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Associate Members (new
Welcome New Members
Axe Women Loggers of Maine
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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
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
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
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.
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
Predshreds
Predrag Petrovic 12760 INDIAN ROCKS RD, UNIT #567 LARGO, FL 33774- Phone: 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
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
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
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
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
In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference . .
Darwin Fuchs November 3, 1936 - January 23, 2022
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 to showcase The Youth Fair's dance, drama and music exhibitors during the annual fair. The Youth Fair contributed generously to both projects.
The lanky 6-foot-6 Fuchs was born Nov. 3, 1936, in Rome, Ind., and grew up on the 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 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 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.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Scholarship Fund, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami, FL 33165: or to IAFE Education Foundation Scholarship Fund, 3043 E. Cairo St., Springfield, MO 65802.
See page 60
Published by the Miami Herald on Jan. 30, 2022.
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.
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
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
Eddie Cora, Darwin Fuchs, Jack Griffith
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
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
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
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
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!
Member of:
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.
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
National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) www.nicainc.org
Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) www.oaba.org Sponsor of “Merry Moo”
https://www.floridafairs.org
