The Faircracker Newsletter - Fall 2022

The Faircracker

President

Greetings Fair Family,

s Message Terry Atchley

Wow, what a way to kickstart our Fair Season. Rides are set up, livestock is in the barns and the children are ready, so open the Gates and let’s have some family fun.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian decided to test our resiliency, commitment and passion to each other, our communities and the state as a whole. As our thoughts and prayers continue to be with everyone that was impacted from the loss of loved ones to everything they physically owned being destroyed; our fair families and facilities rose to the occasion by housing First Responders in their facilities, to staging equipment on their grounds to supporting each other.

As a City Manager of an area heavily impacted, it was very heart warming that some of my very first calls came from My Fair Family, asking, are you okay? What do you need? How can we help? We are so blessed in this industry.

When I had the opportunity to reach out to a few of our Fair Industry Champions and ask “WHY” why do you do what you do and why go above and beyond to serve others, they said: Cheryl Flood Executive Director, Florida State Fair “As the State Fair, we are an important emergency management partner in our community and state during any natural disaster. As recent as Hurricane Ian, we hosted over 1200 TECO electrical workers, served as a staging area for many local, state, and federal agencies including Florida Fish and Wildlife, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, National Guard, US Coast Guard, and US Air Force, a statewide fueling staging center and we were a temporary home to the equine community. As part of our mission, we continue to stand ready and willing to serve the citizens of the State of Florida as needed. I’m thankful to be part of the Florida Fair industry, as many other fairs did the same across the state aiding those in need. That’s what fairs are about, service to people and service to community.

Tasha Hyder General Manager, Clay County Fair “ I was inspired to do this because, honestly, it’s instinct.

Fairs. Provide

Fairgoers

We have the resources, connections and platform to help. I knew our community wanted to help, they just needed a place to go to, so we became that avenue for them. Fairs are an integral part of the community we have earned our communities respect and they trust us. This is what we do, we help!”

We can never express enough how important our Fairs are to our communities and the State of Florida. We provide our Youth great educational platforms, family fun and entertainment and outstanding emergency support and service when called upon.

We have had a great year so far in spite of Hurricane Ian. Some amazing adventures so far include: Our support and attendance at the annual FFA Convention, Support and attendance at the 4H University, Share the Fun talent show at UF, and to all who were able to join us at the Washington State Fair (September 2nd 5th ) WOW what a trip.

Fasten your seatbelts and hang on the ride is just getting started. We have so many awesome Florida Fairs yet to come, the IAFE convention in Indianapolis (November 27th 30th ) and a whole heap of planning for our convention in May. So, remember our challenge for the year. Keep thinking outside of the box. “How can we help you, so you can help us, help you.”

You are… “ The Greatest Fair on Earth”

72nd Annual Convention and Trade Show May 18-20, 2023

73rd Annual Convention and Trade Show May 16-18, 2024

Important Dates 1 In Memory 71 Hall of Fame 31 NICA 50,51 OABA 56

Spotlight On Associates......................................................... 45,46,47,49,62,63,64,65

Summer Trip 4

We’ve Been Everywhere 22,24 Zone 2 54,55

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 Strates, Strates Shows

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Geoffrey Patterson, Florida Farm Bureau Michelle Faulk, FDACS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dan West P.O. Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220 0368 813 763 0161 dwest1840@gmail.com

Hello Florida Federation Members!

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and is ready to roll into the fall fair season. In Florida, we have eleven fairs running from September through November. We wish them all the very best for a great run. Please take time to visit one or more of the fairs and give them the support that we all appreciate. We were able to visit the Northeast Florida Fair last week and congratulate them on their 75th Anniversary. Thank you to Keith Wingate, Shelley Terrell and Brian Simmons for your hospitality.

In August, fifteen Florida Federation of Fairs members had the pleasure of attending the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Washington. We were able to visit the fair for two days and were welcomed by Fair Manager Kent Hojem and his staff. We were able to spend some time with him learning about their history and the inner workings of the fair and grounds. Mr. Hojem is retiring this year and we wish him the very best. Thank you for a great visit!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dan West

P.O. Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220 0368 813 763 0161 dwest1840@gmail.com

In September, as the fair season was getting underway, Hurricane Ian struck Florida. Fairs across the state became staging grounds for power companies and first responders. Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to all of those who were devastated by this storm. We will again be talking to all of the fairs and gathering information about the aftermath of the storm. The Florida Federation of Fairs Fall Workshop that was set for September 30th and October 1st in Wauchula was forced to be cancelled due to the hurricane. FFF President Terry Atchley is working to put together a board meeting in the near future.

The IAFE Convention is only a few weeks away and we are looking forward to seeing everyone in Indianapolis. I have already talked to many of you who will be attending and we are expecting a sizable delegation from Florida.

Dan

“

Country superstar Blake Shelton played to a hyped crowd at the Washington State Fair on Saturday, Sept. 3. The "God's Country" singer and TV show singing coach played a full set of hits and new songs.

seattlerefined

“CONTRACTS AND DONATIONS BY MUNICIPALITIES, COUNTIES AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA”

By Lance C. Fuchs, Esq.

In light of the recent hurricane and the services our fair associations provided throughout the state, did you know that Chapter 616 provides that a municipality, county, or the State of Florida may enter into contracts with fair associations? The Chapter also allows for any of these governmental entities, or their subdivisions, to donate, money, property and services to the fair in order to assist the fair in carrying out its statutory purpose. Specifically, Section 616.11 of the Florida Statutes provides:

Any fair association may enter into any contract, lease, or agreement with any municipality or county in the state or with the state or agency or subdivision of the state for the donation to or the use and occupation by the association of any land owned, leased, or held by the county or municipality or the state or agency or subdivision of the state during a time and on the terms approved by the county or municipality or the state or agency or subdivision, with the right of the association to use the property for public exposition purposes. The state, the Department of Transportation and any other agency or subdivision of the state, the board of county commissioners of any county within which the fair or exhibition is held, and the mayor and city council of any municipality within the county may also make contributions of money, property, or services to fair associations to assist in carrying out the purposes of the associations under this chapter. The state or any agency or subdivision of the state, boards of county commissioners of the various counties of the state, and the mayor and city council of any municipality within the county may expend such sums of money as they deem necessary for the best interests of their counties and in aiding the development of the educational, agricultural, horticultural, livestock, charitable, historical, civic, cultural, scientific, and any other resources of their counties at and in connection with public fairs and expositions, including the offering and paying of premiums for the exhibitions of resources of the state, county, or municipality.

Lance Fuchs

Belle City Amusements 23

Belmont Magic 48 Belmont Magic 53 G.L. Berg 16

CAS Governmental Services 39 Celero Commerce 59 Creative Community Promotions, LLC 49

Mark Dobson Entertainment, LLC 39 Dorado Graphix 44

Fair Publishing House 40

Florida Dairy Farmers 7 Haas Wilkerson Insurance 10

Harmony Artists, Inc. 61 Indiana Ticket Company 12

Lightning Wireless Solutions 2

Magic of Lance Gifford 43 Mr. Puppet 62

North American Midway Entertainment 72 Reithoffer Shows 57

Rorring Entertainment 42 Saffire 58

Scott’s Magic Shows/Future Entertainment 60 Stilt Circus 64

Squawk the Amazing Bird Show 50

The Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist Show 35 Turnaround Livestock & Exotics 66 Variety Attractions 70

Florida Farm Bureau 5700 SW 34th Street Gainesville, Florida 32608

President’s Celebration and Awards Banquet, Dan West accepting the award on behalf of Manatee County Farm Bureau

Manatee County Women’s Leadership Committre received the Womens Fund Award, and the Most Donated Funds over Quota Award at the 2022 FFBF Annual Women’s Meeting!

Kali Kamiya for winning 1st Runner Up in the 2022 Florida Farm Bureau Federation Youth Speech contest! We are so proud of you! Thank you for doing an amazing job representing Manatee County Farm Bureau and District 6!!

Meet Fit, Farm Bureau’s 2022 Farm Dog of the Year. Florida Farm Bureau members Cindy and Andrew Deak depend on this Border Collie on their sheep farm. Fit and Cindy share a very special bond.

“We’re very kindred spirits. I feel like our souls are almost connected.”

President Smith with Florida FFA Association State Officers. It was an honor to get to know these future leaders, sharing the story of agriculture and Florida Farm Bureau. Florida FFA, thank you for being a #VoiceOfAg.

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

GIFT

4‑H WILL STRENGTHEN WORKFORCE AND

OPTIMIZE 4‑H PROGRAMMING TODAY AND TOMORROW

In February, National 4 H Council announced a landmark $50 million unrestricted gift from writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott that will help close the opportunity gap for America’s youth. It is the largest single gift in 4 H’s 120 year history

Today, we are pleased to share an update about the first phase of our investment of this historic gift. Over the next five years, National 4 H Council will allocate $10 million to strengthen the 4-H workforce and optimize 4-H youth programming. This investment will accelerate 4 H’s ability to meet the needs of young people today and tomorrow, while providing the professional development and training required to deliver quality, relevant and impactful programming. The Board will preserve the remainder of the gift for the long term to ensure that National 4-H Council can sustain programs and activities that have the greatest benefits for 4 H youth development in the future and to ensure the gift's enduring impact.

National 4 H Council will invest to:

Strengthen the 4 H Workforce:

• Develop volunteer and staff recruitment tools to assist Cooperative Extension in attracting and retaining top talent in paid and volunteer youth development roles.

• Expand the 4-H Positive Youth Development Academy - powered by Cooperative Extension research based approaches to build the capabilities of all 4 H educators and volunteers.

• Create a world class leadership development program to ensure there is a long term pipeline of diverse and capable 4 H leaders who are equipped to grow 4 H today and into the future.

• Commission an Applied Research Study Cooperative Extension will continuously improve 4 H program quality by building on previous national research. Data will inform 4 H’s current and future approaches to positive youth development and will be translated into useful tools for local 4 H professionals.

Optimize 4 H Programming:

• Expand national in person 4 H youth experiences to build their skills, explore careers and develop in person connections.

• Launch Clover by 4-H to give young people a digital platform - powered by Cooperative Extension’s expertise and educational content to access 4 H anytime and to complement their in person experiences.

The National 4 H Council Board made its investment decisions based on an inclusive process undertaken over six months with extensive input from Cooperative Extension and land grant university leaders. These investments will ensure that Cooperative Extension can expand its capabilities of providing 4 H programming to our youth in partnership with Council as we continue to build public-private partnerships, tell the 4 H story, and convene 4 H youth and adults in meaningful ways now and moving forward.

The pandemic has shown that America’s youth need more support than ever to be successful. Many are struggling in areas ranging from academics to mental well -being to developing social connections with others. In fact, 25 million young people do not have access to positive youth development opportunities, which can provide the tools needed to realize their full potential. We are grateful to MacKenzie Scott for the opportunity to invest in 4 H initiatives that will help bridge this opportunity gap and support our young people as they shape the future of America and our world.

FIND YOUR LOCAL 4-H

Contact your county Extension office to learn about 4 H clubs, camps, and after school programs in your area.

4 H University, Gainesville July 26, 2022

LtoR: Jim Ward, Pasco County Fair, FFF Past President, Terry Atchley, Hardee County Fair, FFF President, Hayden Hawes, Florida 4 H President, Ronda Banner, Florida 4 H Foundation President elect, Hal Porter, Citrus County Fair, FFF First Vice President, Daniel West, FFF Executive Director, Caitlyn Hilton, Interim Director of Development UF/IFAS and Florida 4 H.

News of Florida Fairs Citrus County Fair News

The Livestock projects have started with registrations and educational meetings. We have 88 Steers and 65 Swine and some alternates waiting.

We are working on the Dept of Ag Grant we received. We are excited to make the improvements to our facility needed to continue our mission.

The Fall Workshop being canceled was sad, but safety must come first. We always enjoy our Fair Family!

We will be hosting the 26th Annual PRCA Citrus Stampede Rodeo, November 18th and 19th. This event funds our local 4 H Programs.

The 23rd Annual Tractor & Truck Pull will be February 3rd & 4th, 2023. This event raises money for our Youth Scholarship Program. Come out and enjoy the noise, smoke and flying clay. We are excited to sponsor this well attended community event.

The Citrus County Fair is March 27th through April 2nd, 2023. Plan to attend "Carnival Lights and Home Grown Delights."

3600 S Florida Ave. Inverness, FL 34450

News of Florida Fairs

2616 SE Dixie Hwy. Stuart, FL 34996

•Fun for ALL AGES.

Nov. 25 27, 5:30 9pm

Dec 2 4, 5:30 9pm

Dec 9 11, 5:30 9pm

Dec 16 18, 5:30 9pm

Adults just $8 Kids 10 & under are Free. FREE PARKING!

•Come see "A CASTLE CHRISTMAS" As seen on "The Great Christmas Light Fight" on ABC this December.

•Have some good food for Dinner at our food trucks and sweet treats area.

•Come shop our Christmas Crafters area.

•Come ride some carnival rides! *extra fee

•Your little elves will enjoy the FREE activities, games, and making ornaments to take home.

•Enjoy our festive holiday music provided by local schools, youth, and talented local musicians.

•Relax in the serenity of our Live Nativity provided by Redeemer Lutheran Church.

•Over 50 local non-profits have lighted Christmas displays. Find your favorite! Opens each night at 5:30

The North Florida Fair Preps for 80th Annual Event

The 80th Annual North Florida Fair will open November 3 in Tallahassee, Florida to a big opening day crowd. Admission will be free to everyone that day. You may think that is no way to run a fair but the promotion is expected to bring large crowds and generate buzz, making the remainder of the fair something to talk about. The vendors will start the fair in grand fashion.

The Beer Barn was a popular addition last year and is expected to be a draw again. The barn was so popular, we ran out of wine slush mix halfway through the fair, switching to margaritas to give an option other than beer. The wine order was increased by 3x. Seating capacity at the Beer Barn was also more than doubled. It was that popular.

The entertainment lineup for the North Florida Fair consists of the Anastasini Family Circus, the Dizzy Magic Show, Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus, Max Power, the Show Me Safari Swine Racers, and the Show Me Safari Petting Zoo. All entertainment is free with paid gate admission. The Strates Shows will again provide Midway entertainment, placing 50 rides for the customers. The Strates Shows is celebrating their 100th anniversary while the North Florida Fair celebrates its 80th.

University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science will be on hand to talk to customers about all facets of farming and gardening, with agents on site at all times and many displays. 4H has a large display of their activities in another building as well as a building devoted to Home and Fine Arts. The Commercial Building and the Garden Show are also popular attractions. An antique tractor display is also showcased along the independent midway.

Gate admission prices make the North Florida Fair the best entertainment value in the north Florida area. Parking, as always, is free. There is so much to see at the North Florida Fair.

Come and be a part of it.

What an awesome summer we had riding high from our most successful Fair to date. It was a time to rest and rejuvenate while keeping the thinking cap flowing with creativity. Following the 2022 Fair, where we saw more than 110,000 visitors, 85 vendors, 640 animal exhibitors, and with more than 5,000 mega passes sold, we needed a breather! We were able to take some time on the open road and visit some of the coolest fairs around the country, meeting the best of the best in managers and staff, while taking in the most amazing shows and talent our country has to offer.

Christine and Crew visited the Alaska State Fair in August where they were treated to Fall like weather early in the year. Christine was named coach of the Goat Milking Competition which ended up being a serious(ly) fun competition for all. These Alaskans are into their goat milking with a traveling trophy handed down year to year. In front of a packed house, the winning team squeezed out a victory in 20 minutes with a record 4+ liters of goat’s milk! A 'handedly' awesome event that’d be fun to have in St. Lucie County.

With all the summer travel behind us, we’re falling into our Fair schedules, getting ready to host you and your family in 2023. Keep an eye out for deals and steals in your email. Follow us on social media channels. But most of all, enjoy the Fall season with all its bounties and blessings.

News of Florida Fairs

441 E Paul Russell Road

Tallahassee, FL 32301

15601 W. Midway Road

Ft. Pierce, FL 34945

St. Lucie County Fair

News of Florida Fairs

We proudly announce Mrs. Kay Varnum as the newest member of the Festival's board of directors. Mrs. Varnum was a volunteer for many years as a roving ambassador and information booth attendant and became an associate director in 2002. In addition to serving as a member of the Livestock Banquet Committee, she is Co Chair of the Junior Royalty Pageant Committee and a former Queen’s Coordinator Co Chair. Mrs. Varnum, we are grateful to have you!

303 Berryfest Pl Plant City, FL 33563

We are pleased to introduce to you our new President Elect Kyle Robinson. He will be replacing Paul Davis, who will be retiring in April of 2023. We are excited to have Kyle leading us into the future and look forward to having him on board. Please join us in congratulating Kyle on this endeavor.

“I love the festival and feel that Kyle will bring a great ‘teamwork’ perspective and lead this great organization well in the future,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis. “Kyle has a genuine love for people, is a good family man, and will be a great fit for our team. We are honored to have him.”

News of Florida Fairs

Collier Fair

39th Ave. NE Naples, FL 34120

Alachua County Youth Fair

Show Association, Inc.

W Newberry Road

FL

News of Florida Fairs

Palm Beach, FL

Be sure to visit the Ed Shed daily to learn about IAFE Member Benefits, talk with the volunteers at the Help Desk and more. Ed Shed activities are still being planned take a look now

In celebration of all IAFE members coming together to Unite, 50+ limited edition collectible cards featuring Fairs and Businesses are available to collect at Convention!

South Florida Fair

Southern Blvd.

News of Florida Fairs

Volusia County Fair 3150 New York Ave. DeLand, FL 32724

4 H Volunteer Conference of Southern States hosts the annual national 4 H volunteer conference. Open to any volunteer and staff, the conference features educational sessions, networking events and more.

Mark your calendars for September 28 October 1, 2023

News of Florida Fairs

Greater Hillsborough County Fair Update

We are busily getting ready for our 2022 Hillsborough County Fair that will be held November 3 13, 2022. We are excited to be holding an 11 day fair this year with extended carnival hours partnering with a new carnival company, Dreamland Amusements. Our entries for the youth livestock shows have come in with record setting numbers with all shows (except rabbit) seeing an increase in entries. Thankfully we were able to complete construction on our new 18,750 square foot livestock exhibition building funded in part by the Florida Department of Agricultural

Education Facilities Funding. On October 6, 2022 our Board of Directors held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of our new livestock building that will be used to house all of our livestock for the 2022 Hillsborough County Fair. We have new entertainment acts, arena events and activities for the fair. We invite you to stop by our fair and visit with us! We are really excited for this year’s fair. We will follow the fair with our 2nd year of the Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village that will run from November 24 January 1 and will feature a drive thru holiday light show and a walk thru experience. (See flyer on next page.)

Hope everyone is doing well and hope to see you this fall at our fair!

215 Sydney Washer Road Dover, FL

Top row from left: 80th Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

Four out of five pictured are Past Presidents of the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows. From left: Melody & Artie McIntyre, Dan West, Lisa Hinton, Patsy Brooks.

Pat Cookson in Seattle

Christine Iannotti, Kathy Ross, Cathy Murphy, Jeff and AJ Ross.

Dennis Lee, Mark Sparks, and Stephanie Ann. The picture on the right was sent in marked “parolees!”

Doris Graska and Monica Welde at Bearadise Ranch

Dave Miller, Miller’s Soft Pretzels and Fritzy, Aka Steven Lombardo

Top from left: Federation representatives visit the Northeast Florida Fair in Callahan.

From left: Brian Simmons, Dan West, Shelley Terrell, Jim Ward, Keith Wingate.

Florida FFF members visiting the Minnesota State Fair: Lane Wetherington and Tyler Trussell

Christine Iannotti at the Alaska State Fair and Lane & Tyler.

Jeff & Kathy Ross of Ross Concessions were welcomed at the Northeast Florida Fair in Callahan.

From left: Shelly Terrell, FFF Board Member and SE FL Fair, Jeff & Kathy Ross, Mandy White, Brian Simmons

Nancy Smith, Executive Director of the South Carolina State Fair and Dennis Lee.

Randy & Fran Crone and Laurie & Mike Peak at the State Fair of Texas

Marc Dobson and Mark Sparks

Here we are again.

Disaster strikes = fairs respond.

Fairgrounds are known for serving their communities by providing smiles, livestock shows, family experiences, entertainment, food-on-a-stick, fundraising opportunities, and more.

Fairgrounds may be less known for serving as a staging facility for electric companies. For sheltering animals during natural disasters. For collecting items for distribution. For always lending a helping hand.

Why? Because fairs and fair people do what needs to be done, in the moment when help is needed most, without thinking of what they get in return.

Fairs help because they care.

Fairs matter. Fairs serve. And fair people make it all happen.

The IAFE is proud of our members. Proud of our industry. And more than anything, we are proud to serve you.

Tropical Storm Ian first formed in the central Caribbean on Sept. 23 and strengthened into a hurricane on Sept. 26. With maximum winds of 105 mph, it became the strongest September hurricane in this region of the Caribbean (west of 75 degrees west) since Hurricane Felix in 2007. As it transitioned into a hurricane, Ian officially met the National Hurricane Center’s threshold for “rapid intensification” gaining at least 35 miles per hour in wind speeds within 24 hours or less.

As Ian headed north northwestward, it continued to quickly intensify over the warm waters and emerged in the southern Gulf of Mexico as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph during the night of Sept 26 into the morning of Sept 27 the strongest September hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Ian intensified faster than any other hurricane this Atlantic season.

Ian made landfall that day near La Coloma in the Pinar Del Rio Province in western Cuba, battering the area with high winds, a life threatening storm surge, and knocking out the island’s power grid. The hurricane then headed toward Florida’s western coast, where residents of coastal communities were ordered to evacuate.

On the morning of Sept. 28, Ian intensified into a Category 4 hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, just shy of a Category 5 storm. Ian came ashore near Cayo Costa, Florida, at 3:05 p.m. EDT with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, tying the record for the fifth strongest hurricane on record to strike the United States. It was the strongest hurricane to hit Florida since Michael in 2018. It was also the first Category 4 hurricane to impact Southwest Florida since Charley in 2004.

Ian thrashed parts of Florida’s western coast, bringing intense winds, heavy rainfall, and catastrophic storm surges. A storm surge with inundation of an unprecedented 12 to 18 feet above ground level was reported along the southwestern Florida coast, and the city of Fort Myers itself was hit particularly hard with a 7.26 foot surge a record high.

Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm on Sept. 29 as it tracked inland, crossing over the Florida peninsula. However, as it did so, extreme rainfall became particularly destructive, producing 1 in 1000 year amounts in some places. For example, Placida, north of where Ian’s eye made landfall, received more than 15 inches of rain over 12 hours, and Lake Wales, in central Florida, reported nearly 17 inches of rain within 24 hours.

After Tropical Storm Ian had crossed over Florida and was again over the open water, it strengthened back into a Category 1 hurricane on Sept. 30 before turning and making landfall in South Carolina just after 2:00 p.m. that day. It was the first landfall of a hurricane that the state has seen in nearly six years, and it brought more heavy rain, high winds, and flooding along the coastline.

Ian began to weaken once over land again, becoming a post tropical cyclone three hours after landfall. The cyclone later dissipated over southern Virginia late on Oct. 1.

In all, the storm knocked out power to more than four million customers in Florida, and an additional 1.1 million homes and businesses lost power when the storm plowed through the Carolinas. According to PowerOutage.us, there are more than 100,000 customers who are still without power across Florida. 87 deaths have been reported as residents in Florida and the Carolinas face recovery costs estimated to be around $47 billion in insured losses, according to research firm CoreLogic.

Information from: National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service Silver Spring, MD

On Sept. 28, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa in southwestern Florida as a dangerous, high end Category 4 storm after plowing a path of destruction through the Caribbean, bringing particularly heavy rainfall and dangerous surf to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba. After crossing over the Florida peninsula, where it had weakened to a tropical storm, it strengthened again over the water to a Category 1 hurricane and made a second landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina.

Photo from Florida Strawberry Festival

This is what a week with a caring community can do:

2 trucks with 15 pallets each already delivered 3 semis, 3 box trucks, 25ft hay trailer and a smaller trailer headed to SW FL Wednesday morning. If your deliveries come after Wednesday that's ok we will get them there. We promise.

30,000+ items donated 7,500 lbs of animal food 300 bales of hay $17,000 dollars donated*

Thank you Mercer County Fairgrounds Celina, Ohio for bringing a semi loaded down from OHIO! Thank you Florida State Fairgrounds for handling our hay. Thank you Clay County Sheriff's Office, Florida for making sure we get their safely and thank you Pyrotecnico and Star International Transportation for providing the transportation!!!

Most importantly thank you to every single one of you who have donated to this cause! Nothing is too small.

Volunteers, you're the absolute best and have been amazing this week.

Elaine, Cody and Michele will be taking this load of supplies over to the Pine Island City Center this morning. Their point of contact is Gary at ACE Hardware where they will offload the supplies and folks can come over and pick up what they need.

A huge thank you goes out to our incredible volunteers who dropped everything to come over to help load Elaine's 3 horse trailer!!!!

A special thank you goes out to Tasha Hyder with the Clay County Fairgrounds Association, these supplies were made possible by some pretty amazing people who wanted to do their part to help after Ian destroyed so much. Tasha has arranged SO many trucks and drivers to come down to SW Florida to bring the much needed help. Hats off to all of you wonderful people!!

Good morning everyone. We will be doing an inventory of the HUGE donation shipment that came in yesterday afternoon from Clay county. Once we finish morning feeding/chores, we will get started on the list.

For today, we are asking folks to come out anytime between 11 4. This gives us time to take care of the horses without having to break away. Once we have everything inventoried things will flow nicely, like with our first few shipments, and we can change the pick up hours to better suit everyone's schedule.

A HUGE thank you to Tasha with the Clay County Fairgrounds Association, unbelievable how beautifully she organized this enormous Hurricane Relief Project!! Thank you to all of the volunteers who loaded and drove the supplies down to us, you are all appreciated. Thank you to our amazing volunteers who dropped everything to come out and help with this huge donation shipment, you guys are simply PRICELESS!!!!!

We are incredibly honored to be a part of helping our community get by in these tough times.

Rescue Strong! Community Strong!

FLORIDA Strong!!

We are extremely disappointed to announce that the highly anticipated Haunted Gross House, has been canceled. We are committed in supporting our community by hosting some of our heroes the utility companies working diligently, often on fumes, away from their families, in restoring our lives to normality.

Although this is disappointing to all of us, we want you to know that we have been working on creating positive entertainment experiences and a variety of events. Once our grounds have been cleared, we will release a full list of scheduled events to take place at the Collier Fairgrounds on our website www.collierfair.com and social media platforms.

Clay County Fair to the rescue! An amazing effort raising over $19,000 in supplies for our community!

Though we may not be neighbors and the regions we call home couldn't look more different we know that we are all Floridians. In times like these those county lines and borders on a map fade. To all the county fairs throughout the sunshine state and all around the country you've shown that no matter how dark things get sometimes, even in the sunshine state, that we look out for each other and your support in serving as staging

·

Thank you to the volunteers who came and cleaned up after Hurricane Ian

The staging site at the Sarasota Fairgrounds is coming to an end. The crews have left for home or points further south. The Sarasota Fairgrounds and Robarts Arena is proud to play a small part in this effort to restore power to our community.

There are many heroes in our community that deserve recognition. Neighbors helping neighbors, communities and towns rallying to provide assistance, food and support in these difficult times. The electricians, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, tree services, utility workers, garbage men, law enforcement, fire departments, county and city employees and many more all continue to help the community recover.

The Sarasota Fairgrounds and Robarts Arena stand ready to do what it can for our community in situations such as these. We are a not for profit with no tax payer subsidy (not county nor city facility) but recognize the need to provide our services to a community in need. If we are called, we will respond.

Our FPL staging site is winding down. We want to recognize the Disaster Resource Group (DRG) under Sherri's leadership for working with the Sarasota Fairgrounds in providing support to the linemen and tree crews.

DRG Brought in campers, showers, laundry services, and catering support to keep the workers moving. The goal of FPL, DRG, and the Sarasota Fairgrounds is to provide food and services so that the electricity can be restored as quickly and safely as possible. It takes a small army to set up a city overnight and the coordination and cooperation has been outstanding.

5600 SW 34th Street Gainesville, FL 32608

www.flaffa.org

FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education.

What do the letters FFA stand for?

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.

FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. So today, we are still the Future Farmers of America. But, we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America too.

Read the current magazine at: https:// en.calameo.com/510752481e d50f8dbc8

Florida team of delegates that represented the over 26,000 Florida FFA members at the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo. They have been hard at work in committee meetings and delegate business sessions as they played an integral role in shaping the future of the National FFA Organization!

Is It Time For Entertainers To Increase Fees?

By Robert Smith, Associate Director

Fairs are going to think I’m awful for writing this. They may think I’m greedy. They may even decide not to hire our company. I’m going to say something that every entertainer and attraction provider in our industry needs to hear.

It’s time to increase fees.

Over the last several months I’ve spoken with two dozen entertainers around the industry. The conversations have been around the impact of inflation on their businesses. What I’ve discovered is that the model many entertainers are using is simply not sustainable. It’s increasingly likely that our side of the fair industry is going to see a contraction over the next several years with more and more performers exiting to retirement or just flat out going out of business.

When we listen to the news we’re told that inflation is running somewhere around 8.3%.

Certainly one of the biggest costs for any of us is the price of diesel to move our shows down the road. Most of us are still paying anywhere from 60% 130% more than we were in January of 2021.

Diesel isn’t the only factor we’ve got to look at. All of us across the board are paying far higher prices for energy, groceries, durable goods, food costs for concessionaires, health care, rent and now interest rates are skyrocketing.

Yet many acts are still charging $600/ day for three 30 minute shows.

Our industry is a delicate balance. Fairs want to plan spectacular events that draw the public to come enjoy a day or two of fun and learning with their families. But they have very real budgets to consider.

Likewise, entertainers want to make a living doing what they love and bringing joy to and creating memories for people across America. They too have very real budgets to consider.

Coming into convention season every attraction in our industry should have a serious look at the internal workings of their businesses and consider a 10% 25% increase in their fee.

How Fairs Can Stretch Those Budgets If Performers Increase Fees?

If you’re a fair manager or board member, you’re probably reading this thinking, “that guy is out of his mind.” Fair enough. But we’ve all had conversations at trade

shows so let’s not be bashful about how the process tends to work.

You’re interested in a given act. You ask an act how much the price is, they say $1,000/ day for 3 shows. You immediately turn around and offer a much lower price. The act may reluctantly accept. You think you’ve scored a killer deal and walk away thinking you’re a tough negotiator.

The act feels like they got taken to the cleaners and now feels a sense of resentment.

It seems many in our industry approach negotiation as a competition rather than a collaboration.

Performers are going to be increasing fees. You’re going to want to negotiate. So how can you stretch your budgets with prices going up? Approach the negotiation as a collaboration.

Cooperative Buying is the Unlock for Negotiating Better Fees.

Let’s revisit the scenario above only we add in a cooperative buying element.

Take three fair managers, each with 10 day fairs running consecutively between February and March. The longest distance between each of them is 3 hours. They’re interested in an act that runs $1,500/day. They get together and collectively approach the act. They let the act know they’re all willing to book on the spot if they can get $1,350/day. The act happily commits at the lower price.

Each fair saves 10%. The act now has 30 routed days booked. Everybody wins.

The difference in the two scenarios is how the buyer approached the act. The first scenario was approached as a competition, a challenge to be won while the second scenario was approached as a collaboration.

This is a rocky time for all of us in our beloved industry. Convention season is going to be gut check time as we book for 2023 and beyond. As those discussions take place, is it a ridiculous idea to approach those negotiations as a collaboration rather than a competition?

Robert

Agri cadabra 325

Aim High Canines 920

Forza Entertainment 439

Artists & Attractions 815 821 825,27,29,31,33

Belmont Magic Show 841

G.L. Berg Entertainment 601

The Birdman 403

Bleacher Rentals 209

The Johnnie Bubar Show 640

Paul Bunyan Lumberjack 619

Cale Moon Country Ent. 616

Capitol International ..............712

Cowboy Circus, D. Grant ......327

Disc Connected K9s .............416

EMC Tickets..........................317

Etix ............................704,6,7,8,9

Extreme Illusions & Escapes 337

Fair Publishing House 606,08

Fearless Flores Circus 200,02

Firefighter Show 316

FunTagg 201

Goat Island Petting Zoo 204

Great American Ent. 212

Liz Gregory Talent Agency 713

Haas & Wilkerson Ins. 519,21, 618,20

Harmony Artists 701,03,05

Hot Glass Academy 219

J International Mgmt. 543,45 547,642,44,46

Dale Jones Entertainment.....605

K/O Fairground Planners .536,38

Lady Houdini .........................725

Dennis Lee Show..................637

McGowan Allied Ins. ........434,26

Mobile Glass Studio 731

North Pole Productions 400

Pirate Man Dan 233

Reithoffer Shows, Inc. 614

Robert Smith Presents 638

Saffire 428,30

Sensational Murcias 243

Shawnee Services 844,46

Specialty Insurance Agency 645

Spectrum Weather Ins 715

Staats Awards 621

Stilt Circus 324 Triangle Talent 627,27,29 631,33,724,26,28,30,32

Variety Attractions, Inc, ...800,02, .........................................804,06

Vortex Weather Insurance ....229

Whirley Drink\Works! .....445,447

David Yugar Productions ......240

Members of the Florida Federation of Fairs at IAFE Trade Show

KAREN & JIMMY BAND

It was great seeing everyone out having fun with local, live music at BayFest. I had a blast on stage, filling in on drums with KJB.

The KJB set started off with a beautiful blue sky and lots of sun. Several songs in, we performed a CCR a song, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”. Well Mother Nature heard it and decided to tease us. A dark cloud rolled in with threatening wind. But that didn’t stop the fun. Nope, we continued and it never rained on Anna Maria Island. Over in Bradenton, it poured.

Mojo Sound did a great job with sound production. Thank you AMI Chamber Of Commerce for another great festival.

24, 2023

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Bonita Springs, FL

Tasha Hyder, Clay County Fair

Lynann Hudson, Peyton Moritz, Kadi Duff Florida State Fair

Rock-N-Circus

Shane Hansen is back with an all new show that literally pushes the limits.

After a 20 year run of the successful show “Hansen’s Spectacular Acrobatic Sensations,” and having all of 2020 canceled due to Covid, Shane took that time to create the brand new show, “Rock-N-Circus.” This modern circus stunt show is themed to the rock and roll era. The high energy, fast paced show consists of juggling, trampoline, magic, aerial stunt loop, pyrotechnics, cube spinning, and audience participation. The show concludes with the only ending of its kind in the fair industry, a thrilling 65 foot high dive onto an airbag!

Not only does this show leave audiences breathless, it also has a message of inspiration. After overcoming his own struggles with alcohol addiction, Shane uses his show as a way to reach others that may need help. He works with a nationwide addiction program and offers free information after every show. Shane is now over 3½ years sober himself.

“From start to finish, I am dedicated to providing you a first class show that's cool, exciting, and definitely one of a kind. 2023 will be ROCKING!

Shane

Associate Spotlight: Doug King

Doug King was born in 1945 and raised in a small prairie town in western Canada called Estevan, Saskatchewan. His close knit family was very active in the community with his grandfather being one of the three most influential people in the graphic arts field in Canada. Exhibits of his works are at many universities across Canada and have been stored in the archives at Massey College in Toronto, Canada.

With his grandfather and father's printshop, they provided the newspaper to the community. It also gave him the experience to work at a very young age, helping his grandfather and father after school and on weekends. Through the newspaper layouts, Doug became interested in photography during his school years. He was the school photographer, yearbook editor, house leader, and school newspaper editor. The experience he had gained all of these years afforded him the job as the Community Newspaper Photographer for the local paper. With Doug's grades beginning to slip and his father on the school board, something had to give and it was giving up some of his activities in school. Doug also became interested in technicalities of the stage and was given the title of Head Technician for the drama club to handle the eight lights that his school owned. Doug had also received training in Lifeguarding, which provided him with summer employment. After having to rescue a drowning local resident from the river and losing the fight to save him, his lifeguarding career ended from this early age traumatic experience.

His grandfather's involvement in creating posters and advertising for the Barnum and Bailey Circus, drew Doug into the fairs and exhibition field. Because, when the fair came to town, it was a grandiose event, the local townspeople all became involved, and Doug King did too. With a violent rainstorm hitting, Doug assisted the technical people with the show by dismantling the equipment. Four days later the promoter/agent, who was a good friend of Doug's father, approached Mr. King with an opportunity that Doug thought would be very interesting. With his father's blessings, he began 5 weeks of his summer holidays travelling throughout Canada and working with some wonderful entertainers, Roy Rogers and Festus (Gunsmoke ), Red Skelton, Bob Hope and Rich Little. It was the beginning of an exciting career for Doug. He attended school in Santa Barbara, California and studied photography. His restless spirit called him back home to Canada.

Thus began his career with Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company. With his technical experience he was hired and two years later was offered Assistant Manager or Crew Supervisor, of which he took the latter. He also worked his skills into the technical department, working at designing and creating the sets and scenery for the company's performances which toured all over the world. His twenty five years of travelling took Doug to such places throughout North, South and Central America, England, Russia, Egypt, Cypress, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Mexico, Cuba, Holland and Asia. He entertained and dined with Heads of States, Presidents, Kings, and Queens. Fidel Castro, Anwar Sadat, the President of Cypress, and the Crown Prince of China are only a

few dignitaries that Doug King had the honor of meeting at galas and dinners following the command performances. While living in Canada the National Film Board of Canada approached him to do a documentary of his life and travels with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

While touring ended in summer months, in 1967, Doug and his brother, formed King Enterprises and incorporated in 1980. They moved the business to Florida, where they felt more work would avail itself because of the warm weather. It proved to be a very good business decision. With outdoor entertainment being very active in the summer months, it provided summer work for both Doug and his brother who was and is a teacher in Saskatchewan.

After his twenty fifth year with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, he retired his travelling shoes, many worn out suitcases, a life of excitement and grandiose hotels and left behind the wonderful people that became his family for many years.

Upon meeting his wife, Linda, in 1986 through mutual friends in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, they were married one year later in Florida. Three years later after travelling together and building King Enterprises Incorporated they had their first child, Kayla. She was fortune to travel all over the U.S. with her parents and dance backstage to the sounds of the entertainers they happened to be working with. Two and a quarter years later Kayla got a sister and wondered "when this baby was going back to the hospital." Doug has had the privilege of working with a diverse group of entertainers, from Pavarotti, Christine Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, Alabama, the late Sheri Lewis and Lambchop, Kenny Rogers, Beach Boys, Styx, Carmen, Dixie Chicks, Britney Spears, Botticelli, to name just a few. Doug's dedication has provided his services to the West Virginia State fair for 33 years with many others close to that.

When his children were in a private school they were able to travel together until the end of September in their R.V., while Linda educated them. They always returned to school being ahead of their peers, which was her goal. The travel and people that Doug King's family have the privilege to enjoy has been documented in videos, picture albums and his daughters'writings in journals.

He and his family now just get to travel for approximately 2 months in the summer due to school schedules and activity commitments of the children. Linda always spends time in their summer travels to upgrade their educational skills with trips and school work.

Doug was asked to provide the lighting systems for four World Fairs, and three Olympic Games. He has worked behind the scenes of many Presidential Campaigns, including Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

In 2003, Doug King was nominated and awarded Businessman of the Year for the State of Florida for his outstanding dedication and service to his business, industry and community.

This honor took him to Washington, D.C., where he and his wife attended the premier event of the year, The President's Dinner. President George W. Bush, his wife Laura, Members of the U.S. Senate and the U. S. House of Representatives attended this event sponsored by the National Congressional Committee.

In March of 2015 Doug was inducted into the South Florida Fair Hall of Fame after 35 tears of service. Later that year he was named Associate of the Year by the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows.

In 2017 the State Fair of West Virginia honored Doug for 50 years of service.

Jan Rutledge from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet sent me a story in the ballet’s program of our season closer that contained a two page story on my career of over 20 years with the ballet. Now I know I have aged, I’m wearing the famous DuMaurier cigarette tour jacket.

Appreciation plaque from State Fair of West Virginia for 50 years of service. At the same time honoring George Moffett retired owner of Variety Attractions for 55 years of service. August 12, 2017

Strawberry Festival’s Paul Davis presents the Florida Federation of Fairs Associate of the Year plaque to Doug King

The Wagons and Whiskey annual event for Raisin’ For A Reason is Sunday, November 27th at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, followed by the Virtual Auction running from November 27th 30th! Tickets to attend are available online for $110/person or $1250 for a table of 8. The Virtual Auction is open to all IAFE members, affiliates, and the general public.

Proceeds from all the Raisin’ For A Reason efforts will support the IAFE Education Foundation Institute of Fair Management program. Your charitable participation will enable the IAFE to secure quality education instructors and continue to offer the program at a minimal cost to the enrollees.

Past Live and Virtual Auction items have included electronics, fair and rodeo experiences, food and drink, outdoor adventures, artwork, belt buckles, coolers, contactless ticketing systems and more! We can’t wait to see all the great items listed in 2022!

If you have an item that you’d like to donate, please go to www.iafefoundation.org and fill out an

Auction Item Donation Form. All items will be sent directly from the donor to the buyer. Donors have the option to have the buyer pay shipping costs.

The IAFE Education Foundation is a non profit, 501 (c) 3 organization established in 2002 to support, through fund raising, the educational, charitable, research, or literacy activities in the advancement and improvement of agriculture fairs, expositions, and shows. Your contribution is tax deductible as permitted by law.

Debra Surritte Flores is at South Carolina State Fair. “Who would ever thought that Spaghetti Eddie’s Pickle Pizza was so good!”

Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Happy Manufacturing Month to Staats Awards & Promotional! Staats helps its customers serve a variety of functions, including: recognition of specific accomplishments, service recognition, sales incentives, sales promotions, customer appreciation, trade show giveaways, promoting brand image, promoting specific events, advertising, safety incentives, employee appreciation, and much more. Whether you need competition awards, service awards, or custom gifts, or you need help with employee recognition, event promotions, or company branding, Staats can help. Thank you for being our Chamber Member!!

HelloFlorida, Greetings from NICA! Gratefully, we have had a Thriving Fair Season and like everyone else we are moving into convention season. We also send our thoughts and prayers to the many Floridians who were affected by Hurricane Ian. It was a concerning time for all of us.

I am writing to announce that NICA is hosting its first industry trade show and conference in Las Vegas at the Tuscany Suites and Casino from November 6 9. NICA Marketplace, “Together!” is where Fair Managers, Food and Beverage Owners, Commercial Exhibitors, and Suppliers will gather to Share Ideas, Networking, Products, and Services. Check out our website this event is for you!

Then we will move onto the IAFE convention in Indianapolis where we will host our traditional Advisory Committee luncheon, meet as a Board Face to Face, present Two Views of the Food & and network with our many friends.

And of course, we are preparing for the Fare Foods Food Show and NICA Business Expo in Tampa on Feb 13 15. We will install the 2023 Board and hold our Annual Membership meeting and Gala there. Our theme for 2023 will be “All In!

NICA has had the fun of gathering all summer with our members on the East coast, Midwest, and West coast. NICA has had the honor to elect a new Board. And the NICA Foundation has had the privilege to award $30,500 to 17 young people aspiring to be the best that they can be.

We enter the Fall with many blessings and grateful hearts.

Kindest Regards, Rey O’Day, NICA’s Executive Director

IAFE Chair

Jeremy Parsons, CFE

Clay County Fair

PO Box 527 /Spencer, IA 51301 0527 (712) 580 3000

IAFE First Vice Chair

Jennifer Giesike, CFE

Washington Town & Country Fair Washington, MO 63090 2124

IAFE Second Vice Chair

Jo Reynolds, CFE

Warren County Fair 701 W 2nd Ave./ Indianola, IA 50125 2347

IAFE Treasurer

Jaime Navarro

State Fair of Texas PO Box 150009 / Dallas, TX 75315 0009

IAFE Immediate Past Chair

Gene Cassidy, CFE

Eastern States Exposition

IAFE 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

What Is That?

YPI, Buyers Breakfast, Networking Circles, NICA, OABA. Etc.

Why do we ask if you are under 40 during registration? We have a group of active members under the age of 40 that schedule special events for that age group to encourage participation and networking. If you let us know you are under 40, they can reach out to you about these events.

When you were registering for the convention, did you wonder why we asked you to let us know your title? Networking Circles is the reason why. Each registered attendee will be assigned to a networking circle. These will be smaller groups of people who have similar job duties. During the convention, each day there is a designated time for these Networking Circles to meet. The time will not be used for presentations or workshops; it will be time for you to build your network for the future. We want to provide you with a circle of friends you can call on in the future whenever you need fair advice.

So what is the Buyers Breakfast? Maybe you should attend. The Fair Buyer/ Exhibitor breakfast was introduced at the 2021 Convention. Do you make recommendations or decisions on goods, services, or entertainment for your fair?

Would you like to have some dedicated time to meet with Trade Show Exhibitors? The Buyers breakfast is accepting applications to participate in not only breakfast but also appointments with participating exhibitors. The best part, you get to share a hot breakfast and you will receive part of your registration money back if you keep your appointments. Interested? There is an application below the registration information on at: https://www.iafeconvention.com/register

Below are some acronyms you might see and not know.

NICA National Independent Concessionaires Association

OABA Outdoor Amusement Business Association

CFE Certified Fair Executive

CVFM Certified Volunteer Fair Manager

IFM Institute of Fair Management

Fall 2022/52

West Virginia

Lewisburg, WV

Greetings Zone 2!

Before I begin, I am writing this with the Weather Channel on in the background as hurricane Ian is making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with plans on hitting the rest of the east coast in the coming days. My prayers are with each of you affected by this storm that you, your family, friends, homes, and places of business all are safe.

Over the past year, our IAFE Chair Jeremy Parsons challenged us to become more connected as an industry to work together, to share ideas, and to become more united. Let me just say, that you guys have rocked this challenge.

I’ve seen on social media that many of you have traveled across the country not just to learn, but to lend a hand to other events. What better representation of Fairs United can you get? We’ve all been subject to the current employment crisis, so I know your knowledge and experience is more that appreciated.

Something that has always inspired me about this business is knowing that no matter the problem, the solution is most likely just a phone call away. More than a few times over my career I’ve reached out to others for help, and I’ve always been greeted with encouraging words, advice, and a helping hand or two!

Keep up the good work folks, and as always best wishes on your upcoming events!

Kelly Collins, CFE

Zone 2

Zone 2 includes Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The Zone 2Annual Business Meeting will be held Monday, November 28, 2022 at the IAFE Convention in Indianapolis, IN.

The IAFE Zone 2 Spring Meeting will be held during the 2023 Florida Federation of Fairs Annual Convention. May 18 20, Orlando, Florida.

The IAFE is always striving to find more programs, materials, and resources to offer our members.

Library • Online Store • Product Information • Jobs • Awards and Contests • Government Relations • Ag Education • RFPs • Ad Packages • Where Will Fairs Be in 20 Years?

The online Library is an invaluable tool allowing IAFE members to search educational resources and other industry materials.

Browse through our jobs listing and RFPs to discover the latest industry opportunities. Enter your fair in the IAFE's annual awards ceremony to receive industry wide recognition.

The IAFE maintains an extensive government relations page, where you can learn about upcoming legislation that will affect fairs.

Don't forget to view our online store! From CyberSeminar recordings to materials for your fair, the online store will have something for you.

Zone 2 includes Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Greg Chiecko, OABA President & CEO

Outdoor Amusement Business Association 1305 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA 01809 407 848 8010 gregc@oaba.org

Greetings friends of the Florida Federation of Fairs from the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA)

Thanks once again to Dan and the staff at FFF for allowing the OABA to share our thoughts with you.

It is hard to believe that the season is beginning to wind down and the IAAPA and IAFE conventions and trade shows are right around the corner. We will have a few weeks of down time before we start the state convention season. Before we know it, we will be back on the road for 2023.

One of the important parts of our strategic plan is to expand the membership of our fairs and events. The major reason for fairs to be part of our organization is to provide them with our communications in an effort to better understand our businesses and to broaden our partnerships. Members receive our weekly e mail news, ShowTime Extra, every Thursday evening. This communication vehicle provides current updates of the weeks' activities in our industry. Also, our monthly print publication ShowTime provides more in depth information about our fairs, carnivals, governmental relations and suppliers. Finally, our annual directory, Midway Marquee, is an outstanding resource and recaps the prior year's major accomplishments of the OABA.

The November issue of Showtime is being circulated to all IAFE fair members on a complimentary basis. Thanks to our guest writers who share their opinions about the OABA. Our hope is that we will attract new fair members after reviewing the quality of information we provide. In addition to the forementioned publications, a fair membership in the OABA shows your support to your carnival partners along with many other benefits. The cost of a 12 month membership to the OABA is only $100. Potentials members can join our website at www.oaba.org or by calling the office at 407 848 4958. We sincerely hope you will join us!

We will be participating in both the IAAPA and IAFE trade shows. We will be highlighting our members that participate in these shows as well. We encourage you to stop by and say hello or engage in conversation that will enhance the services we provide to our members.

The IAFE and the OABA have formulated a joint committee to Update the Best Practices for Fairs & Carnivals that was last revised in 2008. While much of the document will remain unchanged and has stood the test of time, there are several aspects within our industry that present new challenges and exploration. The committee, chaired by Jim Sinclair, hopes to have a final document out in the Spring.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you in the upcoming weeks and certainly in the Spring for the FFF convention in Orlando. Stay safe.

We are digitizing the IAFE photo library and we don’t want the hard copies anymore. So, new for the IAFE Convention this year will be a table in the Ed Shed to sit and go through tons of old photos. Fair photos, IAFE meeting photos, and lots of head shots. This is just a SMALL sampling of what we will have for you to go through and TAKE HOME at Convention this year. Recognize anyone or anything?

Fair-a-Palooza Tailgate To Kick Off IAFE Convention

Presented by

What better way to kick off the Convention than a fair? Not just any fair, but a fair for fair people! Join us Sunday evening as we get down at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the Fair A Palooza Tailgate! Rides, food, entertainment and more will be included at this event especially for YOU! We know it’s hard to enjoy your own events when you are working. This time we do the work, and you enjoy our labors. Transportation to and from the indoor fairgrounds will be provided by the IAFE via busses.

Fair A Palooza will take place on Sunday, November 27th, 7 pm 9 pm. Fair-a-Palooza will be held indoors.

Walking tall at State Fair

BY RICK NATHANSON / JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

PUBLISHED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2022 AT 9:02PM

UPDATED: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2022 AT 12:02AM

On Friday, they were adorned in colorful farmer themed attire, which had more of a Carmen Miranda feel than an “American Gothic” vibe. No matter, their presence along Main Street could not be missed as smiling fairgoers stared and smiled, while the couple posed for photo ops, danced, told farmer jokes and handed out gimmick doughnut seed packs.

Star was working in the music industry back in the 1990s when a circus troupe asked her to manage them. “I thought all I was going to do is manage, but then they asked me to perform,” she said. “I told them no, I’m not a performer, but they dragged me out and the next thing I know I’m performing.”

She wasn’t sold on the idea until some months later when the troupe attended the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. “One of the performers had an extra pair of stilts that wasn’t being used and they asked me to go out with them. My heart was stolen at that point, because I fell in love with it.”

After a short while, stilts became like an extension of her own legs. “Anything you do on the ground you can do on stilts, so it’s really fun.”

She’s been performing on stilts now for 23 years. In 2006 she started the Stilt Circus network and currently manages 64 stilt performers around the country and personally trained 35 of them to walk and perform on stilts.

Dalton said he met Star Child after he began going to festivals and exploring lifestyles that presented something other than the typical 9 to 5 working environment.

“I’m at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire near San Bernardino, California you know, turkey leg, meat and beer,” recalled Dalton. “I come around a corner and I see her on stilts, and I’m like, ‘wow, you’re the tallest girl I’ve ever seen.’ I knew she was on stilts, but it was just so magical and different and I had never really seen that. It was my first exposure.”

You can’t help but look up to Star Child and Richard Dalton, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that they walk tall.

The couple are performers in the Stilt Circus, roving through the crowds at the New Mexico State Fair, attracting attention from their perch atop three foot stilts.

Now, that may not sound like much, but consider that the stilts give Star Child a perspective from just over 8 feet, 7 inches more when she wears a large hat or headpiece; and Dalton stretches more than 9 feet, 3 inches into the air.

“The reason that we stick to the same size stilts is we do other things on stilts as well, including acrobatic tricks,” said Star. So having their feet at the same distance from the ground makes it easier for them and any ground performers with whom they may work.

The Stilt Circus also gets attention for its costuming, “most of which are made and designed by Richard and myself,” said Star. “One of the things that we’re known for in the industry is providing a different costume every day of a fair, so you’ll never see the same thing from us.”

Star said many of the costumes are made from upholstery material, which is very thick and durable.

According to Star, “I told him, if he wanted to date me, he had to get up to my height, that this was my jam and this is what I do and if you wanted to be with me this is what he has to do.”

Dalton rose to the occasion, so to speak.

Now, real life partners of 13 years, they recently moved their home base from California to Florida, but they are on the road 6 9 months out of the year and have a summer schedule of about 15 state fairs and a number of other events.

“And it’s all driving,” said Dalton. “So we’re very familiar with America. Literally, America is our home.”

Copyright © 2022 Albuquerque

Richard Dalton, left, and Star Child, dressed in stylized farmer attire, perform at the New Mexico State Fair on Friday as an onlooker sets off a hand held bubble blowing toy. (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)

Star Child has been performing on stilts for 23 years. In 2006 she established the Stilt Circus, which is known for its costuming. She now manages a network of 64 performers around the country.

(Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)

Stilt Circus performer Richard Dalton reaches down to bump fists with 3 year old Isaac and his dad, Justin Blystone, while walking along Main Street at the New Mexico State Fair on Friday. (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)

“You have to go see the Moogician, Todd Charles! He has many dairy inspired moogic tricks up his sleeve! From playing the banjo to juggling various objects, he can do it all! You can see his show at Highland Hill daily at 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. “

Arkansas State Fair October 2022

Associate Spotlight:

Todd Steinberg

241 Freeport Dr. Sarasota, FL 34233

This is Whiskey, a Champion Ribbon Winning Ayrshire, a breed that’s one of the 7 Dairy Queens She produces 90 pounds of milk a day!

Arkansas State Fair 2022 Little Rock

Your IAFE Ambassador here reporting for duty. We are less than a month out before conference begins. The IAFE will be hosting a “Keep Your Floridian Warm” coat drive. Our friends from colder climates will be packing an extra coat, scarf and gloves with them for us to borrow while we’re in Indy. After the conference, the items will be donated to a non profit assisting the homeless. If you have extra coats you don’t use anymore, please consider packing them in your luggage to Indy to donate.

The Ambassadors will be hosting a Swag Swap during the conference, think White Elephant Christmas, but with fair swag. Bring your shirts, cups, pins, hats, etc. and swap with other fairs. Lastly, make sure you download the IAFE app! See you all soon and safe travels.

Welcome

Amusement Wraps

Chuck Wheeler

1141 COUNTY RD 24

COAL GROVE, OH 45638

Phone: 740 550 9963

Website: https://amusementwraps.com Category: Supplies/Services

Business: Signs, rides, wraps, trailer wraps, stickers & more

Angela Burns

Daniel Jolley

329 POWDER SPRING RD

GROTIN, VT 05046

Phone: 802 522 3449

E mail: dan@piratemandan.com

Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Pianist and soloist offering all genres of music

Bianco's Foods LLC

Ray Bianco, Owner

1503 MIDDLETON RD ANDERSON, SC 29624 7332

Phone: 864 296 0203 Fax: 864 296 0203

Phone cell or alt: 864 245 8264

E mail: biancosfoods@bellsouth.net Website: http://www.biancosfoods.com

Category: Concessions/Food/Beverages Business: Great food & beverage concessions. Pizza, Fries, Chicken, Funnel Cake concessions

BlackWater Band

Dale Edwards P.O. BOX 714 CLARKTON, NC 28433

Phone: 910 455 3203

E mail: daleedwards@blackwaterband.com Website: http://BlackWaterBand.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: High energy 8 piece band

Double T Amusement, LLC

Tyler Trussell

1016 CARRIAGE PARK DR VALRICO, FL 33594

Phone: 813 297 3789

E mail: tylertrussell7@gmail.com Category: Concessions/Exhibits Business: Inflatable attractions and games

Elroy's Elotes LLC

Roy Hernandez

Phone: 863 409 3475

E mail: ralrghernandez1@gmail.com

Category: Concessions/Food/Beverages Business: "The Roasted Corn Guy"

Engrave Joy

Daniel Jolley

329 POWDER SPRING RD GROTIN, VT 05046

Phone: 802 522 3449

E-mail: dan@piratemandan.com Category: Concessions/Exhibits Business: Custom engraved ring concession booth

Fair Explorer

Daniel Jolley

329 POWDER SPRING RD GROTIN, VT 05046

Phone: 802 522 3449

E-mail: dan@piratemandan.com

Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Show and roving entertainer, uses an electric moving airship featuring acts from around the world

Farming Around the World

Daniel Jolley

329 POWDER SPRING RD GROTIN, VT 05046

Phone: 802 522 3449

E-mail: dan@piratemandan.com

Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: A show dedicated to educating the public about regional and international ways we grow our food

Frisbee Enterprise

Michael Frisbee

1406 UNION GROVE CHURCH ROAD SE ADAIRSVILLE, GA 30103

Phone: 770 548 7238

E mail: michael@frisbeemagic.com Website: http://www.magicmamxl.com

Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: XL Magician with Midway Style Mobile Stage

Generations Concessions

Brittany Moran

W2376 COUNTY ROAD K COLUMBUX, WI 53925

Phone: 608 888 4377

Phone cell or alt: 608 888 4316

E mail: bmoran2009@gmail.com

Category: Concessions/Food/Beverages Business: 6 Generations of Amazing Fair Food

Henry Lees Southern BBQ

Geneva Penix

39639 TOWNSEND RD DADE CITY, FL 33525

Phone: 352 410 0754 Fax: 352 410 0754 Phone cell or alt: 813 997 1611

E mail: henryleessouthernbbq@gmail.com Category: Concessions/Food/Beverages Business: BBQ

Kinnamont Entertainment LLC

Kent Kinnamont 500 ANGEL RD BEREA, KY 40403

Phone: 530 519 8534

E-mail: circus@victorkent.com Website: http://kentcircus.com Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Robots, circus, magic, grounds and strolling

Julie Andrews Tribute Show

Nancy Roth

3818 C.R. 547 N. DAVENPORT, FL 33837

Phone: 702 755 3575

E-mail: damejulietribute@gmail.com Website: julieandrewstributeshow.com

Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Julie Andrews Impersonator Narrating and Singing Julie's life

Jacki Manna and the Corny Comedy Crew

Jacki Manna

3036 MOORE DR

OVIEDO, FL 32765

Phone: 407 925 3527

E-mail: jackimanna@gmail.com

Website: https://www.mannaentertainment.com

Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Comedy Ventriloquist, Sing a long Granny Puppet, Agricultural, Patriotic, Magic, Balloon Twisting

Marshal Manlove - The Mindshifter

Marshal Manlove

338 TAMARA CIRCLE NEWARK, DE 19711

Phone: 302 547 4645

E-mail: dehypno@verizon.net Website: http://www.marshalmanlove.com

Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Stage Hypnosis & Mentalism by The Mindshifter, Marshal Manlove

Prowant Specialty

Bill Prowant

Suzannah Cushman

Phone: 419 796 9682

E mail: prospecialty@gmail.com

Category: Concessions/Food/Beverages Business: French Fries, Lemonade & Deep Fried Sweets

Sattlers Enterprise

Thomas Sattler

25625 TROPIC ACRES DR BONITA SPRINGS, FL 34135

Phone: 239 707 0187

E-mail Address: tomsattler71@gmail.com Business: Family owned and operated for more than 45 years

AMP Live Events/Monster Truck Nitro Tour

Mike Founder

417 WASHINGTON STREET OCONTO, WI 54153

Phone: 920 819 2023

E mail: bookit@monstertrucktour.com Website: http://www.monstertrucktour.com

Category: Attractions/Entertainment Business: Monster Truck Shows, FMX Jumping Shows, Monster Truck Ride Trucks!

New Members are posted on the website floridafairs.org and on facebook.com/floridafairs. Please welcome them!

Welcome

New Members

2022

FAIR DATES

Oct 28 Nov 5 Florida Gateway Fairgrounds Lake City

Nov 3 13 GR Hillsborough County Fair Sydney

Nov 3 13 GR Jacksonville Ag Fair Jacksonville

Nov 3 13 North Florida Fair Tallahassee

Nov 3 13 Volusia County Fair DeLand

2023

Jan 12 22 Manatee County Fair Palmetto

Jan 13 29 South Florida Fair W. Palm Beach

Jan 27 Feb 5 Charlotte County Fair Port Charlotte

Feb 9 20 Florida State Fair Tampa

Feb 3 11 DeSoto County Fair Naples

Feb 3 11 Highlands County Fair Sebring

Feb 10 18 Martin County Fair Stuart

Feb 10 19 Osceola County Fair Kissimmee

Feb 18 25 Hardee County Fair Wauchula

Mar 10 19 Indian River CTY FirefightersVero Beach

Feb 20 26 Pasco County Fair Dade City

Feb 23 Mar 5 SW FL & Lee County Fair N. Ft. Myers

Feb 23 Mar 4 Southeastern Youth Fair Ocala

Feb 24 Mar 2 St. Lucie County Fair Ft. Pierce

Mar 2 7 Alachua County Youth Fair Gainesville

Mar 2 12 Central Florida Fair Orlando

Mar 2 12 Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City

Mar 3 11 Sumter County Fair Webster

Mar 14 19 Okeechobee County Fair Okeechobee

Mar 16 Apr 9 Miami Dade County Fair Miami

Mar 16 26 Collier Ag Fair & Expo Naples

Mar 17 25 Putnam County Ag Fair East Palatka

Mar 17 26 Sarasota County Ag Fair Sarasota

Mar 27 Apr 2 Citrus County Fair Inverness

Mar 30 Apr 9 Clay County Ag Fair Green Cove Spr

Apr 4 8 Santa Rosa County Fair Milton

Apr 6 15 Lake County Fair Eustis

Apr 10 15 Flagler County Fair Bunnell

Apr 14 22 Hernando County Fair Brooksville

TBD Hendry County Fair Clewiston

Check Fair website for dates closed during this period Check for cancellations or postponements

PAY BY CREDIT CARD floridafairs.org

In loving memory of those who cared to make a difference

Richard Howard McClain

August 7, 1935-August 10, 2022

Richard was born in Center Hill, Florida and moved to Sebring when he was 12 years old. Richard was a member of the Avon Park National Guard and was called to duty in May of 1951. This was the beginning of a 20 year Military Career serving in Germany, Greenland and Viet Nam. Joining the Highlands County Fair Board in 1982 and went on to serve 9 years as Fair Manager. He was involved in sports and helped organize events to help benefit the youth of Highlands County. Richard was President of the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Show in 2003. In 2005 he was presented with the IAFE Heritage Award in 2005 and inducted into the Florida Federation of Fairs Hall of Fame.

Richard is survived by his wife Bette, 1 daughter, 2 stepchildren, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, daughter, and stepson. Obituary is available at https://www.stephensonnelsonfh.com/obituary/richard mcclain.

Joyce Covington August 2022

Our own beloved Joyce Covington has passed away. Joyce spent most of her career here at the Florida State She coordinated all our entertainment, community, and special events. Her passion for the fair industry and her Florida State Fair advocacy was a model for us all to follow. She was absolutely loved and cherished by all whom had the privilege to know her. “ Cheryl Flood, CEO Florida State Fair Authority

Following is from a presentation to Joyce by the Florida State Fair along with a crystal bowl.: “Today, I am honored to pay tribute to a very special lady, Joyce Covington, who has served the Florida State Fair for over 35 Miss Joyce,” as she is affectionately known, began as a volunteer in the free entertainment area in 1979. Joyce worked from 1981 1988 as a contract employee developing the free entertainment program that fills four stages. She also worked to coordinate senior days sponsored by GTE. In 1988, she began working nine months a year by traveling the state to promote the Florida State Fair. She did approximately 65 slide shows a year emphasizing “an Old Fashion Christmas” a production that was held annually at the Fairgrounds. In 1992, Joyce began working year round preparing and overseeing the Christmas show. During this time, she also began representing the Florida State Fair for the National Tour Association, Brandon Chamber and the NESRA. Her involvement in the Florida State Fair has made her a legend in the fair business. In 2006, Joyce was promoted to Special Events Manager overseeing all the events in the Family Living Building, Florida Center and Special Events Building. Some of the events she oversees to this day are: Woodworking, County Events, Quilts, Sewing, Baking, 4 H Day, Hillsborough County School Exhibits, Craft Show, Tropical Fish Show, and the Horticulture exhibits. Joyce also developed the Wine Judging contest which is one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the country. She also coordinates the details of both the Governor ‘s Day and the Ag Woman of the Year luncheons. Joyce’s endless enthusiasm and passion for her job has garnered the respect and admiration of her countless friends and colleagues. .

Please help us honor and recognize our friends in the Fair industry who pass away during the year by sending their names and Fair affiliation to the Federation for inclusion in the Resolutions passed at each year’s convention and also be included in the next issue of the newsletter. Please include the person’s affiliation with your Fair or company and years of service. Send to: floridafairs@gmail.com and Resolutions Chairman Suzanne Holcomb Suzanne@hillsboroughcountyfair.com

Brad & Sally Matchett & Family on the loss of Brad’s father Michael “Danny” Matchett of Tavares, Florida February 12, 1945 September 24, 2022

Becky Brashear & Family on the loss of Becky’s brother Dente L. Brashear, Sr. of Frederick, Maryland July 11, 1952 October 6, 2022

Wanda & Randy Jones & Family on the loss of their great grandson

Eason Perry Jones of Lake City, Florida July 7, 2022 October 27, 2022

Josh & Leann Knotts & Family

On the loss of Josh’s father

Richard Harold Knotts of Washington, PA August 13, 1978 October 28, 2022

Florida State Fair Board Member Doyle Carlton III and Joyce Covington.

THE FAIRCRACKER

Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc. P.O. Box 368 Palmetto, FL 34220 0368 www.floridafairs.org

Federation of State and Provincial Association of Fairs of North America

Sponsor of “Merry Moo”

Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA)

International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) www.fairsandexpos.com

National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) www.nicainc.org

Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA)

floridafederationfacebook@gmail.com