some great things in store for our gathering in May. Our YPI Mix & Mingle Event will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 7pm. This year we will be Bowling at Bowland Beacon with Pre-registration Required! This year we will have a limit of 50 players for Mix & Mingle. The YPI group is looking for Sponsors for this event. If you are interested in sponsoring please email Jacki@centralfloridafair.com . We will also be bringing back our annual Charity Drive to help a local charity in need. This year we have picked the Hunger & Homeless Coalition of Collier County. They are in need of tents, sleeping bags, shoes, socks, hygiene kits, men’s and women’s underwear, sunglasses and sunscreen. We will also have Donation Boxes for cash donations around the convention floor.
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Carol Porter of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance presents the Heritage Award to Dawn Rowe as IAFE Chair Gene Cassidy looks on.
Five awarded IAFE Heritage Awards SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Yesterday at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Annual Convention, Heritage Awards sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance were presented to five exceptional individuals in the field of fair management, according to IAFE President and CEO Marla Calico. The convention is taking place Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Carol Porter of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance announced and presented the awards to the recipients, who were nominated by their fairs’ staffs and/or board members. The awards recognize the achievements of outstanding fair volunteers. Each winner received a plaque and $1,000, and each fair nominating the winners received $500. The nominees were required to have at least 10 years of fair management experience, could receive no more than $2,500 remuneration annually for serving in the position, and were required to be current members of IAFE. Awards were presented to Randy Brown, Iowa State Fair, Des Moines; John Keeney, Warren County Agricultural Association/Warren County Fair, Indianola, Iowa; Tom Kissee, Ozark Empire Fair, Springfield, Mo.; Dawn Rowe, Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show and Osceola County Fair, Kissimmee, Fla.; and Marla Stello, La Crosse County Agricultural Society/La Crosse Interstate Fair, West Salem, Wis. Dawn Rowe has been involved in the fair industry for 24 years. She started at the Osceola County Fair as a volunteer and quickly began attending meetings of the Florida Federation of Fairs, where she rose through the leadership ranks to serve as President. She has attended every fair in Florida at IAFE HERITAGE AWARD least once and has served as a judge for various competitive exhibits at For Volunteer Service some of them. Her quest to learn from other fairs also extends beyond Florida Recipients state lines, as Rowe has organized several national trips for herself and other fair friends. Jack Levy-Homestead Rowe has been active in the IAFE, having graduated from the Institute Horace Carr-Panama City—2001 of Fair Management, attended many conventions and other meetings, Jack Griffith-Miami and served on several committees. Richard McClain-Sebring Within her community, Rowe has been involved with the Red Cross Disaster Committee and Heavenly Hooves and has served as an officer Doris Graska-Inverness—2008 for the KUA Employee Organization Committee and the Osceola County Clark Converse– Dade City—2015 Wagon Train and Trail Ride. Dawn Rowe-Kissimmee-2021 She has one daughter, Felicia. She and her husband Rex live in St. Cloud.
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On hand to congratulate Dan: from left to right: Eddie Porcelli-Spaghetti Eddie’s and FFF Associate Director, Rhonda WardCollier County Fair and FFF President, Dan West-FFF Executive Director, Fran Crone- SW Florida & Lee County Fair and FFF Secretary/Treasurer, Danny Alfonso, Manager-Manatee County Fair, Terry AtchleyHardee County Fair and FFF 1st Vice President.
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Thank You to Cheryl Flood and her staff for making the Governor’s Luncheon such a great event! Those attending from the FFF were: L to R: Lisa Hinton, Daniel West, Amy Poupore, Fran Crone, Cameron Murray, Samantha Fairlie, Pat Cookson, Ken Dwan, Rhonda Ward, Terry Atchley, Cheryl Flood, Jim Ward, Stacey Wade, Crystal Urban, Eddie Porcelli, Paul Davis and Suzanne Holcomb.
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Governor DeSantis Above: With Marc Dobson At left: At Tiki Tea
First Lady of Florida Jill Casey DeSantis and Governor Ron DeSantis
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The Highlands County Fair
isn’t huge, we don’t
have the latest technology, our grounds are the size of the parking area of larger fairs, and we don’t have the ability to bring in nationally recognized headline entertainment every year-but what we lack in size we more than double in heart. Year after year we have watched our community rally together to support our exhibitors and this year once again, our community came together in a big way to support Maria and Izaic Alvarez after a tragic year. Maria and Izaic tragically lost both their mother and father to Covid-19 in the summer of 2021 - one week apart. With their parents gone their older sister, Emily, put her plans for international mission work on hold in order to take up the helm as the family leader and caregiver for her younger siblings. Sadly, tragedy struck again when the Alvarez household became damaged by flooding and the three siblings were forced to move out of their home and live with another local family. Despite all the tragedy and challenges facing the family, Maria and Izaic continued forward with plans to raise and show their Market Hogs at the 2022 Highlands County Fair. After learning of the extreme circumstances that this family endured and persevered through, our Livestock Committee went to work with a plan to ease some of the burdens facing the Alvarez family. Late on Auction Night, our auctioneer called both Maria and Izaic to the ring with their hogs and relayed their story to the crowd- the bidding began at $10,000- $15,000-$20,000-$25,000 and with each raise of a bid card the onlookers went wild. $30,000-$35,000$40,000- still not done yet. $45,000- $50,000- $55,000, $60,000$65,000-bids kept coming. $70,000- $75,000- $80,000- going once, going twice- ALL IN, ALL DONE-SOLD. $80,000. Tears of sorrow and joy were simultaneously shed, there was not a dry eye in the crowd. The arena roared with cheers and applause to celebrate a community opening their hearts to a family in need. This is a moment we will remember for a lifetime. We can never give the Alvarez family back what they lost but they have gained an entire community behind them who will see to it that they are taken care of. A huge thank you to our entire Livestock Committee, without their connections and determination this feat would never have been possible and an even bigger message of gratitude to all the buyers, companies and patrons who donated to make this a reality for Maria and Izaic. In the end this is what a fair is about- coming together no matter how big or how small, building connections and providing our youth the opportunity to excel and giving them hope for a better future.
Send your photographs by May 1st to https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/soflafair
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Faircracker We are excited to announce our entertainment line up for the coming Fair at the end of this month. We are fortunate to once again use all acts that are Federation members or represented by Federation members. This year for the first time we will have a paid admission event in the auditorium on Saturday night. Dylan Gerard has created a lot of excitement with his new single “Please Don’t Let Me.” His first single “Simple Things” reached #37 on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart. Dylan is from a town, just up the road, in Macclenny. We are happy to have Danny Grant back, one of Citrus County’s favorites.
Belle City Amusements is again our midway provider. They have been with us since day 1! We are looking forward to getting acquainted with Tiny the Tanker. Neal Snyder’s buddy has been a big hit throughout Florida. He is a unforgettable one of a kind character. New, to us, this year are the ROBO Cars. We have seen them in action in the Trade Show. They are fascinating! We were introduced to Jimmy Mowery at the Fall Workshop in Naples. He too had a great run on The Voice. We look forward to your visit!
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Manatee County Fair January 13-23, 2022 On January 23 the Manatee County Fair ended another successful fair.
Mini Miss- Bailey Merriman
Our Fair festivities began in December with the coronation of our 2022 Fair Queens. Miss- Reagan Williams, Jr. MissNicolette Jessup Also on display was a 33-tower “Remembering Our Fallen” Little Miss- Ava tribute to all branches of our military who we have lost Grace Summers, since 9-11.
The festiviOur youth Livestock Auctions were a tremendous success ties continued again this year with the Steer sale averaging $4.04 per with the 2022 VIP luncheon announcing the Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award winner- Callon “Buddy” Keen. This year there were several new and different exhibits on display for our guests. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature was gracious and brought several life-size animated inosaurs from their DinoVenture exhibit for our guests to enjoy. DinoVenture is The The Grand Champion Steer was owned and Bishop's first fully biexhibited by Lauren Behringer. lingual exhibit, offering displays and signage in both English and Spanish. Guests can choose from three different ticket packages: DinoVenture only, Museum only, or the best of both: an all-access pass to both DinoVenture and the Museum. Those who decide to explore both DinoVenture and the Museum will discover fascination connections between dinosaurs and the rest of our collections! DinoVenture is presented by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, and Mosaic. The exhibition will run until March 20th. The Grand Champion Swine was owned and Exhibited by Lakewood Ranch High School FFA. THANKS to our community for contributing 1,035 lbs. of canned goods during our annual food drive benefiting the Manatee County Food Bank.
We wish all of our fair families a safe and successful 2022 fair season! Danny Alfonso, Fair Manager
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South Florida Fair Successfully Starts The Fair Season By Doreen Marcial Poreba One year ago, in January 2021, all eyes in the fair industry were fixed on the South Florida Fair and how it would carry out a fair during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair, held in West Palm Beach, Florida, opted to organize and present a mini-fair, which was held entirely outdoors, and an unprecedented second fair in May. Both events were deemed a success. Later in the year, COVID numbers began to drop in Florida, which bolstered the South Florida Fair staff to continue with plans to hold its first full-fledged fair since January 2020. Who knew that a month before the fair was to open that a new variant would arise? Fair organizers took the new threat seriously and, as with the 2021 fairs, kept in place all of the COVID safety precautions. At the same time, Vicki Chouris, the fair’s president & CEO, her board and staff had the confidence that they could safely present a complete, traditional event. And that’s exactly what happened from January 14-30 at the fair’s 110th edition. The “Rockin’ Robots” theme was a hit, as larger than life robots, up to nine feet tall, could be found strolling the fairgrounds day and night, bringing smiles to kids and adults alike. Other theme-related activities included the Rockin’ Robots Ice Skating Show in the Ford Theatre, an educational Robot Zoo exhibit, and a moving sand sculpture featuring 3-D mapping with full color projections featuring vintage robot toys. In addition, Robot Ruckus — the largest combat robot competition in the United States — attracted large crowds as they watched participants operate their own custom-designed remote-controlled robots in a 40 x 60-foot rink. Guests enjoyed watching the demonstrations and meeting their favorite Battlebots teams, as seen on TV. Competition of the TV Teams took place on the last weekend of the fair. MOVIA Robotics — which builds systems and software to help children on the autism spectrum learn and grow using robotic technology — brought its family of friendly robots. Kebbi, Misty, iPal and NAO entertained children and adults with autism and other special needs. Fairgoers also came out in full force to take in all of the usual offerings of farm animals, livestock shows, rides and games, fried and specialty foods, five stages of live entertainment, racing pigs, exhibits, shopping, and shows that included comedy hypnotist Brad Matchett and Lumia, an electrifying, Las Vegas-type show. “I was thrilled to see so many families come out again to enjoy our fair, which has become a tradition for so many families,” said Chouris. “I commend all of our staff and volunteers who dedicated themselves to overcoming the pandemic’s challenges to bring our community together for some family fun.”
Rita DeMier Lincoln accepts the Best Marketing Campaign Award by IAFE-The Network for marketing of the South Florida Mini Fair. Thanks to a great team! Andrea Simeone Sienna Huebner
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2022 South Florida Fair Awards more than $50,000 in Scholarships Boca Raton, FL — The South Florida Fair has awarded scholarships to 19 high school students totaling $50,750, continuing a 40-year tradition of supporting education. The fair received more than 100 applications from five counties for this year’s scholarships. Winners received their scholarships in a ceremony with fair dignitaries and their families during the 2022 fair, which recently ended. The winners’ scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 and can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning. Since the program began in 1982, the South Florida Fair has awarded more than $800,000 in scholarships. This year they were awarded in two categories: general and agriculture. The fair’s scholarship committee selected the winners based on the students’ grades, need, and an essay each wrote to Front row: Malayna Estornell, Zachary Fleisch, Gabriel Gerig, Landry Pitts, “Describe something you’re passionate about.” Carolina Seixas, Leena Bolanos, Moshammet Jarin, Nicole Perez Back row: Students from Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, Hendry, Blaine Baxter, Jaylin Ifill, Caroline McCray, Megan Enriquez, Kate Deviney, and Okeechobee counties were eligible to apply. Each Muhammad Chaudhry, Ryan Rudnet, William Rimes, Sydnee Gilliam, Evelyn finalist was interviewed by the fair’s scholarship comHowe, Thomas Bean of FPL, scholarship sponsor. mittee, who selected the winners. Becky Isiminger chaired the volunteer committee, and Donna Winterson served as vice chair. Other volunteer committee volunteers were Tim Childers, Mabel Datena, Tiffany Faublas, Lee Glaze, Sarah B. Hoadley, Glenn Jergensen, Robi Jurney, Dan Lewis, Annis Manning, Stephanie Mitrione, John Severson, Christine Shaw, Bill Sneed, Aquannette Thomas, Eva Webb, Jalynsey Brown, Ashley Cacicedo, Alyssa Freeman, Joseph Garcia, Lauren Johnson, Ava Parker and Katie Sptizig. The 2022 scholarship recipients were: Blaine Baxter of Jupiter High School; Leena Bolanos, Landry Pitts and Camber Pope, all from Glades Day School; Muhammad Chaudhry of Palm Beach Gardens High School, Kate Deviney of Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Megan Enriquez of Grandview Preparatory School; Malayna Estornell of Lake Worth Christian Academy; Zachary Fleisch and Carolina Seixas, both from American Heritage Academy’s Delray Beach campus; Gabriel Gerig of Inlet Grove Community High School; Sydnee Gilliam and Evelyn Howe from Clark Advanced Learning Center; Jaylin Ifill and Caroline McCray of Clewiston High School; Moshammet Jarin of Glades Central High School; Nicole Perez of Atlantic Community High School; Ryan Rudnet of Park Vista High School, and William Rimes of Seminole Ridge High School. About the South Florida Fair: The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the 2022 South Florida Fair kicked off with a Ride-A-Thon on January 13 and the full fair dates are January 14-30, 2022. For more information, call 561-793-0333 or visit the website, http://www.southfloridafair.com.
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MARCH 17 – APRIL 10, 2022 EXCEPT MARCH 28-29 & APRIL 4-5
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At right: Danny Grant Lindsay Carpenter Jim Ward
South Florida Fair: Jim, Rita Lincoln, Vicki Chouris, Dan
Ross Concessions In back: Carolyn & A.J. Ross Front: Kathy & Jeff Ross, Dan West
The W L W Trio
Above: Jim & Dan with The Miller’s Soft Pretzels At Right: Kathy Ross & Dan with the Highlands County crew
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At left: Jim Rex & Dawn Rowe, Osceola County Fair Dan Below: Jim & Dan with the ROBO Cars
Jim & Dan with Scott’s Magic Show at the Highlands County Fair
Above: Dan & Jim with Marc Dobson at the Florida State Fair and at right: with Tom Umiker att the Pasco County Fair
Past President & Mrs. Artie McIntyre Visiting Jeff & Kathy Ross at Ross Concessions at the Highlands County Fair
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SPRING 2022 At Hardee County, right: Richie Ryan, Collier County Terry Atchley, Hardee County Dan West, FFF Ex. Director Rhonda Ward, Collier County and FFF President Bodie Ward, Collier County
Hal Porter, Citrus County Fair Sharon & Randy Ross of Robinson’s Racing Pigs Kathy Ross and visitors: to her right: Sarah Reddit and her mother Stacey Wade, Lake County Fair Rear: Happy Norris, Lake County Fair and Jim Ward, Pasco County Fair
Renee Riddle and the Rambling Rose Trio with Lee Earl Stokes & Lisa White from Citrus County Fair
Dan & Dan Jolley & West
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Dan West with his buddy Bo Rich
Melody McIntyre, Talent Judge at the Pasco County Fair with Tracy Thompson
Dan with Renee Riddle & The Rambling Rose Trio
Pasco County Fair entertainers and friends having lunch at Steph’s in Dade City.
At left: Tracy Thompson with Pasco County’s Parade Grand Marshals, The Bellamy Brothers Above: Tracy and Lee Andrews of Lew-Es Comedy Circus
Pasco County Fair Manager Clark Converse with Dan West and Associate Member Brenda Glass. Brenda has been helping us with Site Selection for many years
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NEWS from Mark Harvey, North Florida Fair
The North Florida Fair Sets a New Record The 79th Annual North Florida Fair opened November 4 in Tallahassee, Florida to a big opening day crowd. Admission was free to those donating a pet food item. While the total weight of the food was unavailable, several pickup truck loads were collected for the local Humane Society. Day 2 brought rain and a near washout but every day after that was extraordinary. The weather was cool and crisp and the customers were determined to enjoy a day at the fair. The total attendance of the fair was over 126,000 (a record) and several daily attendance records were set as well. Strates Shows enjoyed a record midway gross. A lot of repeat customers were noted at this year’s fair. The weekday specials allowed the local foodies to make multiple visits to enjoy their favorite fair foods. The entertainment lineup was spectacular. That lineup included the Anastasini Family Circus, the Robbie Pfunder Mountain Bike Trials Show, Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus, the Show-Me Safari Racing Pigs and Petting Zoo. All of the entertainment showed daily and was free with paid admission to the grounds. A Beer Barn was added to the North Florida Fair for the first time. Crowds enjoyed a local craft beer with several types of beer represented. Montezuma Winery of Seneca New York supplied the wine slush mix. The wine slushees proved so popular that the 300 gallons of mix was sold out by Day 7 of the fair. We converted our slush machines to margaritas at that point and those sold very well also. With crowds being discouraged for the last year and a half, customers were excited about getting out and experiencing entertainment and dining options. The North Florida Fair added outdoor picnic tables to allow more outdoor seating and dining. They proved so popular that we intend to add even more this upcoming year. Even though 2021 was a dismal year in many respects, the 2021 North Florida Fair will live on in the benchmark that was set. We may never again have such a year.
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How's this for a throwback? The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition began in 1952 as a four-day event in late January at Camp Tequesta, at U.S. 1 and North Kendall Drive, where it was touted as “an old-fashioned country fair.”
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Fair a labor of love for manager Fran Crone A North Fort Myers Living magazine feature
Story by Meghan Bradbury' Photos by Valarie Harring - | Feb 16, 2022 Reprinted with permission
What began as simply volunteering for the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Association took on another shape once the association board of trustees asked Fran Crone to become the fair manager. She confessed that having a career in the fair industry never even dawned on her, as she comes from a government background. When the board asked her to take the job, her first response, “I wouldn’t know where to begin.” She was convinced when the board told her they would help her learn the role and made sure she received the education she needed through the different associations. “You learn by doing it,” Crone said. Now in her ninth year, she “absolutely” knows she made the right decision. “It’s been a great career to meet people. It’s a great industry to be in because when you invite people onto your grounds, you are inviting them for fun, entertainment, free shows. You want them to be a part of it all,” Crone said, adding that you want them to be an exhibitor, to show their animals. Fran Crone has run the fair for the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Association for nine years. Before becoming the fair manager, she started out by volunteering in the office. Crone, who was born and raised in Southwest Florida, moved away and came back. Upon returning to the area, she said her husband was involved in the fair, which enticed her to start helping out a few times a week. Her time spent volunteering turned into part-time, which eventually led to the full-time paid position. As a young girl her family attended the fair, not to show animals, or enter exhibits, but just to attend the fair as a “fairgoer” back when it was held at Terry Park. That sense of being a fairgoer still remains today, as she visits many fairs around the state and beyond to gather ideas. “Even though I am in management now, we attend many fairs with the eyes of a fairgoer. You are constantly looking. The fair industry is the only industry I know that truly shares their ideas and success stories. No one is hiding privileged information. No competition,” Crone said, adding that they are a “fair family that are all trying to work together to be successful for the community.” Fair Manager Fran Crone gets ready for vendors to arrive at the 98th annual Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair to be held at the Lee County Civic Center on Bay shore Road. The fair will run from Feb. 24 through March 6. Ride wristbands and MidNight Madness evenings will let your ride to your heart's content for one price. They are always looking to see the interworking of a particular fair. Ideas may come from other fair’s signage, their layout, or ticketing system. For example, while attending the Ohio State Fair, there was an offering for a salad on a stick, complete with cucumbers, small tomatoes and little wedges of lettuce. They were selling like hot cakes. “Not everyone wants fried food,” she said of why she is always looking to see what is different out there. As the fair manager, Crone’s plate is quite full as she is responsible for putting all the pieces of the puzzle together from gathering contracts for advertising to working with the person who runs the carnival company. “It’s just a little bit of everything,” she said. The Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair to be held at the Lee County Civic Center on Bayshore Road has a long history in Lee County. It's now in its 98th year. Picture with one of the fair's display boards is Fair Manager Fran Crone. The planning for the fair is typically a two-year process as contracts have to be created for such things as entertainment and food vendors. “You have to get your contracts in really early to get the entertainment you want,” Crone said. As far as entertainment, Crone said they do a lot of strolling acts, which they really love because such performances interact with the crowd. This year they are having a kids game show and a firefighter training show. The training show, stood out because it teaches the little ones what to do in case of a fire by having them crawl through a trailer on their hands and knees, teaching them to stay low. Food vendors are by invitation only and they have to provide pictures of their stand set up at a fair, as well as of their product. They try to limit participation to two vendors per product so they do not have a particular item saturated. “We do our due diligence to get our best in here,” Crone said. Crone tries to be on the fairgrounds as much as she can during the annual event. And the board members are wonderful as they work the fair. “Our board members are assigned different duties,” Crone said. “Some work the front gate, some work ticketing. Some help me when I need something. Everybody has a responsibility, so it is not just on one person.” Although there are a lot of moving parts, she said she really enjoys that it is never the same thing two days in a row. The interesting people she has met also is a perk of the job. “They travel, many of them, all over the country to work the fairs. You are always meeting someone new. A different story and a different spin,” she said. In addition to northfortmyersneighbor.com, where news of North Fort Myers and Lee County is updated daily, The Breeze Newspapers publishes North Fort Myers Living magazine on the third Wednesday of each month. We invite you to pick up a copy or enjoy its features online.
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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Berry, General Manager larry@osceolacountyfair.com 321-697-3050
2022 Osceola County Fair KISSIMMEE, FL – February 17, 2022 – The 2022 Osceola County Fair had a fantastic fair with attendance reported to be up 20% compared to last year. “We have had four days with the second highest attendance in the last 6 years and the highest gate revenue for the fair,” said Larry Berry, General Manager of the Kissimmee Livestock Show and Osceola County Fair. “We are super excited about our numbers, and it appears the public was more than ready to return to some normalcy in their lives and we thank them for coming out to enjoy an awesome fair,” he remarked. The fair also commented that their online sales were four times that of previous fairs. This year they added an express entry line for advance sales, more grounds entertainment including strolling, held a Hispanic Heritage Day, opened a Mothers Care Center for Mothers providing a place to care for infants, a new Calm Room for children with sensory challenges, added a new Community Stage with local talent, and even added laser tag to the venue. All the grounds and main stage entertainment was free with admission as well as free parking. “The weather was fantastic, outside of a couple of cool nights. We had no rain this year other than one morning which cleared up by early afternoon.” Strates Shows, Inc, one of North America’s leading outdoor amusement providers, inaugurated its 99th year in business by reporting record-breaking days during the 78th Osceola County Fair held February 11-20, 2022, in Kissimmee, Florida. “We had our highest gross ever at the Osceola County Fair in 2022,” said Strates Shows Director of Operations, James E. Strates. “The Show passed the previous record attained in 2016, by more than 30%.” Multiple records were achieved by Strates Shows which culminated in an all-time, single-day gross ride record for the Osceola County Fair on Friday, February 18th . This single day beat the former record by almost 16%. The previous two days, Wednesday, February 25th and Thursday, February 27th , also saw record ride revenue with Thursday’s gross eclipsing 2021’s record by 33%. In addition, the Fair’s first Saturday on February 12th ended with a 7% gain over the previous record for that day. This was the 78th year of the Osceola County Fair put on by the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show and Fair. KVLS as it is known, supports the youth of Osceola County providing scholarships, grants, and premiums to youth including 4H and Future Farmers of America kids, as well as providing a show venue for livestock shows throughout the year. The Fair this year was held February 11 – 20th.
Osceola County Fair
PRESS RELEASE
KISSIMMEE, FL – February 24, 2022 – Larry Berry, General Manager of the Osceola County Fair has given his resignation effective March 15, 2022. This was the fourth fair completed for Larry and he announced his decision on February 20th. “This has been a wonderful experience and my decision was made last October that this would be my last fair,” said Larry. “It’s time for me to slow down in life and do some things on my bucket list while I still can.” Larry is ending his fair career on a high note with the 2022 Osceola County Fair setting a new record for gate admissions and carnival revenue. The 78th Osceola County Fair ran from February 11th through the 20th. “I’m leaving on a high note,” he remarked. “We had fantastic weather and a great crowd that enjoyed having a venue where the public could return to some sort of normalcy after the last two years.” “I had people ask if it was related to the incident on Friday night where a few teenagers spoiled it for everyone and we had to close the fair earlier than we would have liked. I can say it had nothing to do with it, as my decision was made months ago.” Larry went on to say he will go back to doing public speaking, training and education, as well as scuba diving and traveling.
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Cold Temperatures, Warm Hearts By Larry Berry
As a member of the IAFE Speakers Bureau, I was asked to speak at the 2022 Indiana Association of Fairs annual conference in Indianapolis. Let me first say, Indiana in January is cold with the temperature on arrival at 17 degrees and -2 with the wind chill. While it has been a great conference, I prefer Florida weather. The IAFE identifies industry speakers and provides member State and Provincial Associations with this resource on a host of topics, another benefit to membership. What a great opportunity to talk with other fairs and share knowledge of our industry, and I have so many "take-a-ways," attending and presenting at their annual conference in Indianapolis. It also gave me the opportunity to review another state conference and I can say they did an great job. I presented my leadership workshop on Saturday and was also asked to be the closing keynote speaker for their general session on Sunday, which was quite an honor. I'm a believer that sharing information is critical in our business, and I took notes throughout my visit which I'll be sharing with Rhonda and Dan. Just as in visiting other fairs there is always something to learn and while I was here as a presenter, I also attended to absorb as much as I could. One thing that was of particular interest was how they did their entertainment spotlights. Friday and Saturday evening they had a large hall where they configured two stages, had professional staging and lighting, and as an example while one band was playing the next band was setting up. Featured were bands, strolling acts walking around and performing around the room, and they even had a drawing at the end of the evening for some nice prizes. Each night there was a packed house and it ended up being a mini-concert highlighting some great entertainment. All in all, there were an estimated twelve or so acts of various kinds giving multiple opportunities to see a variety of talent as they plan their next fair. Our industry is unique in that everyone is willing to share information more than any other business sector I have worked in. There is no true competition because of logistics and time as to when and our fairs are held. The exchanging of ideas and information only makes our industry stronger and keeps IAFE and our state associations Fair Strong. It's that friendly competitive spirit that is unique along with the hundreds and hundreds of resources in the IAFE reference library and Speakers Bureau listing. Thank you Indiana Association of Fairs for both inviting me and for putting on a fantastic event.
Visit the 2022 Sumter County Fair The 2022 Sumter County Fair kicks off March 4 - 12 in Bushnell, Florida. Our action packed fair features a full carnival midway with rides for all ages, midway games, and plenty of delicious food. We have a great lineup of entertainment including concerts, strolling entertainers, and much more! Plus, a plethora of competitive events and exhibits. It's the can't miss event of the spring! See you at the 2022 Sumter County Fair!
See Bob Bohm’s Family Entertainment and Pirate Man Dan at the Sumter County Fair.
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2022-2023 DIRECTORY COVER PHOTO CONTEST Rules and Entry Form at floridafairs.org digital entries only Due May 1, 2021 floridafairs@gmail.com
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Samantha Fairlie
Putnam County Fair At the Governor’s Luncheon
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A brief history of the Florida Strawberry Festival LAL TODAY laltoday.6amcity.com
Katelyn Lewis Reprinted with permission The Florida Strawberry Festival is kicking off on Thurs., March 3. From the crowning of each festival’s Strawberry Queen to a fresh strawberry shortcake, the festival has its fair share of traditions, dating back to 1930. Originally called the Plant City Strawberry Festival, the Plant City Lions Club started the annual event to honor King Strawberry, The Florida Strawberry Festival, circa 1976 the leader in Photo via Florida Memory the area’s agricultural products. Charter member Albert Schneider led the charge, and with the help of the Club, brought on the addition of the Strawberry Queen competition, kicking off the first of many festivals. The event went off without a hitch for over a decade, occurring annually until World War II halted operations in 1941, after the crowning of Strawberry Queen, Jane Langford. After that, the festival ceased until 1947, when operations were revamped by The Norman Strawberry sale at the festival, circa ’76 McLeod American Strawberry Queen, Photo via Florida Memory Legion Post 27 + Martha Lastinger, circa 1976 the Plant City JunPhoto via Florida Memory ior Chamber of Commerce, leading to the first festival in years in 1948. Fast forward to the 70s, the team decided to add in celebrity entertainment and invited Dale Evans, wife of Roy Rogers, to perform. From there, big names like Pat Boone and Anita Bryant took the stage. Among other critical changes to the festival in the 70s, entertainment was taken over by The Florida Strawberry Festival Association and a uniform and flagship color were decided upon for members of the association. Thanks to the team at Hooker’s Department Store, association members began wearing red jackets, due to the reminiscence of strawberries. Today, the festival ranks among the top 40 fairs in North America, maintaining the same internal workings as it did when it opened. In terms of local strawberry production, more than 10,000 acres of strawberries are planted in the area every year by 2,800 local farms, generating over $360 million in produce.
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Robinson’s Racing Pigs
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Them Sweeney Boys
Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus
Ag Exhibit by Tom Umiker
Lake County Royalty at the Leesburg Parade Mayor Ferris Wheeler MacKensie Mulligan, Miss Lake County Fair Chloie Sebree, Miss Teen Lake County Fair Addison Melanson, Jr. Miss Lake County Fair Elli Castiglione, Little Miss Lake County Fair
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The 28th Annual Florida Festivals & Events Association Conference is taking place August 23-25, 2022 in Orlando, FL at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress!
Clay County Agricultural Fair 1st Place - Photo 1st Place - Program / Event Guide / Brochure 1st Place - Tickets & Invitations 2nd Place - Promotional / Marketing Poster 2nd Place - Promotional Mailer 2nd Place - Sponsor Partnership 2nd Place - Facebook 2nd Place - Website 2nd Place - Radio Program, Ad or PSA 3rd Place - Educational Program 3rd Place - Multi-Agency Collaborative Program 3rd Place - PR / Media Campaign 3rd Place - Instagram 3rd Place - Social Media Ad Campaign 3rd Place - Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiative
Tasha Hyder, Manager Clay County Fair
Florida Festival & Events Association 2022 Board of Directors
2-22-2022 State Capital in Tallahassee, Florida! Over 900 participants at this year’s #FL4H meeting
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Associate Members………………..the lifeblood of our organization and a two way street…. Dues are part of what keeps our organization going, administration, convention, trade show, legal, lobbying and more. These things not only benefit Fairs but also our Associate Members. One of the benefits of associate membership is exposure. Being acknowledged on Facebook and in the newsletter. It would be helpful if you would visit the Federation’s Facebook page and “like” or comment on the posts. Also, new members are listed as soon as they join. It would be helpful if you would acknowledge and “like” to welcome them. Showcases and the Trade Show are benefits of membership. However those in the Trade Show pay to be there. Those in the Showcases come to the convention at their own expense. And another benefit of membership is being hired to work at your Fair. Some of our Fairs hire mostly Federation Members and, sadly, some do not hire any of our members. Anyone wishing to have their news and/or photographs shared on Facebook can email to: Photographs or flyers must be in jpeg as an attachment.
floridafederationfacebook@gmail.com
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The deadline for the SUMMER Newsletter is June 1. Please send news and committee reports to: floridafairs@gmail.com
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Capitol Update:
By: CAS Government Services Greetings from the Capitol City! The Legislature has made it past the halfway point of the annual legislative session and largely things are shaping up to be on a relatively smooth glide path to the completion of session. One of the bigger issues which has taken a lot of bandwidth during this session is redistricting of Congressional, State Senate and State House Districts. The Legislature is required to redraw districts every ten years based on the population data collected during the decennial census. In addition, Florida’s Constitution spells out specific criteria which must be followed in order to redraw the new districts. Terms of art such as community of interests, compactness, local government boundaries all play into the shape and coverage of the new districts. While it sounds simple enough, inevitably, there will be new districts which has the potential to have incumbents drawn into the same district or districts which have been historically one-party majority become more competitive. Hence, emotions and tempers can flare up as the maps are finalized. In addition to redistricting, the Legislature and the Governor have, to this point, been clipping through “red meat” issues which tend to energize the electorate. Topical bills which address critical race theory, transportation of undocumented individuals, abortion, and parental rights in education have all been moving through the legislature albeit with much debate from and long hours in session. Whether you agree with Governor DeSantis and the Legislative Leadership or not, it is clear their leadership of COVID-19 and keeping Florida business open has resulted in a growing Florida economy and by extension a healthy budget for the state. Florida’s revenue collection continues
to be robust and as a result it is expected the Legislature will ultimately pass the largest budget in state history while maintaining a healthy state reserve fund. To this end, we expect to see healthy funding in state programs and projects including funding for Agricultural Education and Promotional Facilities Grants. These grants have been critically important to many federation members and provide critical funding for facilities and infrastructure which otherwise would be cost prohibitive. On a Federation specific note, a few of the Federation board members made a quick trip to Tallahassee in early February. While the trip was quick, there were several opportunities to meet with key Legislators and staff on issues of the day and equally important, planting seeds for future work of the Federation in Tallahassee. If it were to be described in a word, “opportunity” seems to be the best description. Over the next several years, we are likely to have Governor DeSantis (who has certainly taken the opportunity to visit several fairs as Governor), as well as key legislative leaders in the Senate and the House whom either were or are currently involved with their local fairs and expositions. Given this dynamic, the “opportunity” to re-think and re-brand our messaging in Tallahassee has never been better. This should excite all Federation members, the importance of our events to our youth, to our communities, to the state cannot not be understated. With redistricting and the potential for new faces in Tallahassee as well as potential changes in the Florida cabinet, now, if ever, is the time to make a splash! Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Tallahassee. We sincerely appreciate the trust you place in us to represent you! Respectfully, Dale, Connie and Jim
Tallahassee—2022 From left: Senator Jim Boyd R-District 21 Gary Reeder, President Manatee County Farm Bureau Dan West, FFF Executive Director
Photo by Eddie Cora
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IAFE Chair Jeremy Parsons, CFE Clay County Fair PO Box 527 /Spencer, IA 51301-0527 (712) 580-3000 IAFE First Vice Chair Jennifer Giesike, CFE Washington Town & Country Fair Washington, MO 63090-2124 IAFE Second Vice Chair Jo Reynolds, CFE Warren County Fair 701 W 2nd Ave./ Indianola, IA 50125-2347 IAFE Treasurer Jaime Navarro State Fair of Texas PO Box 150009 / Dallas, TX 75315-0009 IAFE Immediate Past Chair Gene Cassidy, CFE Eastern States Exposition
IAFE Announces the 2022 Convention & Trade Show Location and Dates! The IAFE Convention & Trade Show will begin moving to different cities beginning with the 2022 event. After extensive research and nearly two dozen proposals reviewed, the Board of Directors voted in May 2019 to host the event in a different city each year 2022 through 2025. The sites selected offered the best approach to meet the needs of the members: accessibility, affordability, unique opportunities, and great after-hours activity. The 2022 IAFE Convention & Trade Show will be held November 27-30 in Indianapolis, IN. The meetings and trade show will take place in the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, with seven official hotels conveniently located near the center and connected via heated skywalks.
Important Information Fairs: if you have poultry competitions at your fair, you should keep an eye on developments of the new highly pathogenic avian influenza popping up in some US states. Here is a link to USDA website that tracks where it is popping up in the US: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-diseaseinformation/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai You might consider pushing out these links to all your poultry exhibitors, as well: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/2013/ fsc_backyard_biosecurity.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-diseaseinformation/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources At the current time this situation does not impact for human health.
IAFE Prior Past Chair Nancy Smith, CFE South Carolina State Fair IAFE President & CEO Marla Calico, CFE Springfield, MO IAFE Zone 1 Director Kathryn Hunter Topsham Fair IAFE Zone 2 Director Kelly Collins, CFE State Fair of West Virginia Directors at Large from Associate Members Kathy Ross Ross Concessions /Dunnellon, FL Jay Strates Strates Shows / Orlando, FL
IAFE President Jeremy Parsons and Mrs. Parsons visit Cheryl Flood at the Florida State Fair.
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Awards in Excellence Presented at IAFE Contest Award Show
Communications Award Winners
Agricultural Award Winners
Non-Fair Facility Usage Award Winners
Category 2 Radio Div. 2 Clay County Agricultural Fair Category 3 Flat Promo Ad Div.2 Clay County Agricultural Fair Category 8 Outdoor Adv. Div. 1 Lake County Fair Div. 3 So Florida Fair Category 11 At-Home Activities Div. 2 Clay County Agricultural Fair Category 12 Lake County Fair Category 13 Best Marketing Campaign Div. 3 South Florida Fair Judges Creative Award Clay County Agricultural Fair
Category 2A Developed by Fair Mgmt. to correct an issue or challenge Div. 1 Osceola County Fair Category 3B Newly established Exhibit promoting Agriculture Div. 1 Greater Jacksonville Ad Fair Category 5 Promotion/Special Event Div. 3 Florida State Fair Category 6A Ag Individual Photo Div. 3 Central Florida Fair Category 6B Ag individual photo –Crops Div. 3 Florida State Fair Competitive Exhibits Award Winners Cat. 4 Tactic to engage participants Div. 3 Florida State Fair Category. 7 Virtual Contests Div. 2 Manatee County Fair Div. 3 Florida State Fair Category 10 Addition Exhibit Measures Cat. 3 Florida State Fair
Category 1A Successful non-Fair Event Div. 3 South Florida Fair Category 1B Best 1st year event not produced by facility staff Div. 3 Central Florida Fair Category 1C Utilize facility during psndemic Div. 1C Martin County Fair Best of Division South Florida Fair Innovation in Sponsorship Awards Category 2 Div. 1 Category 3 Div. 2 Category 4 Div. 2
First Time Sponsorship Gr. Jacksonville Ag Fair Sponsor Continuity Clay County Agricultural Fair Sponsor Exposure Clay County Agricultural Fair Best of Division Gr. Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
IAFE's very own podcast series! Hosted by IAFE President & CEO Marla Calico, CFE, this podcast will discuss different aspects affecting agricultural fairs. Please join Marla as she features different guests. Learn valuable tips and hear fascinating stories from top experts in the fair industry!
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Fran Crone, SW FL & Lee County Fair received her 2020 Institute of Fair Management Graduate Entertainment Track certification.
NEXT Institute of Fair Management SUMMIT BURN TO LEARN! February 24 - 26, 2023 Washington, D.C. Madison Hotel Pam Plylar, Osceola County Fair Graduate Institute of Fair Management
Jay Spicer, Martin County Fair Graduate Institute of Fair Management
Lynann Hudson, Florida State Fair Graduate Institute of Fair Management
James Nussbaumer, Lake County Fair Graduate Institute of Fair Management
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Ever since we announced in York, PA last May that Zone 1 would join Zone 2 for a meeting together in 2022, we have been overwhelmed by the interest and the enthusiasm! I visited fairs last Summer in ME, MA, CT, NH, NY, and VT, and everywhere I went people commented on the wonderful possibility and the opportunity to combine our events. This is a TRUE testament to the fair community and the camaraderie we all share. Fair folks WANT to get together and exchange ideas, explore new adventures, approach interesting challenges, solve potential mysteries, compare notes, pass along exciting plans, and most of all – share a few laughs together! Thank you to Dan West, and the Florida Federation of Fairs for inviting us to join you. We are anxious to meet our fair friends to the South, and to welcome their new Zone 2 Director, Kelly Collins, of WV. Bringing all fairs, large and small, into one big happy fair family is certainly a noble goal, and we are honored to be able to join you in that endeavor. Thank you! Cheerfully, Kathryn R. Hunter, IAFE Zone 1 Director
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Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for being selected as your Zone II director, it is truly an honor! Like many of you, I grew up in this industry and I still love the fair as much today as I did when I was a kid. As I see pictures of our friends in the south hosting their events, I can feel the excitement! While we begin fair season, the IAFE office and 2022 planning committee are busy at work preparing the Annual Convention, which is set to be held in Indianapolis November 27-30, at the Indiana Convention Center. This location is within a day’s drive of 65% of all our IAFE member events, so if you have never attended a convention before, this is your year to do so! The theme for the 2022 Convention is Fairs United and here is what IAFE Chair Jeremy Parsons has said about the theme: “Sometimes the best lessons in life are learned during the most stressful of times. The entire fair industry would agree that the COVID-19 pandemic was definitely the most “stressful of times,” yet it also taught us a valuable lesson – we are connected to each other. Issues like carnival and concessionaire routing caused us to realize how important our fellow fairs truly are. On a personal level, it was the emails, texts, phone conversations, and Zoom calls with fair friends that gave many of us the strength to “fight another day” as we navigated our fairs through uncharted waters. While that connection between fairs and fair people strengthened during the pandemic, we realized that in some areas (lobbying efforts, for example) our connectivity was not enough. We need to be more than connected. We need to be united. Fairs United. Our hope is that the 2022 theme (“Fairs United”) will become a rallying cry that will be used throughout the year at places like the IAFE Management Conference, zone meetings, state and provincial gatherings, and, of course, the 2022 Annual Convention in Indianapolis. Through the use of sports analogies (nothing says “unity” more than a “team”), we hope that the theme will be a constant reminder that we must be united as an industry. Large or small, each fair and associate member plays a crucial role on our industry. Volunteer or paid, each individual in our industry is a key player on the team. We need each other. “Two are better than one because they have good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up, but pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.” I couldn’t agree with those words more! I look forward to learning more about each of your events over the next few years, while sharing our successes, ideas, and achievements. To those of you who have completed fairs – congratulations! To those who are full-speed planning, best of luck on a successful event. We’ll see you in Naples and Indianapolis!
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Tasha said “Oh that face what was supposed to be a 15 minute discussion turned into an hour + side conversations, whoops! “
Above: L to R: Becky Brashear and Rita Lincoln from the South Florida Fair, Tasha Hyder, Clay County Fair, Christine Iannoti, St. Lucie County Fair.
Tasha Hyder, Clay County Fair manager held a workshop about Tik Tok
Left: Karen Brown and Tasha Hyder from the Clay County Fair
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Rhonda Ward Collier County Fair and Madam President Florida Federation of Fairs at the podium and at right with Rita DeMier Lincoln, South Florida Fair
Stacey Wade, Manager Lake County Fair Jim Nussbaumer, Lake County Fair
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THIRSTY THURSDAY THERAPY
The IAFE is excited to announce Thirsty Thursday Therapy! It's Happy Hour with your IAFE Friends and a little therapy for us all along the way. We will host these free Happy Hours on the 4th Thursday of every month.
FUTURE THERAPY SESSIONS March 24, 2022 @ 4:00 PM Central April 28, 2022 @ 4:00 PM Central
2022 IAFE Institute of Fair Management Summit: With snow and freezing temperatures forecast for this year’s summit, several of our Florida Fair members attended the two-day IFM Summit in Denver, Colorado which was held January 22nd and 23rd. Enrollees experienced a high powered, intense course all why networking with fellow IFM enrollees. Enrollees were able to cross off six of their required IFM courses and visited the National Western Stock Show for a behind the scenes look at their massive operation. Kelsey Bridges, Strawberry Festival, Eddie Cora, Miami-Dade Fair and Tasha Hyder, Clay County Fair attended the Summit.
Tasha Hyder, Clay County Fair Kelsey Bridges, Florida Strawberry Festival Eddie Cora, Miam-Dade County Fair
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Darwin Fuchs Memorial Scholarship The IAFE recently lost a great friend of the industry with the passing of Darwin Fuchs on Sunday, January 23. 2022. Darwin may best be remembered for his 34-year tenure with the Dade County Youth Fair, now known as the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition. He was very active in the IAFE, working on several committees, attaining his CFE in 1979 and serving in the positions of Treasurer and Board Chair. He was inducted into the IAFE Hall of Fame in 1994. Darwin was always willing to share his vast knowledge of the fair industry with others. After his retirement from the fair, Darwin continued to remain involved and engaged in the fair industry attending meetings and visiting with friends and colleagues as often as he could. IAFE President and CEO Marla Calico said “He never lost his passion for the industry nor the IAFE…. He always kept in touch and had his eye on how things were going for the Association.” The IAFE Education Foundation, along with Darwin’s family and the Miami-Dade Youth Fair are working to establish a memorial scholarship, for IAFE Institute of Fair Management enrollees, in honor of Darwin’s service and passion for our industry. We invite you to join us in creating this lasting remembrance of our dear friend, Darwin Fuchs. https://www.iafefoundation.org/scholarships
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NEW NEWS FROM NICA Rey O’Day, NICA Executive Director
Greetings from NICA Happy New Year Florida Two years ago, our industry felt a Hard Stop…we all wondered if we would survive…and NOW, Together we are proud and relieved to report…Our Fairs and Vendors have Survived. In fact, we have done more than Survive…we are THRIVING! In an act of hope, NICA rolled out its National Goodyear Tire benefit the end of last year. Everything our members own is on tires and we believed those tires would be back on the road again… and they are. Not only have our members bought commercial and consumer tires at fleet rates, but they have used road service and had a dealer come to a fairgrounds to evaluate tires and replace tires onsite. The South Florida Fair in West Palm foretells that Florida Week is coming: Gibtown, Florida State Fair, NICA Business EXPO, OABA Annual Meeting and Fare Foods Food Show and more. We are all in the business of making memories and having fun. The 2022 NICA Business EXPO and Fair Foods Show, themed Thriving While Surviving was another successful collaboration. Monday and Tuesday featured workshops where fairs and concession members talked about topics that mattered to both: The Financial Power of Serving Beverages, Expectations of Vendors and Fairs, Multigenerational Family Businesses, Trends That are Here to Stay, Tipping Procedures, Fair Hours, DOT Updates, and Vendor Safety to name a few. Fare Foods led the way in Using New Products for Media Attention. Workshops were moderator by NICA leaders, and Panels included Fair management and NICA members. A special Thank you to Jeremy Parsons, IAFE Chair and CEO of Clay County Fair, Iowa for inspiring us to move our engagement to commitment and Kate Turner, IAFE Director of Meetings, for acknowledging our collaborations and pointing us towards the future. After a Pandemic pause, NICA and Hummel Group reintroduced an updated Health Plan for our members. On Wednesday, both the NICA Board of Directors led by Daryl Whicheloe CCE, Southern Oregon Food and Beverage Company, and the NICA Foundation Board of Trustees led by Audrey Poole, Fair Foods held their Annual Meetings and installed their officers and directors. The following Gala Dinner and Celebration featured the induction of Past President, Thomas Hodson of The Hodson Company into the NICA Hall of Fame, honored the generous growth of funding for the NICA Scholarship program, introduced recipient Olivia Owens and her mother Beth and admired the successful opening of past recipient Isabella Barona’s Pickle Palace stand. The silent and live auction capped off the evening. WE all have plans for 2022. Watch in this publication and others for upcoming announcements from all of us. 2022 is a year about THRIVING. Let’s enjoy it TOGETHER! Most Sincerely, Rey O’Day NICA Executive Director
Kathy Ross, Past President NICA Present IAFE Board of Directors
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ROBERT HOLMES OF SPECTRUM WEATHER INSURANCE RECOGNIZED AS GRADUATE OF IAFE INSTITUTE OF FAIR MANAGEMENT December 6, 2021 – Robert Holmes of Spectrum Weather and Specialty Insurance in Liberty, Missouri, was recognized at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Annual Convention in San Antonio, TX. as a graduate of the Institute of Fair Management. Launched in 2007, the Institute consists of a series of courses covering the areas of core competency necessary for today’s industry professional and volunteers involved in the production of their agricultural fair. Courses include management, risk management, marketing, programming, operations and year-round facility usage. Robert enrolled in the program in 2019 and was one of 34 graduates honored at the IAFE Convention. Currently, there are more than 208 individuals enrolled in the Institute of Fair Management from across the U.S., Canada and Australia. Robert obtained a graduate degree in atmospheric science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and completing the graduate requirements of the Institute of Fair Management provides him with essential knowledge to better match the needs of his clients with the best coverage option – or options – to meet their needs. The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields. Spectrum Weather and Specialty Insurance was established with the goal of providing rain insurance, event cancellation insurance, and other specialty insurance solutions that are simple to understand and purchase, and with the highest degree of customer service in the industry. Spectrum serves events both large and small, including fairs, festivals, concerts, and other outdoor gatherings impacted by weather. In addition to rain insurance, Spectrum provides a full suite of weather-based insurance products and event cancellation insurance options. Since its inception in 2011, Spectrum has grown to be the nation’s premier provider of these valued insurance products.
ROBERT HOLMES, PRESIDENT OF SPECTRUM WEATHER AND SPECIALTY INSURANCE, HAS BEEN NAMED ONE OF 2020’S TOP 50 SPECIALIST BROKERS BY INSURANCE BUSINESS OF AMERICA. Nominated by his clients and colleagues, Mr. Holmes possesses unique insights and highly developed skill sets tailored to weather and event cancellation insurance applications, which he uses to help clients secure the best coverage possible. By staying abreast of trending topics and changes he ensures his clients are given the best combination of care and coverage. Robert Holmes began his career as a meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Space Science and Engineering Center, studying the weather of Antarctica. During his time there, he earned awards from the National Science Foundation and the US Navy and, in 1999, had an Antarctic geographical feature, Holmes Ridge, named in his honor by the United States Geological Survey. After 10 years, Holmes left academia and joined a hedge-fund-owned weather derivatives trading business. In 2008, he created a weather insurance agency designed to facilitate the sale of weather-based policies. Three years later, he founded his own brokerage, Spectrum Weather and Specialty Insurance. Since its inception, Spectrum has been all about customer service and creating innovative solutions to the issues that plague those with financial exposure to weather. “Leveraging my background as a meteorologist, along with my industry knowledge and communication skills, I knew that the insureds in this market could be better served,” Holmes says. I’m humbled to be included as one of this year’s honorees.
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The AxeWomen Loggers of Maine are entering their 12th year of performing across North America! If you haven't heard of us before, please check out our website at www.axewomen.com, or follow along with our social media accounts! We are a team of professional timbersports athletes who travel throughout North America competing and performing at fairs, festivals and expos! The ladies who make up our team are world champions, world record holders and collegiate champions in different timbersports events... such as axe throwing, log rolling, chopping or racing with chainsaws!! Several of the ladies on our team have traveled around the world for timbersports competitions... they've competed in Germany, France, New Zealand & Australia, representing the USA Women's Team! We are proud to say that we have the three must recently crowned STIHL Collegiate Timbersports champions on our team... as well as the only person to ever log roll across the Mississippi River!! That's right... the first & only person! This was done in September of 2019. We set off from Port Byron, Illinois and landed in Le Claire, Iowa 30 minutes later... all without ever a slip into the muddy waters of the Mississippi! We have been performing at fairs throughout North America for 12 years now! Our shows consist of head to head competitions in modified chainsaw (or hotsaw) races, axe throwing, underhand chopping, standing block chopping, cross cut sawing and the crowd favorite... log rolling!!! We also offer log rolling lessons to children between our shows... a safe and fun way for families to make even more great memories at your fair! We've even had families come back later in the week to log roll with an entire birthday party of 10 year old girls! They had a blast!! We are excited to show off some of our new events and equipment throughout 2022, as well as continue with our tried & true crowd favorites!
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Showmen's League Unveils New Mobile Clubhouse On Tuesday late in the day, the Showmen's League of America unveiled their new traveling clubhouse to a large crowd. After a blessing from Rev. Mr. Paul Muller, sponsors were thanked including Midway Tents, and Chuck Wheeler. The ribbon was then cut to christen the new mobile home for the SLA. Cindy Henning, Executive Secretary of the Showmen's League, said the clubhouse would serve as outreach for members nationwide. Instead of one office in Chicago, the mobile clubhouse can now travel the country and engage members while they are working on the road. Henning and the board envision the clubhouse as a place to conduct training, to hold membership drives and to connect the SLA with members and prospective members throughout the country. The clubhouse is also available to educate the public about the SLA. Inside the clubhouse, there are videos about the League along with tons of pictures from the office with historical information about the SLA going back to its founding in 1913 and “Wild Bill” Cody, the League's first President. “People are excited about it,” said Henning. “We are receiving really positive feedback and hope we will connect the club to members all over the country.”
The first delivery of the mobile clubhouse will be to Deggeller Attractions at the Clay County Fair in Florida. The rest of the route is still being determined, but Henning hopes the clubhouse will be visiting some of the largest fairs in the US. Show owners will be helping the League move the clubhouse, whenever possible, from site to site.
I ate how much?
Comedy Hypnotist Brad Matchett has been presented with the Golden Bale of Hay Award by creator Tom Umiker. They are flanked by, on the left, Tracy Thompson and, at right, Jim Ward. The presentation of this prestigious award took place at the close of the 75th Annual Pasco County Fair. Being only the 5th person to receive this award Matchett was overcome with emotion and unable to give us a statement. He can be reached at agricadabra.com or bradcomedyhypnotist.com
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The College of Central Florida Announces the naming of the Educational Center in Lecanto. Florida in honor of Charles S. Dean, Sr.
Senator Dean-R District 3, Retired—Citrus County has been supportive of the Florida Federation of Fairs and sponsored legislation. Senate President Wilton Simpson-R District 10 congratulates Dean
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Greetings friends of the Florida Federation of Fairs from the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) Greetings to all of our friends at the Florida Federation of Fairs from the Outdoor Amusement Greg Chiecko OABA Business Association (OABA). Once again, it is our pleasure to provide you with a short synopsis of President & CEO what is going on in the mobile amusement industry. The fair season, which kicks off in Florida, seems to be off to a good start. Despite the new variants of COVID it appears that the general population just want to get out of the house and return to a normal life. Fortunately for us, this means attending fairs and carnivals, large and small. I believe that the American people will no longer permit the government to infringe on their personal freedoms. For the most part, I also believe that our government on Federal, State and Local level understand this as well. I guess we can go back to our old worries; weather and people's ability to spend money. It is amazing that our slice of America has been so missed in these past few years. It is a reinforcement to what we have always known. The fair and carnival industry unites families and communities. It’s great to know that the product we produce is part of the fabric of people's lives and “what we do matters.” Our industry continues to be plagued by labor issues. Our federal government is broken with regard to supplying our foreign guest workers. No matter how much we try, and we have spent million trying, we just can’t get through the Washington DC logjam to provide us with relief. We work every day to advocate for the proper legislation to get the workers we so desperately need. We will continue to do so until we can no longer sustain our businesses. We wish to thank all of you who have taken the time to listen and understand our situation. We sincerely appreciate all the advocacy you have done on our behalf to attempt to get us our foreign guest workers. Trust me, Florida has been one of the front runners to advocate on our behalf. We look forward to making our presentation at the FFF and IAFE Zone 1 & 2 meeting in Naples, “The Show Must Go On – A Unique Perspective on the Daily Life of a Carnival Owner.” Ever wonder what goes on before the carnival opens to the public? This workshop, presented by carnival owners, will describe the history of carnival shows, what it takes to move the carnival from town to town and what unique challenges face the industry every day.
Stay safe and I hope to see many of you in Naples.
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Page 69 Our Rural Affairs Director, Alan Brock, attended the Florida State Fairgrounds 25th Champion of Champions dinner which recognizes champion animals and champion youth exhibitors, as well as the sponsors that continue to support this tradition! Pictured with Alan is Florida State Fair Executive Director Cheryl Flood.
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Jason James has always had a passion for music and atmosphere, and it’s certainly obvious anytime his dueling piano company, The Copper Piano, puts on a show. After growing up in Seattle, James started as a bass player for his high school’s Jazz Band, and as a singer in the Jazz Choir. Cut to 2009, and he began his Dueling Piano career after getting the opportunity to play at a local bar. After initially declining the offer to play professionally, James toyed with the idea for almost a year before taking the leap, and in 2010, James began playing with some of the best musicians in Orlando. After 6 years of growing and training with the best, however, it was time to take a huge step forward- and become a freelance musician. James played several shows across Florida, making connections with other musicians and eventually becoming a regular player at Rockeys Dueling Piano Bar in Gainesville. James was inspired by his mentors and the various acts he had seen in his time playing, and in 2020, The Copper Piano was founded. Utilizing talent from all over the US, James has built an incredible team of talented musicians who have been recognized nationally for their gifts on the keys. While his company is currently based in Orlando, James is expanding across the US to provide entertainment at a variety of venues- whether it’s a wedding, speakeasy, oceanside bar, or even a 5 star resort, guests are sure to have an amazing time listening to these awesome vocalists and players. Most recently, James’ talent was recognized by WeddingWire, winning their Couples’ Choice Award for 2021. The Copper Piano team prides themselves on their ability to create an experience through their music. James especially finds joy in his and his team’s ability to read a crowd, and create a personalized events for his guests. The show is heavily based on audience participation, and this company’s wonderful group of musicians excels at creating the most exciting singalongs in central Florida and beyond. Whether it's at a Fair or Festival, Corporate Event, or Restaurant, The Copper Piano will be sure to leave guests with a memorable experience.
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KVLS RAISES OVER $39,000 FOR FAMILY OF 16-YEAR-OLD 4-H GIRL TRAGICALLY KILLED BEFORE FAIR
If you attended any of the livestock shows at this year’s Osceola County Fair, you may have seen some of the 4-H youth wearing purple ribbons or armbands. Those armbands were worn to honor and remember their fellow 4-H friend Victoria “Tori” King, a 16-year-old St. Cloud girl who was critically hurt in a car accident on her way home after tending to her animals only days before the fair. She was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, and although she fought hard, she eventually passed away from her injuries. As another show of support for the King family, a silent auction was set up by a number of 4-H friends and family in the KVLS conference room throughout the fair as a fundraiser for King’s family. By the end of the Fair, the silent auction had already raised over $39,000, surely a testimony to the mark that Tori King had made on her 4-H friends and the entire KVLS family. “It was such a tragic loss for everyone here at KVLS and for all involved with 4-H, but to see how her friends and KVLS surrounded her family and came together to help, was truly inspirational,” said Kasey Puckett, staff member at KVLS. Anyone interested in contributing to the King family may still do so by calling the Osceola County Fair/KVLS at 321697-3050.
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NYSAAF Convention Jan 14-16, 2022 Rochester, NY Left to Right: Ed Rossley, Delaware Co Fair Mgr/NYSAAF PresidentJody Conklin, Moose Joose/UCA Board-Jason Lawerence, Chenango Co Fair Mgr/Former NYSAAF President
Governor’s Luncheon Florida State Fair February 10 Left to right: Eddie Porcelli, UCA Vice President, Spaghetti Eddie’s Center: Cameron Murray, UCA Secretary, Chester’s Gators, Samantha Fairlie, UCA President, The Pretzel Lady,
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Charles D Smith Architecture and Planning, LLC Announces Four New Projects Charlie Smith, Principal Architect with Charles D. Smith Architecture & Planning , LLC , 2017 FFF Associate of the Year and IAFE Board Member, recently announced four new Fairgrounds projects.. The first is the Masterplan and concept design for the relocation of the Greater Jacksonville Ag Fair & Expo Center, an on-site Masterplanning workshop for the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair & Civic Center , the third project, located in Georgia, for the Lee County Ag Events Center located on a newly acquired 100 acre site in Leesburg, Georgia and the fourth is the Grant County Fair Exposition Center located in Moses Lake, Washington. Smith noted that “our fairgrounds industry is indeed continuing to look at their existing facilities for possible improvements and enhancements to improve the attendee experience and develop facilities to increase year around usage and revenue.
Greater Jacksonville Ag Fair & Expo Center, Jacksonville, Florida Shown left to right are Charlie Smith and Bill Olson , President / CEO of the Greater Jacksonville Ag Fair and Expo Center
Lee County Ag Events Center Leesburg, Georgia Shown left to right are Leesburg City Manager Bob Alexander, Leesburg City Council member Judy Powell and Charlie Smith.
Charles D. Smith, AIA, NCARB
Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair & Civic Center, Ft. Meyers, Florida Shown left to right are Fran Crone, Fair Manager, Charlie Smith and Mike Peak, President of the Lee County Fair
Grant County Fair and Exposition Center Moses Lake, Washington Shown left to right are Grant County Commissioner Danny Stone, Charlie Smith. Jim McKiernan, Fair Director and Bob Jones, Grant County Commissioner.
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Welcome New Members Axe Women Loggers of Maine Alissa Wetherbee 20 HALLBROOK WAY ELLSWORTH, ME 04605 Phone: 207-479-1777 E-mail: axewomenloggers@yahoo.com Website: http:/www.axewomen.com Business: Team of world champion & world record holding timbersports athletes! Beach Bums Goodies Brian Christensen 1612-39TH AVENUE DR E ELLENTON, FL 34222 Phone: 435-704-4574 E-mail: beachbumsgoodies@gmail.com Business: Air-fried desserts and treats, Beignets, Cookies, Cake Pops and More
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Predshreds Predrag Petrovic 12760 INDIAN ROCKS RD, UNIT #567 LARGO, FL 33774Phone: 847-345-6534 E-mail: predshreds@yahoo.com Website: http://www.predshreds.com Business: 3 guitar show, roving musician, one man jam band Ready Go Dog Show John Casey 184 HORSESHOE VALLEY DR. LABADIE, MO 63055 Phone: 513-325-8737 Phone cell or alt: 603-702-2795 E-mail: readygodogshow@gmail.com Website: http://www.readygodogshow.com Business: Frisbee Dogs, Diving Dogs, and the Big Air Box Jump
Doc Magic Dewayne Reynolds 710 TANGLEWOOD AVE AUBURN, AL 36832 Phone: 334-444-5467 E-mail: dewayne@dewaynereynolds.com Website: http://www.docmagicshow Business: Self-contained Comedy Variety Stage Show
Six One Five Collective Nicole Witt 9244 WESTON DRIVE BRENTWOOD, TN 37027 Phone: 615-943-9299 E-mail: sixonefivecollective@gmail.com Website: http://www.sixonefivecollective.com Business: We are a collective of Grammy nominated songwriters and artists
Eagle Food Service Art Carroll 2059 S. COUNTY ROAD 50 E CONNERSVILLE, IN 47331 Phone: 765-461-7955 Phone cell or alt: 765-210-6698 E-mail: efsfood@hotmail.com Business: Serving homemade Elephant Ears for over 45 years
Stilt Circus Star Child 4261 SW CARL STREET PORT ST LUCIE, FL 34953 Phone: 310-428-2508 E-mail: starchild@stiltcircus.com Website: http://www.stiltcircus.com Business: Stilt Circus provides unique customdesigned & elaborately costumed stilt entertainment
Handcrafted by Lore Kattia Otero Miers A St. Lucie County online business and Traditional Neighborhood Market every Saturday Phone: 772-291-3061 Phone – cell or alt: 702-235-2292 Email Address: handcraftedbylorellc@gmail.com Website: https://handcraftedbylore.com Business: Handmade products: Soaps, Butters, Scrubs, Balms, Bath Boms, Candles.
The Circus Man Jason D'Vaude 5934 HOLMES STREET KANSAS CITY, MO 64110 Phone: 816-550-0288 E-mail: jason@dvaude.com Business: Juggling, Unicycle & Fire Dance Shows for Fairs & Festivals
Jessie Leigh Official Amy VanDyke 39630 SE GEORGE RD ESTACADA, OR 97023 Phone: 503-812-6559 Phone cell or alt: 917-219-3687 E-mail: amy@ssvr.com Website: http://jessieleighofficial.com Business: County Recording Artist Mobile Glass Studio Ryan Gothrup 355 SAUNDERSVILLE FERRY RD MOUNT JULIET, TN 37122 Phone: 330-606-7377 E-mail: mobileglassstudios@gmail.com Website: http://www.mobileglassstudios.com Business: Live glassblowing and blacksmithing demonstrations
Isaiah Zach Atiya Q. 5019 HILLTOP LANE COLLEGE GROVE, TN 37046 Phone: 319-350-6271 Phone cell or alt: 319-329-2888 E-mail: atiya@isaiahzach.com Website: http://www.isaiahzach.com Business: Singer/Songwriter/Performer
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP LIST IS AT floridafairs.org
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In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference . . Darwin Fuchs November 3, 1936 - January 23, 2022
joined Rand Broadcasting radio station WINZ in Miami, where he worked as an account executive. Fulfilling one of his interests to work with youth, he joined the Dade County Youth Fair board of directors and was named vice president. He took a two-week vacation from WINZ in 1967-68 to manage the six-day fair. With that experience, he was hooked and became the full-time fair manager in 1969. That same year, he began negotiations with the county to move the fair from its small patch of land on North Kendall Drive. Fuchs signed a 90-year lease agreement with the county in 1970 to move the fair to Tamiami Park. It was Fuchs' desire to advance youth achievement by setting the fair's mission to promote education and South Florida agriculture. Under Fuchs' leadership, the fair operated as a fundraising event to provide college scholarships. Since then, MiamiDade students have been the recipients of more than $10 million in scholarships, awards and cash prices. The Youth Fair is the only place in the county where students from public and private schools can exhibit their achievements, with the fair volunteers annually curating submissions from more than 50,000 students. As the years passed, Fuchs expanded the annual fair from six days to 18 days and directly employed 600 people for temporary and part-time services before, during and after the fair and nearly 40 full-time professional staff members. The Fairgrounds is host to an additional 70 public and private events year round. In addition, The Youth Fair funds and coordinates with the Miami Dade County Public Schools and the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department to promote and sponsor athletic competitions each fall and spring for 10,000 Miami-Dade County middle school and high school students. Throughout his career, Fuchs served the fair industry in various roles and received numerous awards. He was president of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, the Florida Federation of Fairs, the Midwest Fair Associations and the Miami-Dade County 4-H Foundation. He served on the boards of the Annenberg Challenge, FIU Athletic Advisory Board, the South Florida Resource Conservation Development Council and was appointed chairman of the Miami-Dade County Library Advisory Board by the MiamiDade Commission. He also served as a member on the general advisory committee for Vocational, Adult, and Community Education for District of Columbia Public Schools. Fuchs was recognized for his dedication to the community and inducted into the International Association of Fairs & Expositions Hall of Fame, the Florida Federation of Fairs Hall of Fame and the 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame. On the opening day of the 2007 fair, the 55,000 square-foot exhibition hall built in 2000 was renamed the E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion to honor 36 years of dedication. A sports enthusiast, Fuchs loved big-game fishing. He found time to fish in Alaska, Venezuela, Costa Rica, the Cayman, Virgin and Bahama islands and most of the coastal waters of Florida. "Darwin was a professional associate and a personal fishing buddy. For many years we went salmon fishing together for a week in Alaska, not to mention numerous weekend day trips in the Florida Everglades and the Keys," Stierheim said. Fuchs is survived by his wife, Mimi, of 62 years, his two sons Troy and Lance, his grandchildren Victoria, Garrett and Connor, and many nieces and nephews.
Miami, Florida - Ernest Darwin Fuchs, the longtime president and CEO of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition who built a small county fair into one of the largest annual nonprofit events in North America, attended by hundreds of thousands, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2022. He was 85. "South Florida lost a wonderful community leader with the passing of Darwin Fuchs," said Merrett Stierheim, Miami-Dade County manager from 1976 to 1986 and decades-long friend of Fuchs. During Fuchs' 34-year tenure from 1969 to 2004 at The Youth Fair, he worked hand in hand with Stierheim, who also served as Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent from 2001 to 2004. Stierheim recalls Fuchs as a man of integrity and generosity who held the magic of thinking big. During the Mariel Boatlift in 1980, more than 100,000 refugees from Cuba arrived on the Florida east coast, Fuchs promptly opened the fair gates, Stierheim said. "I called Darwin when refugees were landing at our shores, and I asked, 'What can we do?' Darwin quickly responded, 'Have them come here to the Fairgrounds, and I'll open up the big exhibit hall,' which he promptly did. Over the hectic weeks that followed, we processed close to 40,000 refugees, uniting many with their Miami families," Stierheim said. Fuchs also initiated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the county to obtain funds to build a pavilion on the Fairgrounds to serve as a Category-4 hurricane shelter, one of few in the area to accept pets. He worked with the Archdiocese of Miami to turn the Fairgrounds into the site of the papal mass in 1987 with Pope John Paul II. "Darwin was a visionary, and he was a consensus builder. He created The Youth Fair into a center of the community in good times and in times of need," said Youth Fair president Eddie Cora. Fuchs created the master plan for The Youth Fair, which opened in 1972 on 86 acres at the east end of the former Tamiami Airport at Southwest 107th Avenue and Coral Way Drive. The board of the private, nonprofit organization approved a $35 million budget, which Fuchs used at no cost to the county to develop a sophisticated multi-purpose venue that became one of the largest attended fairs and expositions in North America. With youth always front and center, he situated the Fairgrounds to consolidate the remaining space at Tamiami Park for sports activities. The Youth Fair built the baseball fields and soccer fields that are used by county park recreational programs. A strong believer in giving back to the community, Fuchs initiated a building program that resulted in two ambitious projects. The first was the construction of a state-of-the-art football and track stadium to be used by Florida International University, the Miami-Dade County Parks Recreational and Open Spaces, and the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The second was to build a modern, multi-theater performing arts center with FIU In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition to showcase The Youth Fair's dance, drama and music exhibitors during the annual fair. Scholarship Fund, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami, FL 33165: or to IAFE Education The Youth Fair contributed generously to both projects. Foundation Scholarship Fund, 3043 E. Cairo St., Springfield, MO 65802. The lanky 6-foot-6 Fuchs was born Nov. 3, 1936, in Rome, Ind., and grew up on the See page 60 family farm. From the time he was 5 years old, his family spent the winter months in Fort Lauderdale, where he graduated in 1955 from Fort Lauderdale Senior High School. He Published by the Miami Herald on Jan. 30, 2022. earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from the University of Florida where he played on the Gators' varsity basketball team. In January 1960, he went to work for an advertising agency in Miami. Within a year, he formed his own agency. In 1964, he
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In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference . . Remembering Darwin………... Vicki Chouris, President/CEO—South Florida Fair On January 30, 2022, the Fair industry lost one of its finest with the passing of E. Darwin Fuchs. Those of us who were blessed to know Darwin, understand exactly what those words mean. He was a man of wisdom, integrity, loyalty, dedication and was always willing to lend a hand to help others understand the value of the work we do every day. We were fortunate Darwin chose Florida as his home and he made the Miami Fair one of the best in the nation. He would attend our Federation meetings long after he retired so he could continue his contributions to our industry. His bride of over 62 years, Mimi Fuchs, was always by his side. But Darwin’s impact was not limited to Florida. Darwin served as Chair of the industry association, the IAFE in 1989. His legacy lives on and is evident in the words of those from across our nation who knew him best. Gary Goodman, South Carolina and past IAFE Chair Miami was the first fair I visited when I was hired in Columbia. Darwin was so gracious. He took me on a tour of the fair and spent quite a bit of time not just showing me the fair but also explaining the industry. Gene Cassidy, Eastern States Exposition, The Big E and past IAFE Chair One of the Greatest. A terrific mentor. Thank God for Darwin. Greg Stewart, Washington and past IAFE Chair -Like for many Darwin was always ready to help and share what fairs were about. A great loss to our industry. Sad day indeed. Cindy Hoye, Indiana State Fair and past IAFE Chair- Darwin was always so gracious and proud of this industry and what was accomplished. He’s a Hoosier and also was so proud of those roots. I will miss him dearly. Wayne McCary, Massachusetts and past IAFE Chair -It is a sad occasion to learn of Darwin’s passing. He was a legendary player in our industry always willing to share his knowledge and experience. It was a privilege to be associated with him and know him as a real friend and mentor. Barney Cosner, Wyoming -He was a great friend and leader in the fair industry. Debbie Dreyfuss-Schronk, Texas and past IAFE Chair -Deeply saddened by this news. Darwin was truly one of the "Greats" of our industry. Norb Bartosik – California, Mid-West Fairs Association and past IAFE Chair - Darwin was one of the first Fair managers I met at IAFE meetings in Las Vegas. As a new attendee, he reached out to me as someone who looked lost. He became a friend and a considered mentor for me in my growth years in the industry. Both he and Mimi went out of their way to be very gracious and friendly. He was always someone I could call on for support or to offer advice. He was larger than life in his position and well respected. He will be greatly missed. Marla Calico, Missouri, President & CEO of IAFE – Darwin was a legendary leader of the IAFE. He was an innovator, creative marketer and a mentor to so many. He was active in the IAFE, Mid-West Fairs and the Florida Federation of Fairs. In 1994, Darwin was recognized with one of the highest awards possible in the Fair industry when he was inducted into the IAFE Hall of Fame. His impact was profound. Pat Lloyd, Oklahoma and past IAFE Chair - I am very sad to hear this news about Darwin. He was one of my mentors during my early days in the fair industry. Eddie Cora – Miami-Dade County Fair - He will always be remembered as a pioneer and visionary with a passion for the fair industry.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Darwin for all he accomplished for our Fair industry. We can take comfort in knowing it is not over. The Florida Fairs have the benefit of working with Darwin and Mimi’s son Lance as counsel for the Florida Federation of Fairs. That is another blessing Darwin gave us.
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In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference . . Remembering Darwin………... When I think of Darwin, I think Big! At six feet five and a half, he was big in stature but he was also big in many ways. Thinking Big by taking a small 4-H Fair and turning it into a Big Fair. He was a good guy and he would do anything for you. I consider him a major factor in my life. And losing Darwin was a personal loss but I know his health was not good. When he retired he would attend the Fair once or twice but he did not hang around. He told me that when someone has been around for a long time it is not good for those that follow to stay around. So many memories of Darwin make me smile. His friendship made our lives better. Jack Griffith Longest serving member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board (1980-82, 1990-92, and 2001-2003) at Miami-Dade County
Eddie Cora, Darwin Fuchs, Jack Griffith
Darwin Fuchs…..A Legend, A Mentor, A Gentleman Darwin Fuchs was one of a kind! He is and always will be a legend in the Fair industry. He was one of those people that sought you out to make sure he encouraged you, congratulated you, or just to say “Hi”. He was definitely a mentor to me. I so admired his ability to lead with such quietness and yet such powerfulness. He will always be my guidepost in striving to show that type of leadership. And a gentleman…if ever there is a definition of “a gentleman” it is surely Darwin. What a gracious way he viewed the world and everyone he met. Darwin was a “gentle, giant” and he will forever be in my heart. In loving memory Lisa Hinton, FFF Executive Director-Retired As a newbie to the fair management business in the early 90's I could aways count on Darwin for any questions I might have. I remember how welcomed he made Kathy and I feel when we visited his fair on numerous occasions. He was a wealth of knowledge and always had time to share. His contributions to the fair industry will be felt for years to come. Jim Overton, Manager, Martin County Fair-Retired My first Florida Federation Workshop was back in 1986. Knowing only the few people from our own Fair, you just observed as much as you could. As you looked around you could tell who the shakers and makers were. One person that stood taller than life itself, in more ways than one, was Darwin Fuchs. A man that would always make time to help anyone at anytime. A man with so much knowledge and so much vision for the industry we are all so fond of. For the next 33 years of my Fair career Darwin was a mentor and friend. Words can not say enough to describe the impact he had on the Fair family in Dade County, the State of Florida or the USA. Thank you for always having a little extra time to help a guy out and to always show by example. Darwin, may the waters be calm and the fish always biting. C.E. Happy Norris, Manager, Lake County Fair—Retired Darwin Fuchs...not only a great fair manager but he motivated the entire fair industry to become better and a part of their community and for the good of all fairs.... I can speak to this as I began my career in the industry and being located just a short ways North of the Dade County Youth Fair I leaned on him and he always gave me good advice...He loved the Florida Federation of Fairs as well as the IAFE....Even tho I have been retired for 17 years I miss him...Rest In Peace..brother... Buck Christian, Manager, South Florida Fair—Retired Darwin was a big thinker, but more importantly, a big producer. I can think of few persons with his wisdom, foresight, and knowledge. I learned lots about the Fair business from him. Equally important, Darwin was a great individual and family man filled with kindness and an eager desire to help others. The midway lights at the Fair might not seem quite as bright this year without the likes of Darwin Fuchs. God bless Mimi and the Fuchs family. Ron Beckey-Manager, North Florida Fair-Retired Darwin Fuchs was an industry leader, innovator and mentor to many. I first met Darwin 39 years ago and admired the growth of the "Dade County Youth Fair" as it grew and prospered and ultimately became the largest fair in Florida under Darwin's leadership. I am thankful to have known Darwin and thank him for sharing Mimi and Lance with our Fair industry. Tom Umiker, Manager, Hillsborough County Fair-Retired
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In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference . . Valentine “Buster” Rooks 3-14-1924-10-30-2021 Born and raised in Citrus County, he was a hard working cattle rancher. He was a longtime member of the Hernando-Citrus Farm Bureau holding several offices. Valentine and his wife Frances were charter members of the Citrus County Cattlemen’s Association and was presented the distinction of Honorary Director in 1990 of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. Mentorship of young people was very important to him, this was evident in his commitment to the 4-H, FFA and the Citrus County Fair Association where he was a lifetime Director. He also served on various boards and committees such as County Comprehensive Planning Board, Gulf Soil Conservation Board, Farm Service Agency, and the Farm Home Administration Board. Valentine was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. He is survived my one daughter and two sons. His youngest son, Larry, is Past President of the Citrus County Fair Association and along with his wife Nancy, are Honorary Lifetime Directors. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Full obituary can be read at hooperfuneralhome.com
Helen Stokes Langley 9-8-1937-1-29-2022 Born and raised in Citrus County. She married the man of her dreams Wilbur H. Langley, Sr. They spent 65 wonderful years together until his death last year. She raised 4 sons, was a homemaker and managed the Flea Market at the Citrus County Fairgrounds. She loved gospel music and playing the piano. Besides Wilbur, Helen was preceded in death by 3 sons: Wilbur Langley, Jr, Gregory Langley, and Darryl Langley. Surviving is her son Kevin Langley and wife Paula. She is also survived by a sister, brother, and 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Full obituary is at hooperfuneralhom
Gerald Lee Murphy Sr. 2-21-1939-11-9-2021 Jerry grew up in the amusement industry and was a secondgeneration amusement business owner. He was a passionate visionary and innovator in the business. He was a true supporter of agriculture programs for the youth including FFA and 4H. He was president of the Hot Springs Showmen’s Association in 1966, President of the St. Louis Chapter of the Showmen’s League of America in 1980, President of the OABA in 1983, he was also a member of various Fair Associations across the country along with numerous county fairs. He is survived by his brother James and wife Linda. He is survived by four sons and three daughters and several grandchildren. Services were held in Tulsa, OK. Condolences may be left at: www.floralhaven.com
to Stacey Wade On the loss of her Grandfather In Loving Memory of B. Willard Redditt. Born 8/24/1923 in Conway FL. Passed 2/13/2022 in Rockledge FL.
Please help us honor and recognize our friends in the Fair industry who pass away during the year by sending their names and Fair affiliation to the Federation for inclusion in the Resolutions passed at each year’s convention and also be included in the next issue of the newsletter. Please include the person’s affiliation with your Fair or company and years of service. Send to floridafairs@mail.com and to Resolutions Chairman Ronnie Hull at ronnie@volusiacountyfair.com
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THE FAIRCRACKER Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc. P.O. Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220-0368
IT’S ALWAYS A FAIR DAY IN FLORIDA! FLORIDA FEDERATION OF FAIRS & LIVESTOCK SHOWS, INC. Mission Statement: Increase the overall quality of Florida’s Agricultural Fairs, Provide the members the support and guidance needed to enlighten our youth and educate Fairgoers on agriculture, trade, entertainment and the heritage of Florida.
Member of: Federation of State and Provincial Association of Fairs of North America International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) www.fairsandexpos.com
Florida Festivals & Events Association www.ffea.com
Sponsor of “Merry Moo”
National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) www.nicainc.org
Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) www.oaba.org
https://www.floridafairs.org
A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA FEDERATION OF FAIRS & LIVESTOCK SHOWS, INC.