The Faircracker Summer 2022
President’s Message—Terry Atchley IMPORTANT DATES Dues Due by July 31 Summer Trip September 2-5 Board of Directors September 30 Hardee County Fairgrounds Fall Workshop September 30-October 1 Hardee County Fairgrounds IAFE Convention November 27-30 Indianapolis 2023 Tallahassee Legislative Trip—March 7-8 Annual Convention May 18-20 Orlando
Greeting to All, I am truly honored and humbled to serve as the 2022-23 president of the Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows. The opportunity I will have to work along side of many amazing friends and fair leaders during this time will be one of my greatest accomplishments in life. I want to extend my personal appreciation to everyone who had the opportunity to attend this year’s annual convention and a “Special Thanks” to all of our friends and fair family that were able us from Zone 1 and Zone 2. It is always a wonderful blessing to be surrounded by so many of our fair friends and family from both near and afar. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate Mr. Artie McIntyre for his recent induction into the Florida Federation of Fairs Hall of Fame, and a special congratulations to Mr. E. James Strates for receiving the Associate of the Year Award. It is with great excitement that I encourage you all to attend our Fall Workshop that will be held September 30th and October 1st at the Hardee County Fairgrounds in Wauchula. Fran and the planning team will have a great program lined up. Additional information will be available soon. As a reminder from the Convention, I issued a “challenge” to everyone. “How can we help you, so you can help us, help you.” The Federation has been blessed with great leadership for years. However, over the past few years we have seen exceptional leadership from Bill Olson, Jim Ward, and Rhonda Ward as a result of the ever changing cultural issues beyond our control. Each have supported and encouraged us to think “out of the box” to ensure the industry’s continued success and to survive the results of a worldwide pandemic that impacted every person, business and industry around the globe. Accolades to all, we have survived. Continued on page 3
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.
President’s Message—continued “The Greatest Fair on Earth” is what each of us have to be to our local communities, and strive to ensure we achieve the Federation’s Mission Statement of: Increase the overall quality of Florida’s Agricultural Fairs. Provide the members the support and guidance need to enlighten our youth and educate the fairgoers on agriculture, trade, entertainment and heritage of Florida. So the challenge question is, what are you doing to help ensure continued growth and success in our “new culture” as we moved our industry to the next level? Keep thinking “out of the box” and share it. I hope to visit your fair soon and ask you the question “face to face.” Mark your calendars now for: The Annual “Dream Fair Trip” will be to the Washington State Fair September 2-5. Fall Workshop—September 30th—October 1st. Florida Farm Bureau & Taste of Ag Day in Tallahassee March 8, 2023 Florida Federation of Fairs Annual Convention will be here soon. May 18-20, 2023 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando So, with God’s Blessings may we all enjoy a glorious “FAIR” year as the
“Greatest Fair on Earth”
OFFICERS President Terry Atchley Hardee County Fair PO Box 1236 Wauchula, FL 33873 407-908-8164 atchleyterry@gmail.com First Vice President Hal Porter, Citrus County Fair Second Vice President Fran Crone, SW FL & Lee County Fair Secretary/Treasurer Rita DeMier Lincoln, South Florida Fair Immediate Past President Rhonda Ward, Collier Fair DIRECTORS Eddie Cora, Miami-Dade County Fair Cheryl Flood, Florida State Fair Authority Mark Harvey, North Florida Fair Suzanne Holcomb, Hillsborough County Fair Bill Olson, Greater Jacksonville Ag Fair Jay Spicer, Martin County Fair Shelly Terrell, Northeast Florida Fair Stacey Wade, Lake County Fair ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Robert Smith, Robert Smith Presents Jay Srates, Strates Shows HONORARY DIRECTORS Geoffrey Patterson, Florida Farm Bureau Michelle Faulk, FDACS
Florida Federation of Fairs President Terry Atchley with his Hardee County Fair Board:: President: Terry Atchley, Treasurer: Sheena Deemer, Secretary: Dr. Teresa Crawford, Misty Hughes, Vice-President: Darin Hughes.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dan West P.O. Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220-0368 813-763-0161 dwest1840@gmail.com
Summer 2022/3
“Let the Fair Times Roll!” was the theme of the 71st Florida Federation of Fairs Convention in May and that came on the heels of fairs across the state that were rolling with record numbers. The fair season from September to May was a great one across Florida and gave our industry a reason to pause and come together for socializing and fun at the annual FFF Convention. The 2022 Florida Federation of Fairs Convention took place at the Naples Grande Beach Resort and was a great time for everyone to take a break and have a good time. We had nearly 550 folks registered for the convention along with over 105 booth spaces in the trade show. This was a dramatic increase from the year before. We would like to thank all of our sponsors without whom we could not have the convention we all enjoyed. A big thank you goes out to the Collier Fair and Mrs. Rhonda Ward along with her team for taking care of so many items and making us feel so welcome. Thank you to our Zone 1 & Zone 2 folks for attending the convention and bringing so much knowledge to our workshops and round table discussions. Thank you to Mrs. Kathryn Hunter and Ms. Kelly Collins for your leadership in your zones and for helping make the convention a great success. Thank you to all of our volunteers for taking tickets, welcoming folks and making the event run smoothly. The 2023 Florida Federation of Fairs Convention will be held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando May 18-20. Other events in the planning stages are the Summer Fair Trip to the Washington State Fair. Those dates are September 2-5, 2022. Anyone wishing to attend with us should let me know by July 11th. The Fall Workshop will be held in Hardee County on September 30th and October 1st. Information for the workshop will be coming out very soon. On June 15th, we had the chance to visit the Florida FFA Convention at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. It was a great opportunity to see the future of Florida Fairs and Florida Agriculture in action. That evening there were 4600 FFA members and guests at the 4th General Session. The Florida Federation of Fairs co- sponsored the Blue and Gold Reception that evening. If you’ve never seen 4600 FFA members wearing their Blue & Gold FFA Jackets it’s a sight that makes you proud. They are definitely our future and we will continue to support them. Thank you to everyone for making this past Fair Season a great one!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dan West P.O. Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220-0368 813-763-0161 dwest1840@gmail.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Advertisers ................................................................................................................ 95 Associate of the Year ................................................................................................ 32 Associate Members—new ........................................................................................ 94 Associate Spotlight ...................................................................................... 80, 82, 84, Attorney’s Corner ........................................................................................................ 5 Awards, Grants, Scholarships ....................................................................... 33, 35, 37 Board of Directors ....................................................................................................... 3 Board Meeting Notice ................................................................................................. 4 Committees ................................................................................................................ 7 Concessions by the Numbers, Kathy Ross ............................................................... 55 Directory Contest Winners ........................................................................................ 29 Executive Director ....................................................................................................... 4 Fair News ............................................................................................................ 15-19 FFA........................................................................................................................... 87 IAFE Ambassador ..................................................................................................... 58 IAFE ...................................................................................... 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58 4-H............................................................................................................................ 57 Important Dates .......................................................................................................... 1 In Memory................................................................................................................. 96 Hall of Fame ............................................................................................................. 31 NICA ......................................................................................................................... 64 OABA ....................................................................................................................... 66 Shoot Out ................................................................................................................. 25 Showcases ............................................................................................................... 39 Summer Trip ............................................................................................................. 14 Trade Show .............................................................................................................. 70 UCS .......................................................................................................................... 90 YPI............................................................................................................................ 48 Zone 1 ...................................................................................................................... 53 Zone 2 ...................................................................................................................... 51 Summer 2022/4
Next meeting of the Board of Directors Friday, September 30th at 10:00 Hardee County Fairgrounds 770 Rec Center Complex Wauchula, FL 33873
THE LEGAL STATUS OF FAIR ASSOCIATIONS By Lance C. Fuchs, Esq.
At times there is confusion as to what type of legal entity is a fair association. In Florida, businesses can take on many forms such as a sole proprietorship, for profit corporation, limited liability company, a not for profit corporation, professional service corporation, foreign unincorporated association, private school corporation, or, our very own Chapter 616 fair association. Section 616.04 of the Florida Statutes provides as follows: “[a] certified copy of the charter and decree of incorporation of a fair association shall be evidence of the contents of the charter in all actions and proceedings, and shall be conclusive evidence of the existence of the incorporated association in all actions and proceedings. . . .” Many individuals outside our industry think that a fair association is controlled by the Florida profit or not for profit statutes. That is simply not the case. Fair associations enjoy a unique status in Florida law and are governed by their own Chapter in our Florida Statutes. In 2012, during the comprehensive revision by the Florida Legislature of Chapter 616, specifically Section 616.03, the following was added to help alleviate the confusion: “. . . . [t]his section does not preclude a fair association from also filing its duly approved charter with the Department of State pursuant to chapter 617 for notice purposes.” Many fairs have found this helpful when they go to apply for financing, deal with banks, county government, etc., because most attorneys and bank officers are familiar with the Florida Secretary of State’s website (sunbiz.org) to confirm the legal existence of a corporate entity in Florida, and are not accustomed to contacting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to confirm a fair’s lawful existence.
Attorney’s Corner
Lance Fuchs
Getting to know our new Directors Suzanne Holcomb, IFMG
Fair Manager, Greater Hillsborough County Fair suzanne@hillsboroughcountyfair.com Suzanne Holcomb is the Fair Manager of the Greater Hillsborough County Fair Association, Inc in Dover, FL. She is a graduate of the IAFE Institute of Fair Manager and received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Florida. Suzanne resides in Lithia, FL with her husband and 3 children and has deep roots in the 4-H, FFA and dairy cattle industry.
Jay Strates Jay@strates.com E. Jay Strates is a member of the 3rd generation of the Strates Family to take on responsibilities of leading the famous James E. Strates Shows. Born in Orlando, Jay began working summers in the family business until graduating in 1992 from the University of Florida Warrington College of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance and a Master of Business Administration. During his 30 years with the Show, Jay has navigated Strates Shows through the ever-changing regulatory environment in the outdoor amusement industry. He continues to spearhead the integration of technology in all aspects of operations, especially those that improve customer service. He has served as a Director for OABA since 2008. He is currently Director at Large from Associate Members for IAFE. Jay has also been a member of the Showmen’s League of America since 2008 and served on the organization’s Board of Governors in 2013. Jay lives in Winter Park with his wife Suzy and two children.
Summer 2022/5
Rhonda Ward Immediate Past President
Hello everyone! I hope that all of you have recovered from Letting the Fair Times Roll at the Florida Federation of Fairs Convention and Zone 1 & 2 Meeting. I know that I had a great time and hope that all of you did as well. I believe any time we get together with our fellow fairs is time well spent. As part of the convention program committee, we hope that you brought back some fresh, exciting and innovative ideas. From the trade show to showcases, to workshops to round table discussion, to a New Orleans themed President’s party and an elegant masquerade gala with awards galore what a time we had. A big congratulations to all of our winners and to the committees that had the hard task of choosing who it would be. The showcase committee rocked our theme with great acts that made us think at times that we were in the French Quarters. Our associates showed up in huge numbers. And how about our sponsors. Our organization is backed by some of the greatest companies out there. They made sure that we had everything we needed and more to make this convention one to remember. We are so thankful for each of you that joined us, were on a committee, volunteered to welcome, or lead a class. All of you helped make it possible. How blessed we are to be a part of such a generous community of fair people. With all that said, I would be remiss if I didn’t say a personal thank you to each and every one of you for making my year as president one to remember. My board, the committees, the volunteers, sponsors, fair friends, my Collier Fair family, Dan, Elaine and my family all of you hold a special place in my heart and mean the world to me. These past few years have been rough on everyone, but around every corner and through each valley we seem to come to meet the needs of our fair friends. You are all the most wonderful people in the world. I AM BLESSED! I will continue to say that for the rest of my life because I have met and made lasting friendships that have carried me through some of the darkest of days. Thank you all for this opportunity and if you are just coming into the “fair family” be ready to be overwhelmed with love, friendship, prayers, emails, cards, texts, words of encouragement and genuine heartfelt concern for you and your fair. Embrace it and embrace your “fair family” because they will be just who you need, when you need them and how you need them. I hope I left a little sparkle with each of you this past year and I’m always here to return the favor if needed. Most of all I am thankful for a God who has given me each of you to walk through this world with and hopefully into the next. He is a great God and I am forever grateful that He led me to be a part of this awesome “FAIR FAMILY”. I’m not going anywhere…Terry has to put up with me for at least a year…hopefully many more to come! God Bless and See You Soon, Rhonda Ward
Summer 2022/6
COMMITTEES 2022-2023 Agriculture Danny Alfonso-CHAIR Becky Brashear Kevin Corrigan Malcolm Fabre Suzanne Holcombe Lynann Hudson Ronnie Hull Lisa Kelley Shelly Terrell Stacey Wade
danny@manateecountyfair.com becky@southfloridafair.com kevincorrigan5@aol.com farbe885@hotmail.com suzanne@hillsboroughcountyfair.com lynnann.husdon@floridastatefair.com ronnie@volusiacountyfair.com lkelley@ussugar.com shelter80@aol.com stacey@lakecofair.com
Manatee County Fair South Florida Fair Pasco County Fair Putnam County Fair Greater Hillsborough County Fair Florida State Fair Volusia County Fair Hendry County Fair Northeast Florida Fair Lake County Fair
Associate of the Year Mark Harvey-CHAIR Clark Converse Eddie Cora Fran Crone Dawn Rowe Jay Spicer Jay Strates
markharvery50x@comcast.net converse459@embarqmail.com ecora@fairexpo.com fcrone@leeciviccenter.com drowe1@yahoo.com jay@martincountyfair.com Jay@strates.com
North Florida Fair Pasco County Fair Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Osceola County Fair Martin County Fair Strates Shows
rita@southfloridafair.com
South Florida Fair
By-Laws Terry Atchley-CHAIR Paul Davis Tasha Hyder Jeanne Keaton Jay Spicer Dawn Rowe Lee Stokes
atchleyterry@gmail.com paul@flstrawberryfestival.com tasha@claycountyfair.org fairgal1993@hotmail.com jay@martincountyfair.com dawnrowe1@yahoo.com stokeslee50@yahoo.com
Hardee County Fair Florida Strawberry Festival Clay County Fair St. Lucie County Fair Martin County Fair Osceola County Fair Citrus County Fair
Emergency Preparedness Mark Harvey-CHAIR Danny Alfonso Randy Crone Mike Jones Tim Lovett
markharvery50x@comcast.net danny@manateecountyfair.com gtaeagle@comcast.net michaellee0257@gmail.com tim@flstrawberryfestival.com
North Florida Fair Manatee County Fair Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Collier Fair Florida Strawberry Festival
Hall of Fame Artie McIntyre-CHAIR Vicki Chouris Clark Converse Doris Graska Ellany Johnson Tom Umiker
artie_wgfm@yahoo.com vicki@southfloridafair.com converse459@embarqmail.com dgraska@gmail.com ellany@flstrawberryfestival.com tomumiker@gmail.com
Past Presient South Florida Fair Pasco County Fair Citrus County Fair Florida Strawberry Festival Greater Hillsborough County Fair
Legislative Eddie Cora-CHAIR Clark Converse Cheryl Flood Ronnie Hull Artie McIntyre Bill Olson Stacey Wade
ecora@fairexpo.com converse459@embarqmail.com Cheryl.Flood@Floridastatefair.com ronnie@volusiacountyfair.com artie_wgfm@yahoo.com bill@jacksonvillefair.com stacey@lakecofair.com
Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Pasco County Fair Florida State Fair Volusia County Fair Past President Greater Jacksonville Fair Lake County Fair
Media Doris Graska Suzanne Holcomb Rita De Mier-Lincoln Margaret Roddenberry Tracy Thompson
dgraska@gmail.com suzanne@hillsboroughcountyfair.com rita@southfloridafair.com mroddenberry@yahoo,com tjtpascocofair@aol.com
Citrus County Fair Greater Hillsborough County Fair South Florida Fair Citrus County Fair Pasco County Fair
Membership Jim Ward, CHAIR Heidi Deggeller-Pugh Eddie Porcelli Kathy Ross Jay Spicer Shelley Terrell
jawpascocountyfair@aol.com heidi@deggeller.com porcellied@yahoo.com headache661@yahoo.com jay@martincountyfair.com shelter80@aol.com
Pasco County Fair Deggeller Attractions, Inc. Spaghetti Eddie's Ross Concessions Martin County Fair Northeast Florida Fair
Audit and Budget Rita DeMier Lincoln Executive Board
Summer 2022/7
COMMITTEES 2022-2023 Nominating Rhonda Ward-CHAIR Bill Olson Felecia Chivington Paul Davis Dawn Rowe
Rhonda@collierfair.ocm bill@jacksonvillefair.com felecia@pensacolafair.com paul@flstrawberryfestival.com dawnrowe1@yahoo.com
Collier Fair Greater Jacksonville Fair Pensacola Interstate Fair Florida Strawberry Festival Osceola County Fair
Suzanne@hillsboroughcountyfair.com shelter80@aol.com christinei@stluciecountyfair.org
Greater Hillsborough County Fair Northeast Florida Fair St. Lucie County Fair
jawpascocountyfair@aol.com hintonl@gmail.com
Pasco County Fair Exec. Director FFF, Florida State Fair
stacey@lakecofair.com hintonl@gmail.com rhough2@comcast.net Paige@southfloridafair.com jacki@centralfloridafair.com
Lake County Fair Exec. Director FFF, Florida State Fair Putnam County Fair South Florida Fair Central Florida Fair
Special Events-Fund Raising Bill Olson-CHAIR Theresa Agricola Kelsey Bridges Danny Grant Hal Porter Beau Pugh Jay Strates
bill@jacksonvillefair.com Theresa@southfloridafair.com kelsey@floridastrawberryfestival.com thecowboycircus@gmail.com citruscountyfair@embarqmail.com beaupugh@gmail.com Jay@strates.com
Greater Jacksonville Fair South Florida Fair Florida Strawberry Festival The Cowboy Circus Citrus County Fair Deggeller Attractions, Inc. Strates Shows
Sponsorship Theresa Agricola-CHAIR Kelsey Bridges Shawn Krauel
theresa@southfloridafair.com kelsey@flstrawberryfestival.com shawn@centralfloridafair.com
South Florida Fair Florida Strawberry Festival Central Florida Fair
Strategic Planning Rhonda Ward-CHAIR Bill Olson Hal Porter Jim Ward
Rhonda@collierfair.ocm bill@jacksonvillefair.com citruscountyfair@embarqmail.com jawpascocountyfair.com
Collier Fair Greater Jacksonville Fair Citrus County Fair Pasco County Fair
Fall Workshop Fran Crone-CHAIR Hal Porter-Advisor Malcolm Fabre Mike Jones Jacqueline Stough
fcrone@leeciviccenter.com citruscountyfair@embarqmail.com fabre885@hotmail.com michaellee0257@gmail.com jacki@centralfloridafair.com
Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Citrus County Fair Putnam County Fair Collier Fair Central Florida Fair
Traveling Exhibits Tom Umiker-CHAIR Clark Converse
tomumiker@aol.com converse459@embarqmail.com
Greater Hillsborough County Fair-Retired Pasco County Fair
Young Professionals Initiative Jacqueline Stough-CHAIR Beth Buckley Kayla Cawley Clay Crosby Natalie Gordillo Tasha Hyder Michael Rogalsky
jacki@centralfloridafair.com beth.buckley@floridastatefair.com kayla@southfloridafair.com clay.crosby@floridastatefair.com natalie@collierfair.com tasha@claycountyfair.org michael.rogalsky@floridastatefair.com
Central Florida Fair Florida State Fair South Florida Fair Florida State Fair Collier Fair Clay County Fair Florida State Fair
Personnel-Executive Board Resolutions Suzanne Holcomb Shelly Terrell Christine Iannotti President’s Council Jim Ward, CHAIR Lisa Hinton, Co-Chair All Past Presidents Scholarship Stacey Wade-CHAIR Lisa Hinton, Retired Renee' Hough Paige Poole Jacqueline Stough Site Selection-Executive Board
Summer 2022/8
CONVENTION COMMITTEES Convention Program Hal Porter-CHAIR Rhonda Ward-Advisor Vicki Chorius Eddie Cora Fran Crone Cheryl Flood Mark Harvey Tasha Hyder Christine Iannotti Rita De Mier-Lincoln Bill Olson Amit Patel Kathy Ross Robert Smith Jay Spicer Jacqueline Stough Shelley Terrell Stacey Wade
citruscountyfair@embarqmail.com rhonda@colliercountyfair.com vicki@floridafair.com ecora@fairexpo.com fcrone@leeciviccenter.com cheryl.flood@floridastatefair.com markharvery50x@comcast.net tasha@claycountyfair.org christinei@stluciecountyfair.org Rita@southfloridafair.com bill@jacksonvillefair.com Amit.patel@floridastatefair.com headache661@yahoo.com robert@robertsmithpresents.com jay@martincountyfair.com jacki@centralfloridafair.com shelter80@aol.com stacey@lakecofair.com
Citrus County Fair Collier Fair South Florida Fair Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Florida State Fair North Florida Fair Clay County Fair St. Lucie County Fair South Florida Fair Greater Jacksonville Fair Florida State Fair Ross Concessions Robert Smith Presents Martin County Fair Central Florida Fair Northeast Florida Fair Lake County Fair
Auction Jay Spicer-CHAIR Mary Hiers Christine Iannotti Lisa Kelley Paige Poole Lee Stokes
jay@martincountyfair.com mary14@tampabay.rr.com christinei@stluciecountyfair.com lkelley@ussugar.com paige@southfloridafair.com stokeslee50@yahoo.com
Martin County Fair Citrus County Fair St. Lucie County Fair Hendry County Fair South Florida Fair Citrus County Fair
Awards Tasha Hyder-CHAIR Renee' Hough Nicole Jones Stacey Wade
tasha@claycountyfair.org rhough2@comcast.net njones30@outlook.com stacey@lakecofair.com
Clay County Fair Putnam County Fair Martin County Fair Lake County Fair
Door Prizes Rita De Mier-Lincoln Pat Cookson Kathy Ross Dawn Rowe Lee Stokes
rita@southfloridafair.com mammaw341110@yahoo.com headache661@yahoo.com dawnrowe1@yahoo.com stokeslee50@yahoo.com
South Florida Fair Collier Fair Ross Concessions Osceola County Fair Citrus County Fair
Gala Lane Wetherington-CH Danny Alfonso Kayla Cawley Dr. Teresa Crawford Sheena Deemer Heidi Deggeller Pugh Charley Fraley Seasonne Hayes Alyssa Reidy Kimsey Ryan Tracy Thompson
christmaslanes@aol.com danny@manateecountyfair.com kayla@southfloridafair.com CrawfordT@southflorida.edu sheena.deemer@hotmail.com heidi@deggeller.com charliefraley22@yahoo.com Shayes1990@hotmail.com alyssabreidy@gmail.com kimsey1@hotmail.com tjtpascocofair@aol.com
Florida Strawberry Festival Manatee County Fair Florida State Fair Hardee County Fair Hardee County Fair Deggeller Attractions, Inc Pasco County Fair Collier Fair Collier Fair Collier Fair Pasco County Fair
Hospitality Suite Shelley Terrell-CHAIR Kayla Cawley Pat Cookson Suzanne Holcomb Lisa Kelley Richie Ryan Bodie Ward
shelter80@aol.com kayla@southfloridafair.com mammaw341110@yahoo.com suzanne@hillsboroughcountyfair.com lkelley@ussugar.com rgotrdid@hotmail.com rhonda@collierfair.com
Northeast Florida Fair South Florida Fair Collier Fair Greater Hillsborough County Fair Hendry County Fair Collier Fair Collier Fair
President’s Party Lane Wetherington-CH Darren Burton Dr. Teresa Crawford Sheena Deemer Charley Fraley Lisa Marie Furth
christmaslanes@aol.com darren.burton@floridastatefair.com crawfordT@southflorida.edu sheena.deemer@hotmail.com charliefraley33@yahoo.com lisamarie@glberg
Florida Strawberry Festival Florida State Fair Hardee County Fair Hardee County Fair Pasco County Fair GL Berg
Summer 2022/9
CONVENTION COMMITTEES President’s Party-continued Richie George April Goodnight Nicole Jones Alyssa Reidy
georgesfunfoods@yahoo.com aprilgoodnight@aol.com njones30@outlook.com alyssabreidy@gmail.com
George's Fun Foods Collier Fair Martin County Fair Collier Fair
Registration Rita De-Mier Lincoln-CHAIR Melody McIntyre-CO-CHAIR Doris Graska Jeanne Keaton Elaine Maxwell Tracy Thompson Dan West
rita@southfloridafair.com melody.mcintyre@yahoo.com dgraska@gmail.com fairgal1993@hotmail.com floridafairs@gmail.com tjtpascocofair@aol.com dwest1840@gmail.com
South Florida Fair Jacksonville Ag Fair-Retired Citrus County Fair St. Lucie County Fair-Retired Florida Federation of Fairs Pasco County Fair Florida Federation of Fairs
Showcases Fran Crone-CHAIR Cheryl Flood-CO-CHAIR Hal Porter-Advisor Gino Aull Dawn Rowe Richard Ryan Tracy Thompson Lane Wetherington
fcrone@leeciviccenter.com Cheryl.Flood@floridastatefair.com citruscountyfair@embarqmail.com yaaull@aol.com dawnrowe1@yahoo.com rgotrdid@hotmail.com tjtpascocofair@aol.com christmaslanes@aol.com
Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Florida State Fair Citrus County Fair Collier Fair Osceola County Fair Show Collier Fair Pasco County Fair Florida Strawberry Festival
Trade Show Cheryl Flood-CHAIR Fran Crone CO--CHAIR Beth Buckley Randy Crone Clay Crosby Frank Sherkus Robert Smith Tracy Thompson Jim Ward
Cheryl.Flood@floridastatefair.com fcrone@leeciviccenter.com beth.buckley@floridastatefair.com gtaeagle@comcast.net clay.crosby@floridastatefair.com frank.sherkus@lcec.net robert@robertsmithpresents.com tjtpascocofair@aol.com jawpascocountyfair@aol.com
Florida State Fair Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Florida State Fair Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Florida State Fair Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Robert Smith Presents Pasco County Fair Pasco County Fair
Welcoming Eddie Cora-CHAIR Danny Alfonso Lisa Marie Furth April Goodnight Natalie Gordillo Stephen Hayes Wayne Howard LynAnn Hudson Nicole Jones Delores Lanigan Tim Lovett Mary Beth Lumbra Paige Poole Beau Pugh Kimsey Ryan Robert Smith Stacy Wakefield
ecora@fairexpo.com danny@manateecountyfair.com lisamarie@glberg.com aprilgoodnight@aol.com natalie@collierfair.com office@all-locks.com mxpoppy@centurylink.net lynann.hudson@floridastatefair.com njones30@outlook.com Send email to Mary Beth for Delores tim@flstrawberryfestival.com mlumbra22@gmail.com paige@southfloridafair.com beaupugh@gmail.com kimsey1@hotmail.com admin@robertsmithpresents.com stacy@southfloridafair.com
Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Manatee County Fair GL Berg Collier Fair Collier Fair Collier Fair Pasco County Fair Florida State Fair Martin County Fair Pasco County Fair Florida Strawberry Festival Pasco County Fair South Florida Fair Deggeller Attractions, Inc. Collier Fair Robert Smith Presents South Florida Fair
If you are interested in serving on a committee, forward this form to: Florida Federation of Fairs PO Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220 or email to: dwest1840@gmail.com Name________________________________________ Committee:_______________________________________ Fair ______________________________________ email:_______________________________________________
Summer 2022/10
2022 Fall Workshop September 30 October 1 Hardee County Fairgrounds 770 Recreation Complex Wauchula, FL 33873 Tentative Fall Workshop Schedule At the Hardee County Fairgrounds Friday, September 30th Board Meeting 10:00 AM Friday, September 30th Committee Meetings 2:00-5:00 Friday Evening Dinner –TBA
Best Western Heritage Inn & Suites 2727 US Hwy 17 N Bowling Green, FL 33834 863-773-2378 We are not able to create a room block at this hotel. Go online or call to select your room type and get your reservation. The room costs vary depending on your room choice and can be anywhere from $115 to $135. There is not set room price for our group. Please make your reservations quickly for this great event. https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-bowling-green/best-westernheritage-inn-suites/propertyCode.10341.html Complimentary full breakfast, choice of breads, cereal, fruit, hot eggs, hot breakfast meat, other hot items, yogurt, juice, and coffee
Saturday, October 1st Workshop Sessions Begin at 8:00 AM Further information will be sent via email and Facebook.
Summer 2022/11
Farm Bureau Legislative Days March 7 & 8, 2023 Tallahassee, Florida We have 15 rooms blocked for March 7th & 8th at the Hampton Inn Tallahassee Central. It is located at 2979 Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee.
Your March 2023 group block is live! Here are the booking instructions for your guests: For Call In: Call (850) 309-1300, provide dates & ask to book with “FL Federation of Fairs” under group code FFF. Online Booking: Go to: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tlhhhhx-hampton-tallahassee-central/ • Enter dates • Click on Special Rates • In the Group Code box, enter FFF • Click on Check Rooms & Rates • You should see the “FL Federation of Fairs” rates appear Please note: any unreserved rooms will automatically release on 2/21/23.
The event at the Capitol will be Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Florida Farm Bureau 5700 SW 34th Street Gainesville, Florida 32608
Summer 2022/12
OCTOBER 1, 2022 DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATION FOR AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION FACILITY REQUEST FOR FUNDING Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of General Services 407 S Calhoun Street, M4 Tallahassee, FL 32399 Application at: https://www.fdacs.gov
Summer 2022/13
Hello Florida Fairs! For this year’s Florida Fair Trip we will be travelling to Puyallup, Washington to visit the Washington State Fair September 2-5, 2022. We are in the process of rounding up an idea of numbers, so if you would like to take part in this event and are planning to join us, please let me know by July 11th. This is not a drop dead date, but will help us with our planning. Our plan is to visit the Fair on September 3rd and 4th and Mr. Kent Hojem, CEO of the Washington State Fair is expecting us!
Annual Summer Fair Trip 2022
We arelooking forward to another fun and exciting “Fair Trip” - full of fun, adventure, and fellowship! We hope you can join us this year! Thanks, Dan West, Executive Director Florida Federation of Fairs 813-763-0161 dwest1840@gmail.com
The Place That Brings People Together, Generation After Generation The Washington State Fair is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington. The Fair continually ranks as one of the largest fairs in the world. The Washington State Fair hosts two annual events, the 20-day Washington State Fair every September, and the four-day Spring Fair in Puyallup every April.
Kent Hojem, Chief Executive Officer - kent@thefair.com
2022 Fair Dates: September 2-25
Located in Puyallup, which is situated south of Seattle and east of Tacoma in the shadow of majestic Mount Rainier, the Washington State Fair Events Center comprises 169+ acres, with buildings and land valued at more than $54 million. The facilities are available for rent during the year, making the grounds a valuable community resource. A staff of 55 works year-round. Over 1,900+ employees are hired each September during the Fair.
Open Labor Day Weekend! Closed Tuesdays & Sept. 7 (Wednesday).
The Washington State Fair is a private, not-for-profit, 501-C3 corporation. It receives no government subsidy, and pays city and state taxes. Any proceeds are invested back into the Fair for improvements.
110 9th Avenue SW Puyallup, WA 98371
OPEN SATURDAY, SEPT. 3 & SUNDAY, SEPT. 4—9:30am TO 10:30pm ENTERTAINMENT: SATURDAY, Sept. 3rd Blake Shelton with special guest Wade Hayes SUNDAY, Sept. 4th Nelly with special guest Breland Summer 2022/14
News of Florida Fairs
Tiny Tanker out playing in the rain
Citrus County Fair News The 2022 Fair "Family Fun For Everyone" was a success even with 2 days of rain. The Youth Livestock Programs were busy all week. The shows and sales were incredible. The support from our community is awesome. The youth are blessed and had successful ends to their projects. The exhibits were well displayed and enjoyed by our patrons. "Fair Food" is always a treat for everyone to enjoy. Belle City opened on Tuesday and provided games and thrilling rides on the Midway. We had specials all week on the Midway. The entertainment was great! We had lots of positive feedback. This year the lineup included: Danny Grant Cowboy Circus, Jimmy Mowery from the Voice, Tiny Tanker, RoboCars, American Patriot Laser Tag and great local talent. The contests included: Pie eating, Karaoke, Public Speaking, Livestock Skill-athons and Ag Bowl Quiz. The grounds are busy with off season rentals including the 5th Anniversary of the Elvis Summer Fest June 22 - 26, 2022.Nine great shows with sixteen Elvis Tribute Artists. Check out our the website and Facebook for all the exciting events at the Citrus County Fairgrounds. We enjoyed the convention in Naples, learned a lot. It's always fun to spend time with our "Fair Family!"
Danny Grant teaching Jimmy Mowrey how to crack a whip Fun activities after a closing night wash-out Kandi Bellamy riding Danny’s horse. President Paul McPherson congratulates Hal Porter on his election as First Vice President
Lee Earl Stokes, Bob Iverson, Debbie Parker, Lisa White, Kandi McPherson, Mary Hiers, Doris Graska. Back: Paul McPherson, Charlie Simmons, Marcus Leturno, Hal Porter
Our thanks to Henry Rivera and Tracy Thompson for judging our King Arthur Baking Contest in March
Summer 2022/15
News of Florida Fairs
The Pasco County Fair Association Board of Directors held elections at their May meeting for new officers for the 2022-23 year. Their officers are as follows: Kevin Corrigan, President, Jim Ward, Vice-President, Mary Beth Lumbra, Secretary, Julie Cotton, Treasurer, Chris Denton, Budget & Finance, Tracy Thompson, Annual Fair Chair, Charlie Fraley, Buildings & Grounds, Clark Converse, General Manager. The Annual Fair Committee was busy at the convention talking with many talented entertainers who attended and had booths at the convention, they also watched some awesome showcases as well. Several NEW and exciting acts are headed to the 76th Annual Fair along with several repeat fair favorites. Kevin, Clark, Jim and Tracy attended the State FFA convention in Orlando. We were well represented at the Miss Florida Pageant by two beautiful and talented young ladies, Miss Pasco and Miss Pasco Outstanding Teen. Fair Directors Krista Jones and Wayne Howard attended the Pageant and supported the young ladies. We are sad to say that our former fair board director, Sylvia Young, passed away. A gathering of friends was held at the Dan Cannon Auditorium on the fairgrounds in her honor.
Big Rock Amusements, our midway provider, treated us to a great seafood dinner. It was a great evening out and fun to spend time with Matt and Jill. Pictured left going back: Jim, Dolores, Jill, Matt, Kevin, Mary Beth, Tracy, Wayne, Renee, and Clark.
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News of Florida Fairs President Molly Rowe presents plaque to Crystal Waldren In grateful appreciation for her outstanding service to the Southeastern Youth Fair as the Home Arts Coordinator, Kiddie Goat Show Coordinator, Beef Heifer Show Committee member, Swine Show volunteer, and Ft. McCoy Four-Leaf 4-H club leader. Crystal also volunteers multiple hours throughout the year and during set-up week to assist the Executive Director with multiple tasks. She is always willing to help in any way needed and is an asset to the team.
Crystal Waldren Southeastern Youth Fair Volunteer of the Year
Jay Spicer, Manager of the Martin County Fair receives CFE designation
Save the Date! Putnam County Fair March 17-25, 2023 Celebrating Community & Agriculture Since 1950 Summer 2022/17
News of Florida Fairs
St Lucie County Fair had the best Fair ever! We broke records in all areas! We had over 108,000 people through the gates. Our market animal sales broke one million dollars. Strates Shows kept everyone riding and safe! Thank you so much to everyone who made it a huge success! Hats off to our Board, Volunteers, Exhibitors, Employees, Vendors etc. We had a fantastic ten days and we are looking forward to our 2023 Fair Friday, February 24 thru Sunday, March 4th! Wishing you all the best! Strates Shows Signs 5-Year Contract Extension with St. Lucie County Fair
We are pleased to announce our newest directors and associate directors, right:: Stephanie Shuff, Associate Director;; bottom L-R: Lane Wetherington, Director; Alan Kicklighter, Associate Director and Rick Lott, Director. We're proud to have the influence of each of these individuals on our board. We also would like to recognize Gary Boothe and Jim Jeffries, who have transitioned from director to director emeritus. With decades of service to the Festival, Mr. Boothe and Mr. Jeffries have served with great distinction, and we're grateful for their insurmountable contributions to our event. Please join us in congratulating these fine individuals and their accomplishments!
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News of Florida Fairs
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1 In back: Devan & Forest from Hot Glass, Josh & Leann Knotts, Extreme Illusions & Escapes, Steven Lombardo (Fritzy), Front: Daniel Jolley, Pirate Man Dan, Danny Grant, Cowboy Circus, and the little old hay bale maker Tom Umiker at the Pasco County Fair
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2 Katie Lombardo, Dennis Lee and Shane Hansen
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3 Theresa Agricola, Paige Poole, Andrea Simone on the way to the Lake County Fair.
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4 Dan West, Amy Poupore, Jim Ward, Samantha Fairlie, Putnam County Fair. 8 5 Henry Riveria and Jimmy Mowery 6 Doris Graska and Billy ELVIS Lindsey 7 Stacey Wade, Jim Ward, and Greg Thompson at the Lake County Fair 8 Jay Spicer at the Miami-Dade County Fair
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1 Executive Director West at the Sarasota County Fair.
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2 Dan West with the Wiemers, Uncle Fred’s Photo’s at the Citrus County Fair.
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3 Jim Ward, Beau, & Heidi Pugh, Andy & Jamie Deggeller, Dan West at the Putnam County Fair. 4 Dan West with daughter and father: Katie & Steven Lombardo.
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5 Tyler Trussell, Lane Wetherington, Hal Porter, Doris Graska, Jim Ward, Tim Lovett, Dan West at the Citrus County Fair during a rain out. 6 Jim Ward and Dan West with Lady Houdini 7 At Miami-Dade County Fair with Eddie Cora, CEO, Jim Ward, Pasco County, Tyler Trussell, Greater Hillsborough County Fair, Lane Wetherington, FL Strawberry Festival, Richard Burge & Mark Williamson from the Broward County Fair. Photo by Dan West
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8 Jack Griffith Playhouse at the Miami-Dade County Fair. Named for our Past President—1997 and Hall of Fame—2007 Summer 2022/21
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1 Courtney Gleason won Eddie Porcelli's Spaghetti Eating Contest at the Strawberry Festival. 4
2 Mary Jo and Sabrina at the Sumter County Fair with Tracy Thompson. 3 James Ingram, Christine Iannotti, Jim Ward, Tasha Hyder, Dan West at the Clay County Fair.
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4 Northeast Florida Fair folks visiting the Florida Strawberry Festival and Dennis Lee. Brian Simmons, Trustee, Martha Gavin, Shaun Bennett, Mariella. 5 Charles Panacek, Belle City Amusement and Artie McIntyre at the Strawberry Festival 6 Dan West, FFF Executive Director, Gino Aull, Collier County Fair Board, Danny Grant, Cowboy Circus. 7 Hal Porter, Doris Graska, with Fritzy at the Citrus County Fair. 8 Dawn Rowe and Christine Iannotti at the Osceola County Fair.
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1 Love my Angels from Team Trident from Brandon, Florida watching the Dennis Lee Band at the Florida Strawberry Festival.
2 Greg Thompson taking a selfie with Lee Earl Stokes, Renee Riddle, Lisa White, Hal Porter, Kristen Jenkins, and Bayo Chewning at the Lake County Fair.
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3 Dan Jolley, Jim Ward
4 Christine Iannotti, Kathy and Jeff Ross.
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5 Christine Iannotti, Jim Ward, Jay Phillips, Barrett Phillips, Jhett Phillips, Dan West, Waylon Wilson at St. Lucie County Fair.
Summer 2022/23
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1 The Bellamy Brothers Grand Marshals of the Pasco County Fair. 2 IAFE Friends visited *Kathy Vanco Ross and Jeff Ross at Ross Concessions at the Lake County Fair in Eustis, Florida. From left: Jennifer Dunn, Linn County Fair, Iowa, Kelsey Bridges, Florida Strawberry Festival, Rachel Lisk, Lewis County Fair, Lowville, NY, Kathy & Jeff. *Kathy Ross is IAFE Director at Large from Associate Members.
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3 Melody & Artie McIntyre, Dennis Lee, Doris Graska at Florida Strawberry Festival.
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4 AJ Ross & Fritzy
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5 Tyler Trussell, Tracy Thompson, Stacey Wade, Dan West, Lane Wetherington at the Lake County Fair with Diana Rose.
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6 Tracy Thompson, the Pink Cowboy, Lane Wetherington, Tyler Trussell at the Clay County Fair 7 Tracy Thompson, Happy Norris, Dan West, Tyler Trussell, Lane Wetherrington at the Lake County Fair. 8 Rebecca Panacek and Doris Graska at the Strawberry Festival. 9 Tom Umiker teaching Fritzy and Randall Ross how to make a hay bale.
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FLORIDA FEDERATION OF FAIRS
FUN SHOOT AND GILES ELLIS MEMORIAL EVENT FOR 2022
Thank You to our Sponsors
There was a good turnout for the fun shoot
CORPORATE SPONSORS: Belle City Amusements Collier County Fair Deggeller Attractions AMMO SPONSOR Central Florida Fair North Florida Fair AWARDS SPONSOR: Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair DOOR PRIZES Florida State Fair GUN RAFFLE SPONSOR Deggeller Attractions REFRESHMENT SPONSOR Harmony Artists-Jerry Ross STATION SPONSORS: Collier County Fair Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus The Dennis Lee Show Show Me Safari Petting Zoo United Concessionaires Association Volusia County Fair WB3
Summer 2022/25
Danny Grant and Shane Hansen
DANNY & DANNY Grant & Alfonso
Manatee County Team
Florida State Fair Team
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Ross Concessions Team Front: Kathy Ross and Karen Nicklas Back: Carolyn & AJ Ross, Jeff Ross
Brad Matchett , Danny Grant, Happy Norris, Jim Ward
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President Rhonda’s Home Team, Collier Fair Bill Olson, Beau Pugh, Mike Jones,, Collier FairShotgun Winner, Andy Deggeller.
Beau Pugh and Andy Deggeller donated a shotgun pictured here with Bill Olson in the center Collier Fair—First Place team highest score
High Point Individual Score-Andy Deggeller Summer 2022/28
Andy Deggeller and Beau Pugh First Place Highest Average Score Wit Dan West and Bill Olson
2022-2023 DIRECTORY COVER CONTEST Judges:
Cale Moon Full time touring entertainer Enterprise, Oregon
Karen Nicklas General Manager, The Great Frederick Fair Frederick, Maryland
Emily Pitcock Executive Secretary, Tennessee Association of Fairs Fayetville, Tennessee Summer 2022/29
Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith opens Florida Federation of Fairs and Zones 1 & 2 Convention
It was an honor to have the President of the Florida Farm Bureau with us to open our convention. His comments were both educational and entertaining. He left us with a poem that he had written. We are sharing it below.
Fairs Poem
Kate Turner IAFE Representative Dan Jolley, Jeb Smith, Wendy Smith, Dan West, Dr. Matt Walters, Osceola County Fair. Summer 2022/30
I’ll say it again, WOW. What an honor to be selected as the 2022 Hall of Fame inductee. I know it seemed like I dragged out the acceptance but, to me, it seemed like just a minute. What I did is, what I was trying not to do. I left people out, so I guess this is the time to get everyone thanked, even though I know I will leave someone else out, that is not my intention at all. I want to start with my wife, who kept this a secret (which she is not usually good at), somehow she was able to get my family to the convention and in the room without me knowing it. She has been my steady and my ear to bend over the years. Next the people who got me into the industry and guided me though all of the times when I needed guidance, it started with Richard McClain talking me into becoming the manager at the Highlands County Fair, then the group that turned into the “has- beens” Keith Hessy, Patsy Brooks, Jean Grant, Ron Becky, Horace Carr, Ellany Johnson, Martha Leverock, Alta Mosley, David Viers, Gary Roegner. Jack Griffith & Darwin Fuchs. And, I am sure that we all remember Mozelle, she had her way of getting us to do exactly what she needed and how to do it. All of these people made me feel like a son and helped whenever I asked. Then there is a group, that may technical be “hasbeens” but are still highly involved with the Federation today. These people are more like my brothers and sisters: Jeannie Keaton, Clark Converse, Dan West, John Foster, Rick Vymlatil, Lance Fuchs, Happy Norris, Dawn Rowe, Gayle Hart, Jim Ward, Tracy Thompson, Paul Davis and Tom Umiker, then there is Vicki Chorus and the girls... enough said, Lisa Hinton (which I am neither confirming nor denying that I voted for her when she ran against Tom Umiker for State FFA Treasurer, back in 1974), now add my Fair Mom, Aunt, Sister, and friend Doris Graska to this group, that after 30 plus years of being involved, still keep up with one another and their families. Now we move onto, what the old guys call the new guys. I could spend the rest of this newsletter debating what the difference is, some of us call them pups, they are the ones that have taken the Federation to where it is today, just to let you know, most of them where in college or high school when I first met them, Bill Olson, Rhonda Ward, Felecia Chivington, Stacy Wade, Hal Porter. We now have our President this year, he is our new, old guy. I would suggest that if you get a chance to talk to Terry Atchley, do so, he is your father or brother depending on what you need him to be. I am sure that anyone who gets into this industry and sees this award given to someone, says to themselves, first that is a very cool award, second that it is not given to just anybody, third I hope someday I get to that level. You hear people that have received this award say what an honor, I am going to say WOW this is the Greatest Honor in our Industry, once you are in the Fair industry for some years you will begin to realize just how great the Florida Federation of Fairs is, and what an Honor it is just to be a member. I want to thank my wife again, for joining me in this journey throughout the years because, as most of you know, I met her at a Federation Convention some years ago and was able to convince her to be my wife and enjoy all that the Fair Industry has to offer. Thanks again to everyone involved in making this possible and hope you all have a wonderful fair year.
Artie McIntyre Inducted in 2022 Hall of Fame Florida Federation of Fairs President 2010
PS – Please join me at next year’s convention to share stories of conventions past, and remember, whoever is telling the story it’s their story and they can tell it anyway they want to. That is the only rule of storytelling.
Artie McIntyre From left: Deborach McIntyre (Sister), Melody McIntyre (Wife), Artie, Louada Floodine (Mom), Bobby Floodine (Step Dad), Robin McIntyre (Sister-in-law), Kevin McIntyre (Brother)
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E. James Strates Associate of the Year E. James Strates is no ordinary carnival owner. Born into a world of merry -go-rounds, sideshows, showgirls, and diesel fumes. Jim was thrust into full-time management of the family business at a young age….eventually exceeding industry expectations to attain the distinction of operating one of the largest traveling carnivals in the world. Born in Elmira, NY Marine Corp Veteran Married to Phyllis for 50 years Father of Jimmy, Sybil, Jay, Susan, and John Founding member of OABA OABA Hall of Fame-2002
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President Rhonda Ward presents Associate of the Year plaque to E. James Strates of Strates Shows A showman at heart, Strates was never satisfied with the current show but continuously looked for ways of modernizing and improving it. The Strates Shows has brought many innovations to the carnival industry, including cooperative promotions, a centralized ticket system, advance ticket sales, and the FunCard electronic ticketing system. Although not currently traveling with the show, E. James Strates plays an active role in his company. Just celebrating his 92-birthday, Strates works out of the company’s Orlando offices guiding decisions, providing words of wisdom and when necessary… stepping in to keep the show strongly moving forward into the future as he has been doing for 63 years.
Just a few years difference. Jim Strates looks over the Strates display inside the Erie County Fair Heritage & History Center Midway Milestone - E. James Strates on his 60th year (2019) at the helm of the Strates Shows. Jim Strates was just 29-yearold when he took over the business following the death of his father and show founder James E. Strates on Oct. 11, 1959.
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YPI Community Service Grant Central Florida Fair JackLynn Gore Presented by Jacqueline Stough
Awards Grants and Scholarships
President Rhonda Ward Presents Agricultural Award to Stacy Wade Lake County Fair
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2022 Scholarships At left: Scooter Gregg Korek, N.A.M.E. and Rhonda Ward present Rachel Lough, Carolina Classic Fair with a IAFE Zone 2 Scholarship
Thank You: North American Midway Entertainment
Scooter Gregg Korek, N.A.M.E. and Rhonda Ward present Melody Hill, State Fair of Virginia with a IAFE Zone 2 Scholarship
Florida Federation of Fairs Scholarship Crystal Urban, Lake County
Rhonda Ward presents Emily Hall, Central Florida Fair with the YPI Scholarship
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Rhonda Ward presents Kasey Finger, Central Florida Fair with a YPI Scholarship.
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Belle City
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Darwin Fuchs Memorial Scholarship
Applications Due by August 31 - Turn in to IAFE Office
The IAFE lost a great friend of the industry with the passing of Darwin Fuchs. 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. The IAFE Education Foundation, along with Darwin’s family and the Miami-Dade Youth Fair have established a memorial scholarship, for IAFE Institute of Fair Management enrollees, in honor of Darwin’s service and passion for our industry. Contributions may be made and applications for grants and scholarships at iafefoundation.org/scholarships Summer 2022/37
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2022 SHOWCASES THURSDAY -TRADE SHOW-2:30-5:30 Henry Rivera Magic-Self represented Jimmy Mowery Band-Represented by David Yugar Productions Renee Riddle-Music-Self represented Fantastic Patrick-Comedy-Represented by G.L. Berg Entertainment THURSDAY-PRESIDENT’S PARTY French Quarter Hospitality Orchid Ballroom-9:00-11:00 The Circus Man-Comedy-Self represented The Copper Piano-Music-Self represented FRIDAY-LUNCH IN THE TRADE SHOW Jeff Bradley-Comedy-Represented by Birds Tale Artists Mike Walker-Music-Represented by Creative Community Promotions Todd Oliver & Friends-VentriloquistRepresented by Creative Community Promotions Forever Simon & Garfunkel-MusicRepresented by Harmony Artists HAPPY HOUR IN THE TRADE SHOW 4:30-5:30 Rockland Road Music Represented by Liz Gregory Talent Agency Richard Holmgren’s MagicStagewest Entertainment FRIDAY NIGHT HOSPITALITY IN FRENCH QUARTER ORCHID BALLROOM FROM: 8:30-11:00 The DJ vs The Violinist-Represented by David Yugar Productions Rico Monaco Band-Music-Represent by Harmony Artists Open Mic: Sign ups at Convention SATURDAY ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING 11:30 Ashley Barron-Music-Represented by SSM Nashville The Everly Set-Music-Represented by Harmony Artists GALA RECEPTION IN FOYER-6:00-7:00 Kardenni –Magic-Represented by j International Management, Inc. Fritzy Bros. One Man CircusSelf-Represented STROLLING INSIDE GALA-6:30-7:00 Poppin Penelope-Comedy-Represented by Stagewest Entertainment Magic Man T.J. Hill-Represented by David Yugar Productions GALA Marc Dobson, Emcee Six One Five Collective-MusicSelf Represented Holy Rocka Rollaz-Music-Represented by G.L. Berg Entertainment FRENCH QUARTER HOSPITALITY ROOM OPEN IN ROYAL PALM BALLROOM-9:15-Midnight Open Mic Sign ups at Convention
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Showcases Magician Richard Holmgren turns the tables on the Showcase Chairman Hal Porter.
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2022 FALL FAIRS
The deadline for the FALL Newsletter is October 3. Please send news and committee reports to: floridafairs@gmail.com
Sep 16-25
Baker County Fair
Macclenny
TBA
Northwest Florida Fair
Ft. Walton Bc
Nov 3-13
Gtr Hillsborough County
Sydney
TBA
Walton County Fair
DeFuniak Spg
Oct 13-23
Northeast Florida Fair
Callahan
Oct 20-Oct 30
Pensacola Interstate Fair
Pensacola
Oct 28-Nov 5
FL Gateway Fairgrounds
Lake City
Nov 3-13
Gtr Jacksonville Ag Fair
Jacksonville
Nov 3-13
North Florida Fair
Tallahassee
Nov 3-13
Volusia County Fair
DeLand
To find a Fair visit fdacs.gov.
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PAST PRESIDENTS: Back: Bill Olson, Jim Ward, Dan West, Happy Norris, Artie McIntyre, Clark Converse. Front: Lisa Hinton, Jeanne Keaton, Vick Chouris, Doris Graska, Dawn Rowe, Gayle Hart
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YPI Mix N Mingle Bowland Beacon Sponsored by
NICA and Ross
Concessions
What a Convention we had! The YPI committee hosted our Mix N Mingle Event on Wednesday, May 11th at Beacon Bowland. We had 50 attendees join us for a night of fun and bowling. YPI was able to use this Mix N Mingle Event as a fundraiser to support the YPI Grant Program and to supply YPI Scholarships to Convention. In addition, the YPI Committee hosted a Charity drive for a local Charity in Naples, FL. Due to the enormous generosity of our Federation members, we decided to share the wealth between two local Charities; Saint Matthew’s House & The Collier County Hunger & Homeless Coalition. We were able to donate 8 large boxes of T-shirts, hygiene items, shoes, undergarments, as well as cash to those charities. Our committee would like to issue a challenge to ALL Association members! We want to Challenge you to get more young people involved in your organization as well as our Fair Association. We want those young people to join YPI and enjoy all the resources and friendship that we all share! If they have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of our committee members or myself- We love to chat! In the sense of being more present the 2022-2023 YPI Committee, will be doing YPI Spotlights on our Facebook and Instagram pages. If you are a YPI and are interested in being Spotlighted or have a young person at your Fair that wants to be spotlighted, please reach out Jacki@centralfloridafair.com!
Thank you to all those who Donated items and cash for the YPI Charity Drive! We decided to share the wealth between two local Naples Charities; St. Matthews House & The Collier County Homeless Coalition. We want to express our gratitude to our Federation Family for all the donations! Above left: Lindsey Carpenter, Danny Grant Above Right: Justine Vergeer And Karen Nicklas Left: Jodi Buresh and Carolyn and AJ Ross Summer 2022/48
YPI Mix N Mingle Bowland Beacon Sponsored by
NICA and Ross Concessions
Sock winners Michael McCarthy and Grayson Matchett
“Oldsters” allowed Jay Spicer and James Ingram
Former YPIs Jodi Buresh and Bill Olson How did I get into the Fair industry? I got into the Fair Industry when I was 19 and in my freshman year of college. But I’ve grown up around Fairs through FFA. When I was 19 I started volunteering on our Fairs Junior Livestock Board assisting during fair related events and educational programs What do I do in the Fair Industry? I am the Livestock and Education Manager at the Central Florida Fair. I also serve on the YPI Committee, Convention planning Committee, Fall Workshop Committee, & Scholarship Committee. I am also a recent enrollee of the Institute. What I hope to bring to YPI? I hope to bring more people into YPI and help bridge any gap that there might be. I believe that we are surrounded by some of the greatest and most genuine people in the industry and we truly need to learn from them. I’ve learned that you have to step out of what makes you comfortable sometimes to excel. But I’ve learned in stepping out of my comfort zones I’ve found some wonderful friends that help push me to be my greatest.
YPI Spotlight Jacqueline Stough Central Florida Fair YPI Chair
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IAFE Chair Jeremy Parsons, CFE Clay County Fair PO Box 527 /Spencer, IA 51301-0527 (712) 580-3000
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.
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 501252347 IAFE Treasurer Jaime Navarro State Fair of Texas PO Box 150009 / Dallas, TX 753150009 IAFE Immediate Past Chair Gene Cassidy, CFE Eastern States Exposition 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
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Do you remember what it feels like to walk into an IAFE Convention and see old friends from all over, sit in a session where you're drinking from a fire hose of information? Isn’t it time for a bit of “shopping fever” to go explore the booths of the world’s largest trade show for the fair industry and find something new and useful for your operations? Then it is time to make your plans to attend the IAFE Convention & Trade Show Nov. 27-30 in Indianapolis, Ind.! The city that is truly at the “Crossroads of America” is within a day’s drive of over 2/3 of IAFE members and it has great airport service with all major carriers, many offering non-stop service. The Program Committee is setting the bar high with a schedule full of educational sessions, networking opportunities, off-site learning opportunities, AND a giant celebration to kick things off – the “Fair-A-Palooza Tailgate Party” at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Sunday evening, Nov. 27. Imagine a fair for fair folk!! You know you never have time to enjoy your own fair, so come and ride some rides, eat great food, and have loads of fun! It’s all included in your registration. Nine hotel properties (all but two connected to the Indiana Convention Center by enclosed skywalks) are in the heart of a thriving restaurant and entertainment district. There is an NFL game on Monday, Nov. 28 (Colts vs. Steelers), and rooms will be in high demand. We recommend making your reservations well in advance to make sure you are in the IAFE block (at the best rate). Registration and hotel reservations are open NOW. All the details and registration link can be found at www.iafeconvention.com. I look forward to seeing you there!
Marla Calico
Greetings Zone II! Before I begin, give yourself an applause for a great meeting in Naples! It’s always a pleasure to join the Florida Federation of Fairs for its state convention and we are counting down the days until we can do it again. On the international stage, if you haven’t heard already, registration is now open for the 2022 IAFE Convention in Indianapolis. It is going to be one for the books, as the IAFE office and convention planning committee have been hard at work creating a convention like never before. At the top of the list, more programming on Sunday highlighted by a Fair Experience for Fair people to enjoy, hosted at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. So often, as fair folks, we don’t have time to enjoy our events – so this is our chance! Also, watch out for additional information on some exciting Indianapolis Experience Education Options. These experiences will include educational opportunities and facility tours provided by the staff at each location and will likely include Lucas Oil Stadium for facility operations, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for educational displays and activities, Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the guest experience, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway for event production. Registration for the Indianapolis Experience Education Options will open in September. There may be an additional fee and spaces will be limited! For those of you who have completed your fair – I hope that you are able to rest and recharge. For those of you who have yet to host your fair – best of luck on a safe and successful event. Best wishes to all and I hope to see you in INDY! Photographs: Top left: Kathy Ross, IAFE Board of Directors Middle: Rhonda Ward, Florida Federation of Fairs President Bottom: Dan West, Executive Director Florida Federation of Fairs and Terry Atchley, incoming President
Kelly Collins, CFE State Fair of West Virginia Lewisburg, WV
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FUTURE THERAPY SESSIONS July 28, 2022 @ 4:00 PM Central August 25, 2022 @ 4:00 PM Central
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Zone 1 giving the “we are number #1 signal” at their Zone 1 meeting.
Kathryn R. Hunter, IAFE Zone 1 Director
Renee St Jacques, Mark St Jacques, NY, Kathryn Hunter
Kathryn with the Axe Women Loggers of Maine, Alissa Wetherbee, and Page Falkowski.
Kelly Collins, Zone 2 Director, WV, Kathryn Hunter, Nancy Smith, IAFE Past Chair, SC.
Danny Grant, Cowboy Circus, with Kathryn
Kathryn, Zone 1 Director, giving her “It’s All in the Details” presentation
Andy Imperati, NY, Kathryn Hunter, ME, Gary Newkirk, NY, Renee St. Jacques, NY
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That saying is attributed to Confucious… or to Mark Twain, depending on which Internet site you believe. But whoever said it, those of us involved in the fair industry know exactly what it means. Why do we do what we do? It certainly isn’t because the pay is great. Some of us are volunteers, and our only “pay” may be a free glass of lemonade given to us by a sympathetic vendor. It’s not because the working conditions are perfect. Try setting up livestock pens in 95-degree heat or pushing a car out of the mud during a summer downpour. It can’t be because the work is predictable. When there are barns full of cows, sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits, all of whom have unpredictable and uncivilized behaviors, anything can, and usually does, happen. Add to that thousands of people, many of whom also have unpredictable and uncivilized behaviors, and each day becomes a test of our flexibility, our patience, and our ability to solve problems on the fly. No, we do what we do because we know that our fairs are important communitybuilding tools. In a time when we are so fractured as a society, anything that brings a community together instead of tearing it apart is a positive force. We do what we do because we know that our fairs are one of the few places where people can learn about agriculture. With only 2% of our population involved in farming, people are so far removed from the sources of their food and fiber that they fail to realize how vital agriculture is to their lives. And we do what we do because it’s fun, interesting, and never dull. It stretches our creativity, forces us to challenge our abilities, allows us to meet people from all walks of life, and brings us the satisfaction of doing something that makes a difference in the lives of a lot of people—kids, farmers, businesses, families, vendors, politicians—the community. More times than I can count, I have heard fair managers say that they ought to write a book about their experiences in this
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unusual career. When I retired from managing the Monroe Couty Fair in Rochester, New York after a 20-year tenure, I felt a real sense of loss. It was almost a grieving process. So, I decided to do what others always said they wanted to do and write it all down. That’s when Fair Lady: Memoirs of a County Fair Manager was born. Written in anecdotal form, I tell fair stories with humor, candor and lots of teachable moments. Some of the things that happened are funny, some not so funny, but mostly, a lot funnier in retrospect than when they actually happened. The book has been well-received in the fair industry with managers telling me how “spot-on” my descriptions are and how well they relate to the trials and tribulations to being a fair manager. It is a laugh out load read about the unique and sometimes crazy situations that fair managers face. Besides being manager of the Monroe County Fair for 20 years, I was president of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs that recently inducted me into their Hall of Fame, and I was president of the Henrietta Chamber of Commerce that named me Business Person of the Year in 2000. Fair Lady is available at Amazon Books in both paperback and e-book format and also at barnesandnoble.com. I am available for presentations on fair management as well as a historical perspective on being one of the first women in the fair management field.
Fran Tepper
Fair Lady “If you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Fair Lady is available at Amazon Books in both paperback and e-book format and also at barnesandnoble.com.
Concessions by the Numbers Kathy Ross, CCE, NICA Director Recently I had the pleasure to be invited on Marla by the Numbers, the podcast hosted by Marla Calico, CFE, IAFE President and CEO, where we discussed “Five Things to Know About the Mobile Concession Business.” She introduced me by saying, “You’ve been a great advocate about the importance of having a great working relationship between our Concessionaires and our Fairs. We want to focus today on five key things that will help us have better communication, because we are all in this together!”
Communication Any successful relationship starts with communication. If we can’t communicate freely and openly and share our thoughts and concerns, then success is not going to be there. When you take the number of experienced years on your grounds, you have hundreds of years of Fair experience. We are very willing to share our experiences, positives, negatives, “have you tried,” and “maybe we can!” It’s funny, I just had a conversation with a new Fair Manager and we helped to solve two problems. Just that simply. “Well, have you tried this?” You may get so used to seeing your Fair as the way it is, but we see it differently. Are there small changes that you think aren’t going to impact anybody, like moving a Senior’s Day from one day to another? Whether it is a labor or supply issue, those small changes really do impact us and we need to know those things. Marla asked, “So what have you seen in the Fairs that keep those lines of communication open?” Communication Committees. The thought process is that you take some trusted Concessionaires-—your Commercial Exhibits and your Food Concessions—possibly your grounds guy, your electrician, and your Concession Manager. Gather, wherever that may be, whether it is a picnic table, an office, offsite, or a Zoom meeting. Just have an open conversation about what the concerns are: your concerns for us and our concerns for you. Continued on next page
Kathy Ross Ross Concessions IAFE Director at Large From Associate Members NICA Director Past President
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Infrastructure Things are changing. Infrastructure in all facets is an issue. With the new trailers that are coming out, they are fitting more equipment in it which requires more power. Our support vehicles are carrying more refrigeration so we can carry more stock. Our house trailers are just coming out of the factory needing 50 amps. Basic power is an issue across the board. Getting into the technology part of it, we are all requiring more internet bandwidth with equipment for cash registers, credit card processing, ticketing, and scanning. For example, we were at a big Fair this Fall and none of our credit card processors would work. It is frustrating for us and it is frustrating for our customers. If it were a percentage Fair, it would be an issue with the income. It’s across the board and we see it pretty much every Saturday night unfortunately.
Transfer of Ownership I would like to retire someday. Without having a transferable contract, the value of our business is scrap metal. NICA and IAFE have developed the white paper on Transfer of Ownership. I think the next conversation about that is a “Multi-Year Contract for Independent Concessionaires.” Your ride companies have had multi-year contracts for years. We would like the same courtesy. There are not a lot of young folks coming up into our Industry, so being able to transfer an established business to someone else has huge value for us.
Rent & Rent Structures It isn’t easy. With the rising costs of our products and needs, that brings into it the whole issue with sourcing our stock and getting the things we need. The pie can only be cut so many ways. If you want to have your businesses continue to upgrade and wrap their trailers, buy new uniforms, buy new flags... the rent structures need to be discussed. What does your rent include? Does your rent include the admissions to the Fair for the Vendors and their employees? Does it include their stock vehicle rent and their electric? Does it include their house trailer and bunkhouse? Understand that extra fees are part of the rent and it becomes a financial concern. If you have a large turnover at your Fair, you may have some issues with your rent structure or in general. Your Fair Vendors want to be there. Ask them “Why did you leave,” and “What was the issue?” In addition, Marla added, “There was a lot of discussion during the last couple of years on the deposit structure as well as the timing of deposits. That typically comes when you are not generating income. These are the types of things we really need to be communicating about with our Fairs.”
Sponsorships When you are negotiating sponsorships, consider the impact to your Vendor. Typically the soda companies are sponsors to the Fairs and they require us to buy their bag-in-the-box. We can usually get them to negotiate our National Account Pricing, but it is the water that they tend to sneak in at a higher cost. Therefore, I have to raise my price to the customer, and that’s who suffers from it. Also, if they want to give away bottled water or a food item, consider using them at an exit gate so that the customer has something to take home, which could be greater for that sponsor.
Focusing on the Customer Through 2021 and now in 2022, we are seeing activities on the grounds we have not seen in the past with the youth. Please don’t cut security if you have to cut something. We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable when coming to our Fair. In the end, I want to focus on the customer, because if it weren’t for them, none of us would have a job. So, anything that you feel lessens the guest experience is something that we shouldn’t do. We must be their advocate, as they are “the person not in the room” when we are planning. They are the reason we live and breathe.
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July 25-28 At the University of Florida The Florida Federation of Fairs will be scheduling a trip to Gainesville to take part in one of the events and support Florida 4-H. An email will be sent once the details are determined
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Associate Spotlight: Vegas Birds Meet the Birdbrains behind Vegas Birds and SQUAWK the Amazing Bird Show.
If you have questions about the birds or the show, feel free to contact Mark or Debbie at 702.439.1715. (Mark@VegasBirds.com) or visit their website at AmazingBirdShow.com .
Debbie Obarka got her chance to perform with the parrots at Busch Gardens back in the mid-80's and knew this was her calling. When the park's show was going to be outsourced, she and her husband Mark started their own show which has now entertained millions of people at venues across the country and millions more on shows like America's Got Talent, David Letterman and Animal Planet. From classic Florida parks like Marineland, Gatorland and Gulf World Marine Park to a 7 year run at one of the largest theme parks in the mid-west, their beautiful pet parrots have been delighting and entertaining crowds of all ages with their unusual talents. Although working under a few different show names early in their career (Happy Hookbills, Fowl Play, Jackpot Bird Show) to accommodate various venues, it wasn't until a 6 year run in Las Vegas that Vegas Birds and SQUAWK the Amazing Bird Show were born. Vegas Birds - to appeal to the corporate market, and an hour long version of SQUAWK which became the only stand alone, ticketed performing parrot show to ever play in Las Vegas and have 2 theatrical tours. Now after having been back in Florida for 7 years mostly performing at resorts, timeshares and corporate events, SQUAWK has been gearing up to bring their fun, fast-paced 30 minute show back to the fair and festival market. Working from a 30 ft trailer or on a fair's stage, they deliver top notch entertainment mixed with little known facts about their birds without becoming a preachy presentation. Half of their 8 parrots are rescues or unwanted birds but each brings their own unique personality to the show and audiences learn that like children, they all have their special talents. For example, Danny is a small Mitred Conure who is a great talker and delivered a standing ovation performance on America's Got Talent while Roxanne, the star Blue & Gold Macaw is multi-talented with fabulous painting skills. Rusty, who was literally stuck in his egg and had to be helped out and fed from hatch, is very loving and had David Letterman in stitches with his stupid pet tricks.
In recent years SQUAWK has been at the Charlotte County Fair semi-regularly and at festivals like Lakeland's Up, Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Festival, Hunsader Farms' Pumpkin Festival and a variety of local/regional events. Some Florida fair folk may have caught them in the late 2000's at the Florida State, Pasco County or NE Florida Fairs. Other fairs of note include last years' NY and Oklahoma State Fairs and earlier on, the Iowa and Ohio State Fairs. This summer, the show is heading up north for a variety of fairs and festivals ending with the Tulsa, OK State Fair in October..
For booking availability, please contact Mark Sparks at Triangle Talent, 502.594.1276 MSparks@TriangleTalent.com
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Associate Spotlight:
Saffire Case Study from Clay County
Associate Spotlight - Saffire Case Study from Clay County Saffire empowers hundreds of clients across the country with beautiful, unique mobile websites that include the industry's only fully integrated ticketing platform, SaffireTix. We power online, advance and box office sales, all with amazing real-time reporting. Our Spark content management system easily puts editing power in your hands by making your website content and tickets easy to update with unlimited help when you need it from our best-in-class support team. Your success in fair ticketing is further fueled by the industry’s most portable kiosk solution that helps fairs with rising personnel costs and staffing shortages. We also include digital and social marketing and ecommerce to fuel your success, and can integrate our BlastPass RFID system for easy cashless transactions. Our clients freakin' love us and you will too! Take our clients’ word for it: “Our staff just weren’t excited about our previous ticketing company and we did not sell very well at all. Their support people were not onsite a lot, and if we ever had any problems we could never find an support representative to help. But what I love about Saffire, is they are fast to respond to us, quick to help solve issues and they keep us selling! Since switching to Saffire, the reporting on the backend is so much easier than anything we’ve ever experienced. Above all, I tell everyone, Saffire is just so easy to work with!” Tasha Hyder, General Manager – Clay County Fair, FL
Austin, TX Headquarters 248 Addie Roy Road Suite B-106 Austin, TX 78746 Call: 512.430.1123 Email: info@saffire.com
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“With over 30 fairs, festivals and venues for ticketing and websites in the state of Florida, and as you can see, our team loves our Florida fairs!”
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NEW NEWS FROM NICA Rey O’Day, NICA Executive Director
Greetings from NICA Greetings: Summer is here and it feels like we are launching into the Fair Season; however, the reality is that for NICA members, and I think the Fair Industry, it has become several seasons based on geography and weather that seem to operate continually. The Pandemic, of course, interrupted those patterns, but this appears to be the year that is refreshing our patterns. That means our fairs, vendors, and associations are very busy. In May I had the honor and pleasure to participate in the Florida Federation of Fairs convention. The event had a great energy and the attendees shared the joy of being together in real time. I presented “What is the Right Mix of Food at Your Fair”, a program Dennis Larson, retired Minnesota State Fair, and I developed. The workshop is based on defining menu sorting questions, identifying fairgrounds’ neighborhoods, and overlaying restaurant menu categories. A panel with Gene Cassidy, CFE, CEO The Big E, representing Zone 1; Kevin McGrath II, The Best Around, on behalf of concessionaires; Nancy Smith CFE, GM South Carolina State Fair, representing Zone 2; Jay Strates, Strates Shows on behalf of carnivals, and which I moderated tackled “Tips for Surviving the Wild Swings of 2022’s Economy.” The panel agreed that inflation, gas prices, finding labor, product sourcing, disposable income, fair hours, rising labor costs, and supply chains are consuming our time, people, and financial resources and offered some practical solutions. In summary, they recommended that no matter what choices we make regarding the wild swings of the 2022 economy, the guest experience must be our number one priority. All of our organizations are proud of our scholarship programs. Mid-June is when NICA sends our redacted Scholarship applications to our anonymous readers to score them. The NICA Foundation announces the recipients in late summer. We are also soliciting requests for first time convention attendees who would like assistance with their travel expenses. We are committed to encouraging continuing education and delighted to assist with the success of our young people. Together we have Survived the absence of our Fairs. Now our Fair Family is back on the road visiting their Fair Relatives. Together we are strengthening our shared purpose to serve our extended family, friends, and guests. Now that’s Thriving!!! See you somewhere, Rey
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Greetings friends of the
Florida Federation of Fairs from the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) It was great to see many of you at the Florida Federation of Fairs and Zone 1 & 2 meeting in Naples. It’s always a great meeting and it was nice to add Zone 1 into the mix. The OABA’s presentation “When the Carnival Comes to Town” was well received by those who joined us in the presentation. We try, wherever possible, to communicate the inner workings of our industry in an effort to have a better understanding and working relationship with our fair partners. One of the topics that we discussed was the re-launching of our Circle of Excellence (COE) program to the industry. This OABA accredited program allows carnival members to demonstrate that their carnival has gone through an in-depth audit of all facets of their operation. Before being considered for an audit the carnival must qualify with three prerequisites. The company must complete a national background and drug testing program for each employee and their housing must conform with the OABA’s 2021 portable workforce housing policy. Once these items are confirmed they can schedule an audit. The audits are comprehensive and include issues such as operations including training, food and ride safety, professional appearance of employees, customer service and crisis management planning. The field audit takes about three days to complete. Once complete, they are scored and the carnival either passes and is awarded a three-year COE designation or fail. Those that are awarded the COE designation are truly the best of the best. We are hopeful that fairs begin, or continue, to use the COE program in their selection process when awarding contracts. By requiring the COE designation in the selection process, the fair can promote them to have a carnival that has gone through a rigorous audit program and has been designated with this high honor for safety, outstanding customer service and overall high standards. If you have any questions about the COE program, please feel free to contact me at gregc@oaba.org or 407-848-8010. We wish you a successful and safe season.
SUPPORT THE OABA'S MISSION: “TO PROMOTE THE PRESERVATION AND GROWTH OF THE OUTDOOR AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY THROUGH LEADERSHIP, ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION” PURPOSE AND GOALS: The Show Ambassador Program was created by the Membership Committee to improve communications between the OABA, carnivals and members, as well as to increase membership in all member categories. The Membership Committee's goal is to have a Show Representative on every carnival midway to provide a voice for members and provide the office with information, i.e., human interest articles, photos, videos, etc., for OABA communications programs. Summer 2022/66
Greg Chiecko, OABA President & CEO
Outdoor Amusement Business Association 1305 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA 01809 407-848-8010 gregc@oaba.org www.oaba.org
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2022 Trade Show Fran Crone 2022 Chair
72nd Annual Convention and Trade Show May 18-20, 2023 73rd Annual Convention and Trade Show May 16-18, 2024
Please accept my apologies for the delay in reaching out, but I wanted to personally say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being a part of our Florida Fair Family. I also want you to know how much I appreciate you! Each of you are a vital part of our Organization, as well as our Industry. It takes all of us to do a good job! I regret that I did not have a chance to personally meet all of our new members - nor did I have a chance to say hello to all that I have had the pleasure of working with in past years. I am certainly thankful for the friendships that I’ve made over the years. My role in the Trade Show has certainly been a wonderful avenue – allowing me to establish friendships with many of you. On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is our sincere hope that this year’s Florida Federation of Fairs Convention was good to you and for you. I am of the opinion that - TOGETHER - we successfully accomplished a GREAT Convention, and was able to overcome any challenges that we faced this year. Personally, I’ve had positive feedback from everyone that I’ve spoken with. For those of you who attended our wrap up meeting on Saturday morning, THANK YOU. It is at this meeting where we discuss our challenges, as well as possible future solutions. Thank you Robert Smith for helping to facilitate this meeting (and be sure to wish Robert a Happy Birthday). For those of you wanting to make sure that you are in the 2023 Florida Federation of Fairs Directory, Our membership year runs July 1st through June 30th. Now through July 31st is ‘Early Dues are $100. After July 31st, dues will increase to $150. Dues paid after July 31st will still available, but those dues paid after that time may not be in the Florida Federation of Fairs Directory. Please make a mental note – or note your calendars – that Trade Show Registration for 2023 will close April 15, 2023. We do not yet know what the booth allowances will be but all information should go on the website in February, 2023. We will be at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. We wish you each a Blessed and Safe 2022, and look forward to seeing you in Orlando in 2023 – if not sooner. Thank you again for all you do and for being a part of our Fair Family! Fran
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Associate Spotlight:
Congratulations Leann & Josh Knotts of Extreme Illusions & Escapes! We won a huge award tonight from the International Magicians Society! Illusionist/Escape Artist Duo Of the Decade Gold Merlin Award! The highest honor in the art of magic. The International Magicians Society has over 57,000 members world-
wide and we were honored with some of the best in the art form to receive the award!
Thank you for all the support my FFF friends. All the opportunities you have given us and all the entertainers that have inspired us is why we
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Associate Spotlight:
Capitol International Productions, Inc.
A VERY OLD
We at Capitol are super excited about our newest addition to our roster. Wesley has been featured on the following Talent Shows: Americas Got Talent Britain’s Got Talent Got Talent España Das Supertalent The Gong Show And many more talent shows around the world… What is so special is that Wesley does not do a mediocre show, EVER... he ALWAYS gets great reviews and if you use him you will agree. I have even asked him to produce a variety stage show with a 30-day notice that ran for 90 min in a theater and he put it together and got standing ovations… If you have not used one of Wesley Williams acts, then you are in for a real treat. He is our featured performer this month.
CONCEPT WITH A VERY YOUNG
Puppy Pals http://www.capitolint.com/Fairs/PuppyPals/ puppyPals.html
& EXCITING PRODUCER The One Wheel Wonder http://www.capitolint.com/Fairs/wesley_williams/ ww.html
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A Message from our Associate Creative Community Promotions, LLC Joel & Larry
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SORRY WE MISSED YOU! THANK YOU Florida Fairs Convention and Zones 1 and 2 Please let this message be a standing ovation for EVERYONE who was part of the Florida Fair Convention Zones 1 and 2! Everyone has been GREAT during our toughest times as Larry and I ( Creative Community Promotions LLC ) continue to navigate our situations with Covid and its effects on us since last November 2021. A shout out to some special people who made it possible, Dan West, the Showcase committee Hal Porter, Fran, Dawn and everyone else who is part of the Florida Federation of Fair convention and Zones 1 and 2, Harmony Artists for helping with our showcases, our fair families and friends, Creative Community Promotions, LLC recognizes your continued love and support, you are forever appreciated for phone calls, emails, CDs, and balloon flowers. You all are the reason for making the 2022 convention what it was. Your love and devotion are never hindered and Creative Community Promotions LLC recognizes your continued support. Please take care Paul Davis and we hope to see you next year at convention . A special Thank you to our entertainers, Mike Walker, Todd Oliver and Irving the talking dog, The Jersey Girls, Best of Motown and More, Sting Ray Anthony, Ashley Barron, The Doug Grabiel Family, Jason Turner, Dylan Gerard and others SSM Records, Nashville Music Minute who are going out of their way to help us during this time. CREATIVE COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS, LLC JOEL AND LARRY
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Florida Federation of Fairs members attending the FFA Convention in Orlando
FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education.
LtoR: Clark Converse, Hal Porter, Lee Earl Stokes, Tracy Thompson, Lisa White, Jim Ward, Samantha Fairlie, Terry Atchley, Stacey Wade, Rhonda Ward, Rita Lincoln, Dan West, Kevin Corrigan
Florida Federation of Fairs President Terry Atchley, Guest Speaker
The official name of the organization is the National FFA Organization. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change. But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. For this reason, the name of the organization was updated in 1988 after a vote of national convention delegates to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture. Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. .
Photographs by: Rita Lincoln Tracy Thompson
Rita Lincoln
Dan West
Rhonda Ward Dawn Rowe Summer 2022/87
Missing his college graduation at James Madison University in Harrisburg, Virginia to attend the Florida Federation of Fairs convention, Grayson Matchett graduated with his Fair friends in Naples, Florida.
AUSTIN HOLCOMB Durant FFA Beef Production-Entrepreneurship State Proficiency Award Winner 2022
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Lindsey Carpenter & Danny Grant sharing their engagement announcement with their parents: at left is Bruce & Linda Carpenter and at right Karen Grant & Bounce Margil.
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Thanks for a Wonderful Convention! "Thank you to the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows for inviting us to be a part of another fantastic convention. We wish everyone success in the coming year and please feel free to reach out anytime. Samantha Fairlie, President and Eddie Porcelli, Vice President.” Danny Alfonso, Manager, Manatee County Fair Samantha Fairlie, UCA Pres Eddie Porcelli, UCA Pres Danielle Carothers, Livestock Manager Manatee Co
Our mission as professional small business owners is to be instrumental in maintaining and improving the quality of the overall experience of our fair & festival patrons.
United Concessionaires Association 135 Jenkins Street Suite 105B-323 St. Augustine, FL 32806 www.ucavendor.com
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Above: Melody McIntyre, Martha Leverock, Retired Manager of the Jacksonville Fair. Left: Doris Graska, Martha Leverock, Dennis Lee Summer 2022/91
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On Wednesday, May 11th Lisa Hinton had a Pretty In Pink Party for her sister Beth Tomkow. Beth lives in Naples. The party was attended by several of her friends and some of Lisa’s Fair friends. Entertainment was provided by Dennis Lee as the Pink Cowboy and Steve Lombardo as Fritzy.
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Welcome New Mem-
Aim High Canines Haeleigh Hyatt 72 PETERBOROUGH RD HANCOCK, OH 03449 Phone: 603-387-6068 E-mail: aimhighcanines@gmail.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Ground Entertainment Arestov's Acrobatic Extravaganza Ivan Arestov 8466 N. LOCKWOOD RIDGE RD #133 SARASOTA, FL 34243 Phone: 786-877-9782 E-mail: ivan.arestov@yahoo.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Grounds Show Entertainment
bers
Brooksville Pulling Association Richard Klimas 26250 OLYMPIA ROAD BROOKSVILLE, FL 34601 Phone: 352-585-1062 Phone cell or alt: 352-585-1064 E-mail: mail@bpapull.com Website: http://brooksvillepulling.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Demolition Derby Crossroads Consulting Services Susan Sieger 7901-4TH STREET NORTH, SUITE #206 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33702 Phone: 813-281-1222 Fax: 813-315-6040 E-mail: ssieger@crossroads-fl.com Website: www.crossroads-fl.com Category: Consultants Business: Market and economic consulting firm Event Security Consulting & Operations, Inc. Keith Tyo 4301 W. WILLIAM CANNON DR., #B-150/BOX 160 AUSTIN, TX 78749 Phone: 512-568-7064 E-mail: keithtyo@escosecurityconsulting.com Category: Consultants Business: Walk-Through Metal Detectors
DUES ARE ONLY $100 IF PAID ON OR BEFORE JULY 31st THEREAFTER $150.00 PAY BY CREDIT CARD floridafairs.org
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EventHub Michael Bleau 7760 DELRIDGE WAY SW SEATTLE, WA 98106 Phone: 310-405-9447 E-mail: michaelb@eventhub.net Category: Supplies/Services Business: Sponsorship and Commercial Vendor Platform Fair Lady Frances Tepper 4 PRESTON CIRCLE PITTSFORD, NY 14534 Phone: 585-381-4085 E-mail: fit@frontier.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Books
Florida Coast Equipment Billy Berrios 357 PIKE ROAD WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411 Phone: 561-209-2705 Phone cell or alt: 561-812-0338 E-mail: bberrios@floridacoasteq.com Website: http://www.floridacoasteq.com Category: Equipment & Tents Business: Kubota dealer Hog Diggity Dog & More Hans Klose 4412 BEE RIDGE ROAD 129 SARASOTA, FL 34233 Phone: 941-539-6883 E-mail: hkreno@aol.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Show - Hog Diggity Dog & More Holistic Coaching Jannet Harper 3510 1ST AVENUE N STE 226 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33713 Phone: 813-455-7222 E-mail: holisticlifecoach2010@yahoo.com Category: Supplies/Services Business: Business solutions including Marketing, Coaching, Therapy and Housing info distribution HomeTown Ticketing Jeff Cole 1328 DUBLIN RD FLOOR 3 COLUMBUS, OH 43215 Phone: 419-958-4921 E-mail: jeff.cole@hometownticketing.com Category: Supplies/Services Business: Digital Ticketing K/O Fairground Planners Designers Chip Overton 650 S. PRAIRIE VIEW DRIVE, STUDIO #101 WEST DES MOINES, IA 50266 Phone: 515-288-4821 Phone cell or alt: 515-238-4312 E-mail: chip@k-o.com Category: Consultants Business: Providing Fairground Design, Analysis and Master Planning for 145 years LOS Moralitos Circus Jonathan Vazquez 406 S. MAIN ST. PAYSON, IL 62360 Phone: 909-522-0200 E-mail: losmoralitoscircus@gmail.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Los Moralitos Circus Noise New Media, LLC Mark O'Shea 9208-19TH AVE. S. NASHVILLE, TN 37212 Phone: 615-495-5215 Phone cell or alt: 203-996-7116 E-mail: mark@noisenewmedia.com Website: http://noisenewmedia.com Category: Consultants Business: We help sell more online tickets, earlier
Welcome New Members
Diana Rose, LLC Diana Dorethy 10-8TH STREET APT B ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32080 Phone: 949-244-8557 E-mail: circusdianarose@gmail.com Website: http://circusdianarose.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Stilt and Circus Performance
Turnaround Livestock and Exotics Petting Zoo Brandon Angel 16051 SE 30TH ST. MORRISTON, FL 32668 Phone: 352-222-8540 Phone cell or alt: 352-214-6340 E-mail: brandon3laina@aol.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Petting Zoo
Ryals Concessions Blake Ryals P.O. BOX 2339 RIVERVIEW, FL 33568 Phone: 813-460-2264 E-mail: ryalsconcessions@gmail.com Category: Concessions/Food/Beverages Business: 3rd generation concessionaire serving the best sweets around! Funnel cakes, elephant ears, fried Oreos and Slushie station
We Care Concessions Jennifer Hewitt 3036 N. RIVERSIDE DRIVE LANEXA, VA 23089 Phone: 757-871-0346 E-mail: jenniferhewitt@cox.net Category: Concessions/Food/Beverages Business: We make fantabulous Cotton Candy, Candy Apples, etc.
Specialty Insurance Agency Heather Zenzen 3432 DENMARK AVENUE #231 EAGAN, MN 55123 Phone: 715-246-8908 Phone cell or alt: 651-237-4849 E-mail: info@specialtyinsuranceagency.com Website: https:// www.specialtyinsuranceagency.com Category: Insurance Business: Liability insurance for mobile vendors and individual performers Tactical Force Laser Tag Micah Nuss 5323 CINCINNATI DAYTON RD LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, OH 45044 Phone: 513-476-5177 E-mail: tacticalforcelasertag@yahoo.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Grounds Entertainment Laser Tag
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP LIST IS AT floridafairs.org
The Original Goat Island Billy Goata 6915 RIVERVIEW DR RIVERVIEW, FL 33578 Phone: 270-799-5112 E-mail: phil@goatislandpettingzoo.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: 21st Century Approach to the Petting Zoo Tiger Encounter Felicia Friscia 13829 COUNTY ROAD 672 WIMAUMA, FL 33598 Phone: 813-545-6797 E-mail: teentigermom93@aol.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Tiger Show
Webconnexx, LLC Kaitey Elliott 120 K STREET, SUITE #300 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 Phone: 951-200-9951 E-mail: kaitey@webconnex.io Category: Supplies/Services Business: Online ticketing for Fairs
PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS
Belle City Amusements ..........................................36 Belmont Magic .......................................................43 Belmont Magic .......................................................79 G.L. Berg................................................................27 Capitol International Productions, Inc. ....................82 CAS Governmental Services ..................................45 Creative Community Promotions, LLC…. .................................... 46 &.57 Dorado Graphix ......................................................42 Fair Payment Processing by Celero Commerce ...........................................68 Fair Publishing House ............................................38 Florida Dairy Farmers.............................................61 Haas Wilkerson Insurance .............................................................41 Harmony Artists, Inc. ..............................................85 Indiana Ticket Company .........................................26 Lightning Wireless Solutions ............................................................... 2 Magic of Lance Gifford ...........................................44 Mr. Puppet .............................................................17 North American Midway Entertainment ..........................................99 Rorring Entertainment ............................................40 Scott’s Magic Shows/Future Entertainment ............89 Stilt Circus ..............................................................92 The Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist Show ...................................................70 The Moogician............................................... 33 & 45 The One Man Band Marc Dobson ........................................................88 Turnaround Livestock & Exotics ................................................................65 UCA .......................................................................90 Variety Attractions ..................................................81 Vegas Birds............................................................47
Summer 2022/95
In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference . .
Albert E. Dotson, Sr.. 5-2-1938-5-29-2021 Born in Memphis, TN. At the start of his career he worked at Sears Roebuck & Company as a stock clerk, then becoming manager which brought him to Miami. He focused much of his civic service on advancing higher education. He was appointed by Gov. Bush to join the Florida International University Board of Trustees and served as Board Chair and was named Chair Emeritus. The university’s pavilion is named Earlene and Albert Dotson Pavilion. He was President of the Miami-Dade Exposition from 1996 to 1998. He is survived by his wife of 62 years. They were blessed with five children and thirteen grandchildren.
Chris Brian Hogue 1-31-1970-9-7-2021 The son of the late Randy and Nancy Hogue. He lived in Plant City. Chris was the H.R. Director with the Florida State Fair. He was a Pastor with GO Church in Plant City. Survivors include his wife; Jessica Hogue, children; Caitlyn Hogue, Cory Hunt, siblings; Kathy Cribbs (Keith), Joe Hogue (Sean Petersen).
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
Phillip Michael Clark 1-7-1945-10-19-2021 Phillip passed away in Katy, Texas. He was born in Canton, Illinois. On December 23, 1967, he married Carol Ann Aden in Taylorville, Illinois. Phil played four sports in high school, earning a letter for each and was inducted into the Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame. He spent 23 years at several Six Flags Parks across the country. He oversaw the development of jazzland theme park in New Orleans, Louisiana, followed by 12 years as CEO of the Miami-Dade County Fair. Phil also served on the Florida Federation of Fairs Board of Directors. He is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Carol Clark of Weston Lakes, Texas and sons: Phillip, Patrick, Brian and 6 grandchildren.
affiliation with your Fair or company and years of service. Send to floridafairs@gmail.com And Resolutions Chairman Suzanne Holcomb Suzanne@hillsboroughcountyfair.com
Summer 2022/96
Roberta “Robbi” Davies Giaconne 11-3-1947-11-6-2021 Born in Rhode Island with her childhood split between there and Florida. In addition to a loving wife, wonderful mother, and very involved grandmother, Robbi was a consummate volunteer and community leader. For over 27 years Robbi poured her heart into the St. Lucie County Fair. A Trustee for 25 years, she served as Secretary and Treasurer. Considered the front gate guru. Her nearly two decades began in one leaky shed, she saw the Fair grow, move locations and helped develop into a world class Fair. Every year, Frank and Robbi stayed in their camper at the fairgrounds so Robbie could be available at all times. Robbi is survived by her husband of 50 years, Francis “Frank” Giaccone, her son Anthony “Tony” Giaccone, and her beloved grandson “Little Tony.”
In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference . . Frank Shirley 9-14-1956-12-2021 Frank Shirley was born on September 14, 1956 and worked as an Electrician for the Florida State Fair Authority from December of 2009 until his passing in December of 2021. He started as a part time Electrical Laborer and in 2015 was promoted to full time. He was then promoted to Senior Electrical Technician in 2015. Has was a devoted father and a great mentor to the Electrical staff.
Ronald James “Butch” Schmitt 5-20-1948-1-7-2022 Bruce served on the Board of Directors at the South Florida Fair for 24 years.
Susan Harrell 11-17-1964-2-3-2022 Susan Harrell, 57, of Riverview, Florida, entered into eternal rest on February 3, 2022. She was a member of the Hillsborough County Cattlewomen's Association, an active member and sponsor of 4-H, and founded a girl’s and boy’s home in Haiti for Promised Provisions Ministries. She served for many years on the Hillsborough County Fair Livestock and Swine Show Committees. She was preceded in death by her husband CPT Bruce Allen Harrell. She is survived by sons: James Wilson Harrell, Blake Austin Harrell, and Lane Allen Harrell and 4 grandchildren. She is also survived by her parents, James and Lucretia Bond of Palmetto, and Ada Lingo Tolar of Riverview. Gene Raymond Tylander 8-27-1950-2-21-2022 Born in West Palm Beach, graduated from Forest Hill High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from the University of Alabama.Gene Tylander was a third generation native Floridian who grew up in the family lumber business in Palm Beach County. After graduating from Alabama, he returned to West Palm Beach and joined his father at Ray Tylander’s, Inc. He was active with the South Florida Fair, where he became interested in gate operation and ticketing. From the age of 10, Gene was fascinated with all forms of electronics and kept up with the latest trends and gadgets. He was always a step ahead in the latest technology, and in 2001 formed TyTix, LLC., a ticketing software company. This successful business venture allowed him to travel with Alice all over the country attending his clients' fairs and special events. Alabama is where he met and married the love of his life, Alice Dale Smith. They had 3 children, Patrick (43), Andrew (40), and Suzanne (38). All 3 were at his side at his passing. Summer 2022/97
In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference . . Hugh Curtis Hardin 8-30-1934-2-23-2022 Born in Boyds Creek, TN he was an active member of his community as the owner/operator of Terminal Garage and a machinist for Intertec Medical Supply before retiring in 2000.. He was a Past Master of Tropical Masonic Lodge where he was a member for 50 years. He served on the Executive Board of the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair for many years. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Jean; three children, 5 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Beatrice Easton Paulhamus 1942-2022 Bea” born in Montoursville, PA, After meeting her husband Skip at the State Fair, they married and moved to Florida in 1962 and established a real family farm in Eustis Growing sweet corn. She also had a catering business, she joined the Jr. Women’s Club, was President of Florida Farm Bureau’s Womens Committee and a board member for the Lake County Fair. “Miss Bea was a long serving Board member who loved our fair and enjoyed teaching young people about the agriculture world & heritage. We will be forever grateful to Mr. Frank and to the entire Paulhamus family for sharing Miss Bea with us.” said Todd Luce, LCF President. She is survived by her husband Frank and 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter Sylvia Miller Young June 20, 1938-June 7, 2022 Sylvia Young, one of the first women to serve on the Pasco County Commission. She worked tirelessly to preserve the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City. Quoting the Pasco County Fair:” It is with honor, we remember Sylvia for her many years as a Board of Director with the Pasco County Fair Association. She served for many years as the Chairwoman of the Schrader Building that houses the Community Exhibits at the annual fair in February. She truly loved the fair and this community.” Quoting close friend and relative Howard Bellamy, “Known as an impeccably dressed and beautiful woman with a feisty, outgoing, quick witted and determined personality.” Sylvia was a member of the United Methodist Church in Dade City and a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She is survived by a son, daughter, three grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
To Steven Lombardo and family on the loss of his brother John “Johnny” Lombardo Summer 2022/98
Summer 2022/99
THE FAIRCRACKER Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc. P.O. Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220-0368 www.floridafairs.org
International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) www.fairsandexpos.com
Sponsor of “Merry Moo”
National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) www.nicainc.org
floridafederationfacebook@gmail.com