6 minute read
OABA
Greetings to all of our friends at the Florida Federation of Fairs from the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA). Once again, it is our pleasure to provide you with a short synopsis of what is going on in the mobile amusement industry.
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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.
Greg Chiecko OABA President & CEO
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.
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.
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.
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.
