Farm Bureau Legislative Days

March 7 & 8, 2023

Tallahassee, Florida

March

The FFF had 20 representatives attend the event and had the opportunity to meet and educate our legislators about the fair industry in Florida and the impact it has on our communities.

The “Taste of Florida” event took place that evening on the capitol courtyard where we handed out Carmel Corn and Cotton Candy that was donated by Staci’s Sales and Grand Rapids Popcorn. Thank you to all of those who were able to attend and our sponsors that donated the items to hand out.

We met with Rep. Chuck Brannan of Baker County (above left) and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez of MiamiDade County (above),

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PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE FLORIDA FEDERATION OF FAIRS 2023-2024 DIRECTORY

Thank you to the judges for choosing these photographs: Bonnie Savella, Brown University Retired, N. Providence, RI, Samantha Hunt. East Tennessee University Faculty, Joe B. Smith, Retired Optometrist, Oregon

WOW!!!

Needless to say, I was in total shock when my name was announced as the inductee to the Florida Federation of Fairs Hall of Fame! What an honor to follow in the footsteps of all the past Hall of Fame inductees.

I cannot remember anything that I said when I was on stage! I always remembered being in awe when someone was inducted into the Hall of Fame, never thinking that one day it would be my name they announced.

For those of you that did not know, I was not involved with the fair growing up. I was visiting the Osceola County Fair in 1996 with a few friends and met my husband, Rex there. Rex was a volunteer member running fair security and had been involved for most of his life at the fair. His passion for the fair rubbed off on me and I was hooked from then on!

I would like to say thank you to everyone that has supported me through the years:

First, my family, for having patience and understanding with me being gone from home visiting fairs, attending conventions and being gone 11 days straight during our fair.

Second, The board of directors, volunteer members and staff at the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show & Osceola County Fair and all the James E Strates family for supporting me with our fair, as board member and past President with the FFF, and the involvement with the IAFE. Without all their support it would have been very hard to accomplish.

Third, to all my fair friends – that means EVERYONE!!! I truly appreciate all the guidance everyone has given me through the years. This industry is so sharing and caring to everyone. I am so blessed to be a part of it.

I hope to see you all during my fair visits.

Hall of Fame Members

Back: Clark Converse 2016-Pasco

Artie McIntyre 2022-Highlands

Dan West 2019-Manatee

Happy Norris 2009-Lake

Doris Graska 2014-Citrus

Vickie Chouris 2011-South Florida

Gayle Hart 2021-Jacksonville

Jeanne Keaton 2015-St. Lucie

Patsy Brooks 1998-FL Strawberry Festival