July 2023 NICA News

This Month’s Newest Members

Cynthia Ail

Ail Food Concessions

Salem, OR

Mohammed Alchabaoun

Refreshed Enterprise

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

David Angulo

Morrison Burbank LLC

Burbank, CA

Nema Causey

Hallak Sisters, Inc.

La Mesa, CA

Katie Greene

Katie’s Concessions & Catering

Myakka City, FL

Glen Kusak

Yoakum Packing Co. Yoakum, TX

Mike Neal

Jive Turkey’s, LLC

Greensboro, NC

Tony Ponce

Tony’s Concessions Sanger, CA

Chris Wadsworth

Oregon City Optimist Club

Oregon City, OR

Erik Wallway A Taste Above La Center, WA

Rodgerick Williams Naked Meat BBQ

Wylie, TX

This Month’s Member Renewals

Teddy Archer

Dynamite Kettle Corn

Ukiah, CA (2017)

Jon Baker

Pima County Fair

Tucson, AZ (2013)

Isabella Barona

Barona Enterprises, LLC

Roseville, MN (2022)

Virgil Bartlett

Amarillo Tri-State Exposition

Amarillo, TX (2011)

Jeff Beaver

Old Style Foods

Salisbury, NC (2012)

Matt Bribiesca µ Bribiesca Concessions

Holcomb, KS (1993)

Janice Coronoes

Maryland Association of Agricultural Fairs & Shows Inc.

Titanium, MO (2020)

Wanell Costello

Arizona Exposition & State Fair

Phoenix, AZ (2013)

Michael Curci

Soda Parts Express

Annandale, NJ (2010)

Darrell DeRouin Sr.

Red Barn Food Wagon

Escanaba, MI (2002)

Nicholas Digrazia

Silver Dollar Fair Chico, CA (2022)

Dan Duggan

Duggan’s Concessions

Fresno, CA (2007)

Marsha Edwards Jameson Graham Ltd. Lockport, IL (2022)

Shawn Freeman Freeman Enterprises Anderson, CA (2022)

Alexandra Graf Schnitzels & Giggles Bowie, TX (2011)

Robert Groscurth Groscurth Equip

DBA Super Dog Tampa, FL (2022)

Teddy Gross C S Concessions

Craigsville, WV (2003)

Erica Haag

Emma’s Cookie Kitchen–Kora’s Cookie Dough Greenbush, WI (2019)

Todd Hawkins

The Donut Family Inc.

White Bear Lake, MN (2003)

Scott Henry

Old Time Portraits LLC

Baileys Harbor, WI (2002)

Ronald Hull

Volusia County Fair Association, Inc. Deland, FL (1999)

Monica Jensen

Island Noodles WI, MN & TX River Falls, WI (2021)

Mark Lancaster

Vista Mobility Milwaukee, WI (2015)

Bill Lauther

Griff’s Catering

Gibsonton, FL (2006)

Shawn Loter, GM Mississippi Valley Fair, Inc. Davenport, IA (1994)

Brian Lynn

Victor Products Co. Richmond, VA (2016)

Tod Marchant

Marchant Concessions

Summerland, BC (2012)

Jim McKiernan

Grant County Fair

Moses Lake, WA (2015)

Wayne McMurtry ConcessionMall.com / Pizza Point Concessions

Bayard, NE (2018)

Grady Miller

Big Island Ventures, LLC

Roseville, CA (2022)

Michael Miller

Miller Food Concessions, LLC

Mauckport, IN (2017)

Crystal Miller

California Ice Cream Company

Acampo, CA (2019)

Mary Beth Mize

Fanny’s Fabulous

Funnel Cakes

Ashland, OR (2021)

Doug Morgenstern

Fare Foods Corporation

DuQuoin, IL (2022)

Ken Nunn µ Pet I.D. Tags

Hudson, FL (1993)

James Otterbacher

Otterbacher Enterprises

Riverview, FL (2016)

Leslie Pence

Pence’s LLC

Bryan, OH (2017)

Bill Perlman

Cummington Fair

Ashfield, MA (2019)

Wayne Petersen

Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center

Salem, OR (2020)

Mary Prange

Emma’s Cookie Kitchen–Kora’s Cookie Dough

Greenbush, WI (2019)

PRESIDENT’S

Vincent Nelson, CCE, President

MESSAGE Getting Involved PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

We are all in our busy Summer Season, having just celebrated July 4th. I know for me it takes a lot of work before the lights turn on for any event. Do we have the right staffing for each day? Did our Supplier have all of our supplies? Did something change at a Fairgrounds that will affect the flow of traffic and increase or decrease sales?

All very stressful to say the least! I say it all the time—I can’t wait until October 31st when my season is over. However, that is not completely true; I love every minute of this Industry. Even the bad moments turn into teaching moments. After all the work is done, I do enjoy the family time with my wife, Linda, and my children, Gabriella and Vincent. All the hard work provides a great life for my family.

It’s Election Time and we’re always looking for new people to run for the Board of Directors. Over the years I’ve heard, “Oh, I don’t know how you do that; it costs $10,000 to be a Board Director.” I truly have never spent that much and I’ve always gained friendships and relationships with Fair Boards and Concessionaires alike. There is no amount of value to be placed on the friendships I have acquired while being on the Board of Directors, not only have I learned insight from members across the country, but it also opens doors of new ways to think. I originally joined NICA because Russ

Harrison, CCE, Past President, had me sold on NICA’s Pepsi benefit. I did not renew after Russ signed me up initially, but then a few years later, my good friend Stacia Markowitz, Past Director, signed me up again. I learned there is much more that is available to us and I have been a member ever since. I eventually joined the East Council (then Northeast Council) and I ran for the Board in 2017. Here is a segment from my nomination statement that year, which is still a major focus even today: “In the next five years I see NICA working harder with Fairs in hopes to protect us with a bigger voice. The Fair Industry is changing everyday and we need to work hard at communication between ourselves and the Fair Boards to be one voice. Trust me, I’m all about changing with the times but we still need to keep in mind that what makes the Fairs and Festivals great is diversity in our products. We cannot be all the same. I’m willing to work hard for NICA and it’s members listening to what everyone has to say and working together to build strong relationships with Fairs and our members. We need to bridge the gap for all of us to work together.”

So as this year‘s President, I encourage you to run for the Board; the value far outweighs the cost. Nominations are due by the end of July. If you have any questions on this process or need assistance with your NICA Membership, contact the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926. “Together We Can!”

OFFICERS

President: Vincent Nelson, CCE

1st Vice President: Kim Barr, CCE

2nd Vice President: Kelly Grout

Treasurer: Dan Lusenhop

Secretary: Stacey Pittroff-Barona, CCE

DIRECTORS

Brandy Arredondo, CCE

Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE

Bary Bunts, CCE

Phil Delahoyde

Bryan Enloe

Jeff Thornberry, CCE

Jay Wells, CCE

PAST PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE

Sandy Class, CCE

Don Delahoyde, CCE

Kathy Ross, CCE

Dan Lusenhop

Dominic Palmieri, CCE

Paulette Keene, CCE

Joe Potillo, Jr.

Greg Miller, CCE

Tom Sattler, CCE

Russ Harrison, CCE

Richard Busse, CCE

Tom Hodson, CCE

Jim Hodson, CCE (Deceased)

Tim O’Brien, CCE

Ron Smith

Adam McKinney, CCE

Mike Pence, CCE

Jack Woods, II, CCE

Bob Hallifax, CCE

Frank Parnell, CCE

Larry Orme (Deceased)

Larry Sivori

Rich Wright

Bill McKinney, CCE

Arthur Pokorny, Jr.

Gene O’Brien, CCE (Deceased)

OFFICE STAFF

Executive Director : Rey O’Day rey@nicainc.org

Office & Membership Manager : Linda Frisco nica@nicainc.org

Communications & Marketing Manager • NICA News Editor : Jesse Willard

communications@nicainc.org

Office Clerk: Christine Farrell clerk@nicainc.org

East Council & Social Media Coordinator : Jessica Gottsche

jessica@nicainc.org

Midwest Council Coordinator : Dennis Larson, CFE dennis@nicainc.org

FOUNDATION

President: Audrey Poole

Vice President: Greg Miller, CCE

Treasurer : Jennifer Giordano, CCE

Secretary : Rey O’Day

Trustees:

Kim Barr, CCE

Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE

Kelly Grout

Tom Hodson, CCE

Mark Lancaster

Don Kenna

Larry Sivori

EAST COUNCIL

Bary Bunts, CCE

Ryan Collmer

Ryan Hagy

Patty Tessari

Michael Zdebiak, Jr.

MIDWEST COUNCIL

Connie Boesen

Sandy Class, CCE

Paulette Keene

James McConnell

Richie O’Neil

Matt Ribar

WEST COUNCIL

Michelle Allen

Brandy Arredondo, CCE

Amy Ashby

Irene Dugan, CCE

Gigi Horowitz

Ryan Long, CCE

Kara Moederndorfer, CCE

Albert Valadez

Steve Vartanian

Nate Wells

Do you have any questions or would like to get involved with NICA? Contact us at (813) 438-8926 or nica@nicainc.org today!

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DIRECTOR’S VOICE DIRECTOR’S VOICE

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, Past President Back

Greetings to you all. In whatever capacity you are in, I hope you are enjoying your Fair Season. For us in the Pacific Northwest, this is the beginning of ours. We have had a fairly busy Spring Season with Festivals, Concerts, Rodeos, Special Events, and some Spring Fairs, but ninety percent of all our Fairs happen from July through October.

For me, starting with the 4th of July, I am in “Fair Mode.” We are busy seven days a week, all day, every day until October. I have often said, “If it doesn’t happen on the Fairgrounds I wouldn’t know about it.” As a nation we could go to war but unless they march right through the Fairgrounds, I wouldn’t even be aware of it. I tend to get singlemindedly focused on the Fair Season.

With this busy time comes several emotions. I am for the most part an optimist whose glass is definitely more than half full, and normally filled with a good Merlot or local IPA. However, there is always that annoying little voice in the back of my head that brings up just a little anxiety. “Do I have enough vehicles to move all the equipment? Can I find enough drivers? Will I have enough employees to cover all of the stands?” My H-2B people that I applied for last year, but didn’t get, are supposedly going to be here “any day.” My fingers are crossed.

My other main concern is the post-COVID boom we have all experienced. I have to believe with the rising cost of living burdening our nation, the extra spending for entertainment, such as concerts, sporting events, and Fairs, is going to slow down. I hope we can all ride this train for a while longer but should remain cautious of our businesses.

Anxiety, fear, and a little trepidation are real for me, but mostly what I feel is excitement for the upcoming Fair Season. There is nothing quite like the roar of a crowd from a concert or a packed Fairgrounds on a Saturday night, resulting in record sales. I go to bed exhausted after a fourteen-hour day but look forward to getting up and doing it all over again the next day. There is an adrenaline

to Work

rush and high you just don’t get from most nine to five jobs. This job is not for everyone but if you love it, there is no better way to make a living. A big part of my excitement is seeing so many of my Fair Family. I really look forward to seeing and spending time with so many of you over the Fair Season. The relationships we have with each other is without a doubt one of the best aspects of this Industry.

As Past President I find my responsibilities have slowed down some from last year, however, I still find myself discussing NICA a lot as I travel. My time on the West Council gave me a better understanding of the issues and differences Concessionaires deal with regionally and my time on the Board has given me a better understanding of the complexities of our Industry nationally. I still enjoy introducing new Concessionaires to NICA, and the benefits of belonging to the only organization specifically designed for Concessionaires. I find myself asking two questions; first, “Are you a NICA Member?” and second, “Are you coming to our NICA Marketplace convention in December?”

There is a lot of excitement from both Concessionaires, and the Fair Administrations, regarding the upcoming NICA Marketplace, “Together!” convention. Having an event specifically aimed at the Concession/Commercial personnel in the Fair Office is something they see great value in. One of my favorite quotes last year came from a Vendor Coordinator from a Fair in Oregon. She said about the convention, “To be honest, I set the bar low on what I would gain out of it as I am the Vendor Coordinator of the largest County Fair in Oregon and I felt this conference was likely designed for Food Concessionaires. My assumption couldn’t have been more wrong. The educational sessions truly surprised me—the topics were better than most any other Fair conferences I attend. I left the convention inspired and excited.” I hope to see you all at the NICA Marketplace convention, December 3-6, 2023.

We live in an interesting and exciting time, and I hope your days are filled with joy and adventure. For me it is time to get back to work. ▲

RIFFING WITH REY RIFFING WITH REY

While we think of the core Fair Season to be July 4th to Labor Day, in fact due to weather, we have several Fair Seasons across the country.

Guest Services tools and skills. When I arrived, all the staff were wearing a Know your Neighborhood tool on their lanyards that we had developed. Many of us (you and me) are asked to make suggestions or brainstorm ways to make our Fairs better, but we are rarely around to see the results. For me, knowing I made a lasting difference was a happy, confirming moment.

We believe that over-fooding with stands and/ or menu items usually means that no one involved in the situation makes enough money. In 2018 Dennis Larson, CFE and I made a presentation called “What is the Right Mix of Food at Your Fair?” in which we analyzed the relationship between Food Stands and Fair Guest attendance to determine what over-fooding events might look like. Alameda County Fair is one of the Fairs that has been working on the balance between Food Stands and Fair Guests by lowering the number of stands necessary to serve their Guests and it is working…stand grosses are up and there are fewer stands. Also, they are now looking for specific items like Pulled Pork, Baked Potatoes, and Cinnamon Rolls rather than something that duplicates what they already have.

Alameda County is also a Fair that is operating totally cashless, a topic that you must know gives me heartburn. I believe it is a core mission issue, our core value is to be inclusive and not qualify people out of being able to attend because they do not have a credit card or bank account. I also recognize that post-COVID credit/debit card usage is up 40%–70% depending on where you are in the country. Actually, the number of ways to pay is up and one of them is still with cash. Therefore, as a Guest Service choice, NICA has a policy that payment should be accepted in the manner the Guest wants to make it. Are we forcing a choice as a convenience and/or safety matter too soon?

That being said, CEO Jerome Hoban and I had a very civil and honest conversation regarding this topic and to his credit the Fair has 18 stations which convert cash to a Visa card with no fee expense to the Guest. The Fair is paying the fees so that the $20 is being returned to the Guest at full value. Also, the breakage on the card remains at full value when spent within 90 days after the event. From an operating perspective, no banks have to be prepared to open, Brink trucks are not necessary, and hours of labor counting money are eliminated.

WE may have been in simple times…not anymore. We are in flux with all matters involving money. I realize we have only barely scratched the surface of payment topics: fees, deposits, infrastructure, tips, rent payments, safety, auditing, technology, sales tax, breakage, apple pay, control, charge backs, calculation of rent, theft, coin, what rent includes, Zelle, inflation, hardware, software, ordering kiosks, and did I mention FEES (which continue to devalue money for all of us). We must Come Together without fear and with honesty and trust on topics that make doing so very challenging. Like today, Fairs and Owners will make different choices at every venue. It will not be a one decision fits all, but it will be many entities that will continue to Work Together and Serve a Customer Together respectfully while making lasting memories.

Fourth of July is when we celebrate the birth of this great country in which we live. I had the wonderful opportunity to do so at Fairplex with longtime friends. Being there reminded me that no matter how long goes by, we can show up, hug, talk about life, and spend quality time together. That is also the miracle that the Fair Industry provides for all of us. For that I am grateful,

San Diego County Fair Family Potluck and Bingo Planning Committee with Gigi Horowitz behind the camera: Mark Hill, CCE, Dennis Robbins, Rey O’Day, Karen Gary, Gene Edick, Michelle Allen, Lola Ramirez, Irene Dugan, CCE, and Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE

Nathan Vandewarker, Maverick Concepts; Rey O’Day, Executive Director; Ryann Newman, Fruit Caboose; and Jeremy Crutchfield, Don Crutchfield Concessions, enjoying the Fair Season

Association ANNOUNCEMENTS

NICA Director Nominations Are Due By July 30th

NICA is currently accepting nominations for this year’s Board of Directors election. Joining NICA’s Board offers many opportunities to have your voice heard, connect with other professionals in the Fair Industry, and to further the cause of NICA. If this sounds like something you are interested in, we invite you to participate in the nomination process. The due date to send all materials to the office is July 30, 2023.

To qualify, all that is required is a signed “Statement of Commitment,” an “Election Nomination Form” with 10 signatures supporting the nomination, a biography, answers to a short questionnaire, and a photograph suitable for publication. All forms can be found online at nicainc.org/nominations and can be emailed to nominations@nicainc.org, faxed to (813) 803-8460, or mailed to 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511. Call the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 if you have any questions or need the forms sent to you. “Together We Can!”

Apply Today for a First Timer’s Convention Scholarship

Have you always wanted to attend a NICA Convention but just haven’t committed to it? Whether it be because of expense, timing, or any other reason, the NICA Foundation is here to help get you there! Up to five NICA Members will receive $500 each towards travel expenses when attending the 2023 NICA Marketplace, “Together!” event in Las Vegas, NV or the 2024 NICA Business Expo in Tampa, FL. To qualify, you must be a first-time attendee to a NICA Convention, a current NICA Member, active in the Industry, and available to assist NICA during the convention of choice. Once you attend, you are also required to submit an article of convention experience to NICA News. Apply by October 13th for NICA Marketplace and December 15th to attend the NICA Business Expo. Apply online at nicainc.org/first-timers ▲

Benefits in Action!

Benefits in Action!

One of the most important aspects of NICA is the access to benef its that we provide to our membership. No matter where you are in the country, you can have access to our Membership Benefits Guide in print or online editions. We are blessed to have a dedicated group of NICA Benefits that can schedule deliveries and/or installations onsite at your events. Here are two examples of these NICA Benefits in action!

Dominic Palmieri, CCE, Past President, is an avid user of the NICA Sysco Marketplace and shared the above photo from the San Diego County Fair with the following message: “Thank you to one of our Supply partners—Sysco San Diego—for all your dedication to unloading four semis of product to our NICA Members in an efficient manner. Quality and consistency has been your priority here in Southern California.” Interested in signing up? Visit www.nicainc.org/sysco today!

Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE, Foundation Trustee, has been an early adopter on NICA’s Goodyear Tire Program, and sent in a few photos of her latest

install. She said, “This is the easiest benefit ever! I called Tim Koenigsfeld with Goodyear and Tim organized my tire installation. It is becoming a lot easier with the new system, and I just got a text my tires are done. It was just as quick two weeks ago when I again had tires installed on my Food Stand. This is the fourth time I have used this benefit!” The system Carmel is referring to is Goodyear’s NEW Consumer Tire Sales Program. It’s easy: go online to www.goodyear.com and use the code NICA20.

No matter where you are in the country, you can have access to the Benefits Guide in print or online editions—it’s meant to be used on the go! As you enter your Summer Fair Season, we encourage you to look at all of the NICA Benefits that are available at www.nicainc.org/benefits and/or in your Benefits Guide. Remember, your benefits travel with you! If you need assistance, please contact the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 ▲

Fred Pittroff, Giant Ride, supervising Carmel’s tire installation (of course, with his MN State Fair cup)

Member’s Voice

Member’s Voice

The greatest part of NICA is the membership! The Member’s Voice influences where the organization is headed and what it can improve. The NICA Office has been continuing their survey of responses from Renewing Members.

Kevin Coe is from Anchorage, AK and owns and operates the Patty Wagon. He said, “Who doesn’t like talking about themselves?” He believes that NICA has “done a lot!” He explained, “It’s the idea that we’re all in this together. We’re trying to make sure we all put on a good show together and by combining our resources and working with each other we can actually help ourselves grow.”

If you’ve ever seen that movie about McDonald’s called the Founder, there’s a scene where BJ Novak tells Michael Keaton, “You’re not in the Burger Business, you’re in the Real Estate Business.” Kevin related, “Well, at some point in the past few decades that I’ve been doing this, I realized that I’m also not in the Burger Business; I’m in the Entertainment and Nostalgia Business.” The Patty Wagon has been serving Burgers and Fries to Guests at the Alaska State Fair since 1970. Kevin shared, “The booth was owned by some family friends Don Burt and Vision Money. I wasn’t born when they started it, but it was right around high school when I started working with them. It has always been called Patty Wagon. It’s a well known place; people use it as a landmark to find each other when they’re lost on the Fairgrounds. When

I first started I didn’t have to deal with numbers, ordering, or customers. Somebody said, ‘Hey do you want to own it?’ Owning a business takes on a whole different meaning. There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment being able to do these things, but it can also be an exponential headache.”

Kevin operates only at the Alaska State Fair, and he believes that people return for a good reason. He shared, “People don’t really come to the Patty Wagon because the food is phenomenally delicious (though it is), they come because the experience they have (including the food) compliments and completes their experience at the Fair. One bite brings back emotions and memories of that time they went on the Ferris Wheel with their favorite uncle (who may no longer be around), or when they spontaneously competed in a goat milking competition with their high school crush, or that time their sixty-year-old mother took them to a rap concert. That bite also cements new memories created in the moment. It’s the reason why I have not and have no intention on ever changing our Burgers or Fries—it would change the memories.” Kevin explained that it is also the reason for the most important rule posted on the wall at the Patty Wagon: “This event and the Patty Wagon are magical experiences for our Guests, don’t do anything to ruin that.”

The Patty Wagon at the Alaska State Fair

Kevin Coe, Patty Wagon (right) with Tim Lepard, Team Ghost Riders (“The monkey was a big fan of the fries!”)

So what is the weather like in Alaska? Kevin shared, “In the Winter it can get down to -60° but I’ve been at the Fair and it’s been in the 90s almost 100°, when we did the Fair in the Summer. I wasn’t there for it, but the previous owners even saw snow during the Summer! So, one season can be 90-100° and another season it’s snow (or both). When you’re driving on highways or from town-to-town it’s lots of concrete and cars and buildings, but when you’re traveling in Alaska, there’s nothing! We’ve had some troubles where there’s been avalanches and ice flows that happen in the middle of nowhere.”

Kevin always puts the customer first. He said, “Have you ever seen a child about to start devouring an Ice Cream Cone and their first lick pushes all the Ice Cream off and onto the ground? It’s heartbreaking. When I or a member of my team sees a Guest drop their Burger or Fries, we immediately replace it without any questions asked. When we have a Guest make a special request of how they would like their meal prepared, we accommodate it. And occasionally those special requests become something popular that turns into a standard menu item. Who would have thought

putting a chicken patty on a beef patty would be a thing? Well, it is and we even let the customer name it—the ‘Moochicken’”

According to Kevin, there are certainly ways to screw up your food. “You can serve it under or over cooked which is dangerous and disgusting; you can be inconsistent, which will guarantee your Guests will turn somewhere more reliable to meet their expectations, or you can be rude to your Guests, which will ruin even the most delicious meals.” He enjoys the sense of community that comes once a year: “It’s a small little town that comes together. I really enjoy the family I have there. The people here I won’t see eleven months, but for one month out of the year we’re neighbors who live together. We help each other and we experience things together. It’s what I truly enjoy!” Kevin reflected, “At the end of the day, it’s not the Burger or Fries people come back for; they crave the memory of eating that Burger at the Fair with their loved ones. That’s my key ingredient, and I will be serving it as long as I can.”

The NICA Office plans to continue reaching out to our Renewing Members. If you hear from us, we’d love to know what’s on your mind! ▲

SHARED EXPERIENCES WITH READ AND WIN!

Lori Hart, CFE, IAFE Director of Education & Member Services & Kathy Ross, CCE, Past President

The iconic Read and Win ribbon program, a cooperative effort of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and the National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) is designed to unite Fairs with local schools, libraries, Concessionaires, Exhibitors, and Mobile Amusement providers.

How does it work? The Fair works with the local school or library system to set up a reading challenge, where local elementary students in grades one through eight are encouraged to read books, with the reward being the Read and Win Ribbon and a Voucher for use at the Fair. The final details are determined by these two parties; depending on the Fair and Vendor(s) involved, these Vouchers can be redeemed for complimentary Fair Admission, Carnival Rides in the Midway, a soft drink or food item from their favorite Concessionaire, discounts on Commercial products, a special prize, or something completely different like teaching a kid how to make a product, such as putting powdered sugar on a Funnel Cake, twirling Cotton Candy, or Frying Dough. The possibilities are endless!

“This program continues to serve as a valuable benefit for our members,” said Lori Hart, CFE, IAFE Director of Education and Member Services “Our relationship with NICA allows our Industry to unite together to serve our local communities and provide an unforgettable experience for young Fairgoers.”

So if your Fair does not know about the program, how can a Vendor get this program started? Encourage your Fair to reach out to IAFE for ribbons, sponsored by NICA. The Fair then will provide their designated school/library with those ribbons and the Fair and Vendors can decide on what the ribbon will be used for at the Fair The program works to attract more children to the

Fair and encourages the Fair and its Vendors to provide an extra special day for them.

Through the support of NICA, the first 1,000 ribbons are provided to IAFE members at no cost. IAFE members may place orders online on the IAFE website. Each Fair that participates in this educational program receives a survey to provide us with their valued feedback. Here are some comments from the past few years of Read and Win:

“We love it here because it gets kid’s reading during the Summer. Libraries like it because it gets kids into the libraries during the Summer.”

“This is truly a great program that encourages youth to engage in reading, encourages fun, and also enhances learning through hands-on, face-to-face interaction with the Fair!”

“We are a very small Fair and hope to continue this program in the future using our extra ribbons. The response of kids redeeming their coupons for an Ice Cream Cone was very positive. Thank you for offering this!”

“We distributed 2,500 total tickets this year! We look forward to growing this impact and offering into the future–thank you to NICA for all the support and opportunity to keep reading an important aspect in youth development!”

There are no two Read and Win programs alike, except that those children create great memories! This partnership between IAFE and NICA encourages reading and attending the Fair to youngsters all over the country. IAFE members may order their Read and Win ribbons online at www.fairsandexpos.com or by sending an email to receptionist@fairsandexpos.com ▲

Dear Business Owners, Managers, Fair Industry Leaders, Trade Show Exhibitors, and YOU ! We are proud to announce this year’s NICA Marketplace, “Together!” taking place December 3-6, 2023 at the Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. This year’s event will once again feature a non-exclusive Trade Show, Educational Sessions led by hands-on Event Industry Thought Leaders, and Networking Opportunities that are welcome and comfortable— a place where we all understand we are Customers of each other and Together we share a Fair Guest to serve.

2022 Attendee Dan Ashby , Ashby Concessions , shared, “The breakout sessions were a wealth of knowledge and the Lunch

Roundtable Discussions were not long enough! We took advantage of the Trade Show discounts and made some great connections, too. The Tuscany was very well laid out and perfect for our family. The kids enjoyed the pool and surrounding attractions while we attended sessions. This was my first time in Las Vegas and it will forever be a cherished memory.”

We are proud to welcome many new and returning Trade Show Exhibitors to this year’s event including Berk , Entegra , Smithfield , Boxed Water , Tyson/Advanced Pierre , Aspire/ Otis Spunkmeyer , McCain , Pactiv , Holten Meats , Heinz , Fare Foods , Hummel Group , Goodyear , Florida’s Best , JKJ Workforce , and Sysco among others. See you in Vegas!

Sunday, December 3, 2023

2:00 – 6:00 PM: Registration

3:30 – 6:30 PM: NICA Marketplace Hospitality

Evening on your own

Monday, December 4, 2023

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Registration

9:30 – 10:45 AM: Marketplace General Session

featuring Keynote Speaker Jeremy Parsons, CFE and NICA Leadership

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Educational Workshops

12:30 – 2:00 PM: Box Lunches (Included) and Roundtables

2:15 – 4:45 PM: Educational Workshops and “How To” Sessions

5:00 – 8:00 PM: Marketplace Trade Show and Happy Hour Reception (Included)

Evening on your own

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

9:00 – 11:00 AM: Registration

9:30 – 10:45 AM: Educational Workshops

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Marketplace Trade Show and Lunch (Included)

1:45 – 5:15 PM: Educational Workshops

5:30 – 7:00 PM: Closing Marketplace Celebration and Reception (Included)

Evening on your own

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Sysco Facility Tour

Schedule is subject to change; visit www.nicainc.org/marketplace and check NICA Now! for updates.

$119 Early Bird Member Registration

Register yourself and additional attendees for NICA Marketplace by selecting the link at nicainc.org/marketplace and logging into your Membership account. You may choose a Member ($119) or Non-Member ($149) rate.

Marketplace Registration includes Monday Box Lunch, Tuesday Trade Show Lunch, Trade Show Reception, and Closing Celebration Reception.

Onsite registration will increase by $100

Book Your Hotel Room Online

Book your hotel reservation at $79 with no resort fee ($44) at nicainc.org/marketplace by selecting your check-in and check-out dates, along with your occupancy needs. Don’t delay!

Become a NICA Marketplace Exhibitor

Reserve your Marketplace Trade Show Booth for $1,095 (two attendee registrations, draped space and Exhibitor ID sign, 8’ x 10’ location, and more included) at nicainc.org/marketplace.

Marketplace Membership Promotion: When registering, add or become a new NICA Member for $100 and you will also receive the $119 Early Bird rate ($80 savings)

We All Scream For Ice Cream!

As the saying goes, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream!” This frozen dessert has captured the hearts of people worldwide. The origins of Ice Cream can be traced back to ancient China, but over time, the recipe evolved and spread across different cultures, eventually becoming a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages. With the advent of refrigeration in the last century, the popularity of Ice Cream skyrocketed, leading to a diverse array of flavors and varieties, some of which are unique to specific regions or cultures. Indulge your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth as we take you on a delectable journey through the world of Ice Cream by hearing from NICA Members who are in the Ice Cream Business.

Mark Hill, CCE has been a Concessionaire for over 40 years, with 30 years under his belt operating Olde Tyme Ice Cream in Southern California. He shared, “We specialize in what’s called a Balboa Bar. It is a hand-dipped Ice Cream Bar that comes in Vanilla or Chocolate. We dip it in a Gourmet Chocolate—not just the normal Cone Dip. Then the customer has a choice of five or six toppings. We’ve added different things over the years like Cap’n Crunch cereal and some other crazy things.” He is a firm believer in keeping things simple: “There are so many people who come to the Fair and say, we have

been getting these since I was a kid.” However, the business has certainly changed in the last 30 years. Mark explained, “ When we first started, we used to have to buy the Ice Cream Bars from a dairy manufacturer, and the process was called cut-and-wrap. Each square of Ice Cream was an individual three ounce size, but they were in bricks. We had to have different freezers at different temperatures. You had to have one freezer to where it would make the Ice Cream soft enough to put the stick in ourselves. Then you had to unwrap them after they firmed back up and put it into another freezer. It was just messy and time consuming. Now they come individually wrapped in cellophane and pre-stuck. It’s phenomenal!”

Prices have changed too, but Mark does not let it compromise his product. He shared, “Chocolate is expensive, but it is still worth it. However, the price of Nuts, period, is just ridiculous! We don’t sacrifice the quality and we try not to raise our prices. If you cut your costs, you can either go to a cheaper product or smaller portions, and we haven’t done either one. People appreciate it and they will come back for it time and time again.” He had a few encouraging words for those starting in the business: “Have you ever been stressed? When you are stressed, that’s ‘desserts’ spelled backwards!”

Mark’s Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Bar, topped with Nuts

Libby’s FlavorBurst Soft Serve Ice Cream

Libby Class has been making Ice Cream for the last 12 years, traveling from the East Coast to the Midwest as a second generation Concessionaire. Libby offers a large variety of Soft Serve flavors. She explained, “We utilize a system called FlavorBurst . Through this system we are able to offer 11 Vanilla and 8 Chocolate flavors. Some of the most popular flavors include Blue Cotton Candy Vanilla, Bubble Gum Vanilla, and Double Chocolate for the younger Ice Cream Enthusiasts. The more experienced customers rave over Butter Pecan Vanilla, Raspberry Vanilla, and Peanut Butter Chocolate.” She keeps costs down as much as she can. Libby said, “Inventory costs are one of the factors in the Fair Business we have the ability to influence. Price shopping sounds the most obvious. In a fast-paced environment where time is our most valuable resource, we also find inventory resources that are friendliest to our time management. Delivery is the best option for most of our events, and we utilize the ability to work with Sysco to keep inventory costs at bay.”  In her experience, she feels it is best to stick to what she knows. She explained, “New food items will always be a trend, but keeping it simple will always be a method for success. In a world of growing population, keeping production simple and output consistent will help our business achieve growth on its own. We always say, ‘Just do what we already do best!’”

Back in 1991, Jan Gary, CCE , West Council , introduced Dippin’ Dots at the San Diego County Fair . He had stumbled upon this new Ice Cream invention at the previous year’s IAAPA Convention He described when he first learned about the product: “This lady walked by and was eating some little BBs. She said, ‘This is Ice Cream!’ and she gave me a pink dot. It was the best Strawberry flavor I had ever tasted. I then introduced myself to the founder and I tasted all of the flavors Since the end of that show, it has blossomed to where it is today.” Unlike traditional Ice Cream, Dippin’ Dots are concentrated dots of Ice Cream that can be either enjoyed alone or mixed together to create new flavors. Jan stated, “This uniqueness is one of the key elements to Dippin’ Dots . In core flavors, there are close to 21, but there are thousands of combinations that you can make in a single cup. Our most popular flavor is Cookies and Cream, which is a flavor that my wife Karen and I created. It’s so delicious, the flavor is incredible!” The dots need to be stored at a very low temperature. Jan explained, “We use cryogenics to flash freeze the mixture for the flavor that is being made. Those little dots are the perfect size for flash freezing instantly inside and out. There is no oxidation, or no air, in this process so it has a longer shelf life as well. We usually keep our storage freezers at -55° to -40° but if you put them in a normal freezer overnight, they will be a block of little melted dots that have started to stick together. As long as they are BB-shaped, they will pour out of a scoop. We can serve faster than most people can pull out their wallet and pay for it. When they start to get shiny surfaces, they start to stick together and clump— now they don’t pour. That becomes a problem! Where it gets tricky is when we have LOL—lots of layers.” The longest Jan has stored a batch of Dippin’ Dots was two years! He said, “It was Strawberry. I opened it up and we all ate it and it tasted like I made it that morning. How long can it last? I have no idea.” Jan is happy to provide his treats to a new generation of Fairgoers. He mused, “Now the kids that were weaned on it in the 90s are having kids, and they are bringing them for the first time. Since the temperature is so cold, it is ideal for people who play with their food. This is about as close as you can get to a fun Ice Cream. That’s why we say, ‘Taste the Fun!’”

Jan’s Dippin’ Dots showcase many flavors in one cup!

Ryann Newman has been operating Fruit Caboose Concessions since 2017. Although she grew up in the Pony Ride Business and even served as a Fair Manager, she found a perfect opportunity to transition to the world of Ice Cream. She shared, “I had worked for Fruit Caboose when I was 17 or 18. When the owners, Dave and Susan Holmes , went to retire, their kids were in different professions, so they offered the opportunity to buy their business to me. They ran a very quality operation, they had great locations and their stand is amazing!” Ryann wanted to keep up their standards when she took over the business. She said, “One of their business practices was to use really quality products. We cut all of our Strawberries every morning. We make our own Waffle Cones all day long. Continuing those practices helped us very much to still do well in the locations that they had.” She specializes in Soft Serve with plenty of toppings to choose from, including fresh Fruit. She said, “We have Vanilla, Chocolate and a combo Soft Serve Ice Cream. We make Ice Cream Sandwiches by putting two Waffle Cones together with Soft Serve Ice Cream between, and we dip it in Chocolate. It seems like pretty much everything we have eventually gets dipped in Chocolate. We do a lot of dipping!” Since Ryann uses fresh Fruit and perishable Ice Cream, it is important to receive daily deliveries She explained, “It’s the quality of the product you use. We use a high milk fat content Ice Cream, fresh Cones, and fresh Fruit. When all three of those things come together, it’s a very high-quality, delicious product.”

Jay Wells, CCE , Director , has been in the Ice Cream Business since 1985 and travels a route between the Southwest and the Midwest. He likes to keep his menu varied: “We have Vanilla, Chocolate, and Twist Soft Serve. For the Hard Dip we normally serve 15-16 flavors. Our Ice Cream Bar is normally a Vanilla Bar dipped in Chocolate and then we would roll it in Peanuts or Sprinkles. From that we got into Mini-Melts and have 1012 flavors.” He has seen his share of changes in the last 35 years. He said, “We’ve found that it’s a little bit difficult to make the gross that people would like us to make, selling $3-5 Ice Cream cones. So, we graduated to Waffle Cones that could be sold for $6-8. This allows us to put different toppings with the Cone like M&Ms or Oreos and dip the Cone or Ice Cream in the Chocolate. It just gives us more variety. Six or seven years ago, we started coming up with more of a specialized Milkshake, something besides a Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry. We also started using Boba straws, so people can get all the flavor at once.” Jay’s staff don’t mind being the center of attention. He shared, “ People want to be entertained. They want to see how this stuff is done. Our trailers are low with glass all the way around it, so people just stand around and watch.” According to him, the hardest thing is “Keeping the machines running!”

From classic flavors that evoke nostalgia to innovative creations that push the boundaries of culinary imagination, these Concessionaires have embraced the spirit of “Life is short, eat dessert first” in every product they serve. We are proud of our over 50 and counting NICA Members who specialize in Ice Cream. No matter if it is Hard Dip, Soft Serve, Dippin’ Dots, or overflowing with toppings, remember to savor every bite. ▲

Ryann’s Waffle Cone Sundae is a popular favorite

Jay’s Hard Dip Ice Cream is a great way to cool off

What is Leadership?

Leadership, a multifaceted and timeless subject, has been extensively studied and debated for centuries. There is no singular definition, but it can be viewed as the skill of guiding and inspiring individuals to collaborate towards a common goal. Leaders are essential in society, known for making sound and occasionally challenging choices. Most importantly, Leadership is a skill that can be honed and enhanced over time and plays a crucial role in fostering effective teamwork. NICA’s Leadership includes our Regional Council Members and Board of Directors, which is currently accepting nominations until the end of this month. Given NICA’s mission to cultivate Industry Leadership, we posed the question of “What is Leadership?” to NICA’s Past Directors and Presidents.

Rich Wright was one of the Founding Fathers of NICA, serving as President in 1997. He feels that Leadership is all about “giving back.” Rich explained, “A Leader is somebody who provides good information and direction for others to help them succeed.” While laughing, he added, “I can’t believe NICA turned 30 this year. That really makes me feel so old! One of the biggest achievements in that time is our Communication back and forth in the Industry about our needs and things that have a big effect on our bottom line and how we operate. Not only are Vendors more united with each other, but with Fair Boards too. Being able to roundtable brings out new ideas to keep the Fair Industry competitive.” Rich thinks there are more challenges on their way in the next 20 years. He shared, “We will be a challenged Industry because not a lot of young guys are coming up in

this business and the cost to put together one of these Concession Units is becoming astronomical. We will have to revisit how we are doing things, because building a $250,000 trailer, buying a $100,000 truck to move it, and going through all of the other expenses that we have to encounter make being profitable a real challenge in the future.”

He also highlighted the benefits of service: “Once you are on the Board of Directors, you are in front of a lot of influential people in the Industry. It can really help you. It keeps you sharp and on your toes. You are on the cutting edge! It also promotes your business and what you are doing. It may even open doors to expanding your business.”

Joe Potillo, Jr. served as President in 2015. He believes that NICA’s greatest achievement is our motto, “Together We Can!” He shared, “Together with a lot of effort from people who either are on the Board currently or have served over the last 30 years, NICA remains the Voice of the Independent Concessionaire in the Industry today. I think NICA’s future is strong and I see it continuing to grow stronger! I also see it growing to become a place of recruitment to offer training and other programs to future Concessionaires and Industry persons.” Joe originally joined the Board due to admiring the work that others had done. He said, “As a kid, I was aware of most of the people that had founded NICA. They were friends of my grandparents and parents, so I wanted to do my part when I was older. I have to thank Russ Harrison, CCE and Art Pokorny for recruiting me as a State Rep and it took off from there.” During this time on the Board, he “learned a lot” and “made

a lot of friendships.” He said, “A Leader without anybody following them is a man taking a walk. What NICA taught me is that you don’t want to walk alone. Leadership is collaborative and it is taking ownership. There are things that are unique to every region of our country. You go into something sometimes with one viewpoint, and you leave with another. It was certainly a growing and growing up experience. It was certainly a rewarding experience, too. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

Gayle McGrath, CCE served as a Director during the 2000s and defines Leadership as the ability to “Learn, grow, and share.” Joining the NICA Board was easy for her, since it was a “family affair.” According to Gayle, “My husband, Kevin, was a founding Board Member, so I was very involved through those years. I believed in the need for our Concession community to have a voice in our Industry. NICA gave Concessionaires that ability. Communication Committees were by far the seed from which NICA grew. They give a forum for Vendors and management to work out issues specific to that event. Communication at a State or National level at Conventions is a perfect place to share issues and discuss solutions that keep the interest of the Concessionaires in mind.” She believes that new people are crucial to the future of NICA: “They bring new ideas and a fresh way to look at old problems. It is optimal to have a blend of old and new Board Members for balance— new ideas paired with history and experience from the past.” Through her involvement, Gayle saw the whole Industry in a new light. She explained, “Attending state and national association meetings brings an understanding of the challenges facing our Industry beyond the walls of your Concession Stand. Knowing that you can work on issues to improve your business and the Industry is part of a rewarding feeling. Everyone contributes differently. I enjoyed being on the Board and would recommend it to anyone.”

Don Kenna joined NICA at its organizing meeting in 1993 and went on to serve on the NICA Board of Directors as a Director at Large from 2012 to 2015. He believes that Leadership is showing by example and is done without ulterior motives. He stated, “I don’t ever ask anybody to

do something I haven’t done or won’t do. In my business, if I ask someone to clean something, I’ve already cleaned it before. In an organization, it is always for the good of the organization. You have to get past your own issues to be a Good Leader.” Over time he was approached by several members who encouraged him to run for the Board. Getting to know other Directors nationwide helped him change his thinking: “I am pretty staunch in my beliefs, and I don’t have a problem expressing them. Getting to know other people and their viewpoints helped me consider different views than I had. It gave me a little more understanding of where other people were at with their businesses. Having a NICA Board influenced by so many people across the country has been very beneficial. It really opened my eyes and I’ve really taken a lot of it to heart. I changed my business by watching, listening, and seeing what they did.” He looks back on his time on the NICA Board fondly: “Being able to work and get our viewpoint across for Concessionaires and members of NICA to event planners and those in the Event Industry across the Board has been a really great step. We really had a great camaraderie those years on the Board and it was a really good time for me.” He returned to serve on the NICA Foundation Board of Trustees in order to “give back” for the many blessings he and his family have received from the Industry.

Tom Sattler, CCE rose through the Chairs to be President in 2013 during NICA’s 20th Anniversary. According to Tom, “Good Leadership means the ability to recognize issues and to gather the proper people to solve it.” Regarding his service, he said, “Honestly, it was a great experience. I was able to see and do things I would not have normally done. I visited events all over the country that I would not have seen or made the effort to see if I hadn’t been on the Board. I’ve made really good friends that are across the country that I never usually see at events; now I see them at the NICA Business Expo and we hang out. It shrunk the country for me and made me realize that the Vendors across the country are having the same kind of struggles. Sometimes they had solutions to problems I had been trying to figure out and vice-versa. Once you get involved, you see that it is a worthwhile cause and there is a place for you to help out.” Tom believes that the buying groups are some of NICA’s greatest achievements

as well as communication and respect from Fairs. He stated, “We have a seat at the table now. Before we really did not. Fairs do value our opinions and input now. The recognition, that our options and voices do matter and do carry weight, and we are interested in the best interests of the Fair, not just our own. I hope NICA continues to improve our communication and that we can revisit some of the discussions we’ve had with Fairs on Transfer of Ownership and Multi-Year Contracts.”

Dominic Palmieri, CCE served as a Council Member and Director before becoming President in 2017. He reflected, “I served on the Board for approximately five years and now whenever needed I serve on the Past Presidents Council. Serving as a Director allowed big picture items to evolve to fruition. Now serving as a Past President affords to help guide new Leadership when asked to blend new and innovative ideas and energy while maintaining consistency and tradition of an organization that has fared very well over the past 30 years. The groundwork laid over the past three decades was critically important work to the organization and will continue to be the DNA of who we are and how we will evolve.” He shared, “OABA calls it a Trustee, NICA calls it Past President, IAFE calls it Past Chair, and WFA calls it Past President. Frankly, I don’t care what you call it. I just care that there was someone to actually be called ‘IT.’ I love to say, ‘Better to be a HAS BEEN, than a NEVER WAS!’ Be that person that has been there to help at fundraisers, has been there to serve on a Council, has been there to serve on the Board, has been there to serve as President and has been there to continue to support. Be the ‘HAS BEEN’ that helped to make a difference.” He continued, “Leadership makes a difference and Good Leadership breeds more Good Leaders. Be a Leader, it makes a difference.”

Kathy Ross, CCE, Past President, joined the Board originally in 2015, serving as President in 2019. She believes that Leadership is a learned skill. She shared, “Are you ready to say yes when asked? When I was first asked to join NICA’s Board of Directors, I was truly honored. Serving the membership can really change the way you see situations and how you

approach finding a solution. Being on the NICA Board, loaded with Great Industry Leaders, has taught me so many things, including the many aspects of being a Good Leader.” Her greatest takeaways from her time on the Board are the relationships that she has built. She explained, “I have people in my life today, that I would never have encountered, had I not been with NICA. I feel very blessed with the people I have in my life as a direct result.” She encouraged anyone who is interested to take the jump and run for the Board: “Your Leadership skills are within you; saying yes to the offer to build them will benefit you in a multitude of ways. I am grateful to NICA, its members, and its Leadership for everything I have gained from being a part of it.”

Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest coaches of all time, once said, “Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” We encourage anyone interested in enhancing their Leadership skills to join the NICA Board of Directors (Nominations are due by July 30, 2023) or any of our Regional Councils across the country. “Together We Can Lead!” ▲

J-Burger Seasoned Beef Patties

Gathering in the Summer

As Summer began, the NICA Leadership hosted two new, thrilling events during the Alameda County Fair and San Diego County Fair, both scheduled for Monday, June 19th!

The Alameda County Fair featured the first ever NICA Field Day event, organized by Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE, Director, and Kara Moederndorfer, West Council. Attendees of all ages soaked up the sun and embraced the spirit of friendly competition with a wide range of exciting sports and activities such as a potato sack race, three-legged race, “axe” throwing, baseball, soccer, and more. Water balloons were also planned, but with the colder 68° weather, the kids in attendance said, “No!” The event was capped off with an Opportunity Drawing for many prizes. Kara shared, “It was awesome celebration! Everyone had such a great time.”

A few hours south, the San Diego County Fair’s Plaza de Mexico set the scene for the Family Potluck and Bingo event, organized by a group including Rey O’Day, Executive Director; Irene Dugan, CCE; West Council; Michelle Allen, West

Council; Gigi Horowitz, West Council; Carmel DyerPittroff, CCE, Foundation Trustee; Gene Edick, Brogdon Concessions; Karen Gary, JK Dots; Lola Ramirez, JLQ Concessions; and Terri Crutchfield, Terri’s Berries. 95 people attended and gathered with their family and friends for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, fellowship, a great mix of fantastic prizes, a potluck dinner, and a live auction to close the event. Rey reported, “The NICA Family Potluck and Bingo event was fabulous! We saw many new faces and the food was plentiful and delicious. The weather cooperated and the Fair team was very supportive and helpful. We had enough of everything so that most everyone left with something! Everyone works so hard during the open days of the Fair, that it was nice to have time to play, chill, visit, and enjoy each other’s company on a day off!”

Thank you to the NICA Leadership, attendees, volunteers, and event sponsors for making these Summer Gatherings a success. We hope to see you next year for more fun and fellowship! ▲

Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE, Director, at the target

Justin Hughes practicing the zen of “axe” throwing

A group of the proud Field Day Champions with their prizes

The Williams children representing Red & White Concessions in an epic sack race

Kids and adults of all ages tried their hand at a bullseye

Michelle Allen, Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE, Terri Crutchfield, Lola Ramirez, and Irene Dugan, CCE at the “Basket Making” meeting before the Family Potluck and Bingo event

Michelle Allen, West Council, with a delicious spread of snacks

A group of excited Bingo players compete for prizes

Jason Warrenburg, San Diego County Fair Concessions Manager, playing Bingo

West Council’s Gigi Horowitz and Michelle Allen calling Bingo numbers

Terri Crutchfield is having a happy day playing Bingo

From the Camera Roll... From the Camera Roll...

Blenda Highsmith admiring all of the delicious treats at the Family Potluck and Bingo event

Lisa and Jon Baker, Lisa’s Concessions, pose before the swell of the crowds on the 4th at Marin County Fair

Karen and Jan Gary, CCE, Dippin’ Dots, provided dessert for all who attended the Family Potluck and Bingo event

Alan Harrington and Nathalie Zerafa, We Have Your Flag, at the San Diego County Fair

Dan Lusenhop, NICA Treasurer and Past President, feeling patriotic as Uncle Sam at Marin County Fair

Michael and Miki Martin, Funnel Cake Express, with their nephews Emmett and CJ, full of smiles and plenty of powdered sugar for funnel cakes

Nate Janousek, Fun Biz Concessions, and his daughter Audrey on the Fairgrounds

Jeff Gray, Uptown Photos; Radley Crutchfield; Ryann Newman, Fruit Caboose; Julie Vartanian, Vartanian Concessions; Jeremy Crutchfield, Don Crutchfield Concessions; Rich Brander, Brander Enterprises; Dustin Ryen, The Coconut Guy; and Dane Baldwin, D&D County Fair Cinnamon Rolls, at the San Diego County Fair Concessionaires Reception

Sal Serio µ

Sal’s T-Shirt Company

Gulf Breeze, FL (1993)

Terri Shell

TnT Concessions, LLC

Winterset, IA (2016)

Michael Short

Michael’s Surplus Concessions

Stryker, OH (2014)

Tiare and granddaughter

Telina

Fair

Scott Suchomski

Tennessee Valley Fair

Knoxville, TN (1995)

Holly Swartz

Hitch-Hiker Mfg.

New Middletown, OH (2011)

Steve Sweetin

Kim-Laine Fun Foods, LLC

Springfield, MO (1995)

Nick Taulelle

Taulelle Concessions

Saint Michael, MN (2022)

Melissa Thum

Thum Insurance Agency, LLC

Grand Rapids, MI (2014)

Piper Uhl

ToyDog & Co

Prospect, KY (2022)

Jessica Underberg

Erie County Fair

Hamburg, NY (2014)

Kevin Veitch

Saratoga County Fair

Ballston Spa, NY (2006)

Ken Vose

Vose Concessions

Springfield, IL (2009)

Rochelle Waknitz

Midwest Rides / Fun Fair Concessions

Elk River, MN (2021)

Tiffany Wilkerson

Arkansas State Fair

Little Rock, AR (1994)

Rachael Wolfe

Highlands County Fair Association

Sebring, FL (2008)

“Renewals”

continued from page 4 ►►

David Silvestri, Mom’s Cookies Baker, was the 2024 San Diego Red Lot parking pass winner

Michael Bradley, MHB Productions, and Gino Palmieri, Odyssey Foods

Newlyweds Mike Howell, Action Foods II, and Anne Marie Perry, Artist, were the top bidders for “The Pallet.”

Ryan Long, CCE, West Council, is ready to go!

Proud Grandmother Denise Ho, Luxe Retail, with daughter

at San Diego County

(an event that they booked at NICA Marketplace)

Have you attended a NICA-related event? Send your photos or coverage to communications@nicainc.org

Teresa Brander, Brander Enterprises; Jennifer Giordano, CCE, Foundation Treasurer; Lori Southerlend, Lori’s Concessions; Michelle Allen, West Council; and Karen Gary, JK Dots

CALLING ALL COLLECTORS.

HEINZ IS GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN BIG IN SUMMER 2023!

Introducing HEINZ Saucemerica:

This summer, HEINZ is turning our iconic packets into 50 collectable statetokens and encouraging consumers to collect them all!

50 State Packets Are Released in 3 Monthly Waves

Wave Release: June, July and August.

This will incentivize consumers and operators to continue to purchase and participate throughout the summer!

Consumers Collect Packets & Enter Online

Consumers will be encouraged to collect as many of the 50 packets as possible throughout the summer months and enter them online to win prizes up to $500,000.​*

Operators who purchase HEINZ have a chance to win too

None of this would be possible without the operators who purchase and serve our products –that’s why we’ll be giving them a chance to win prizes up to $500,000.*

Operators can receive FREE POS to be placed inside their operations to advertise the campaign.

NATIONAL INDEPENDENT CONCESSIONAIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

Phone: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 803-8460

Email: nica@nicainc.org • Website: www.nicainc.org

MEMBERSHIP

REGULAR MEMBERSHIP

q Regular Member $150

q Additional Member $100

q Employee Member............................................................ $75

q Retired Member ................................................................ $50

BUSINESS / GROUP MEMBERSHIP

Includes five Memberships in one: one Regular Member, one Additional Member, and three Employee Members ($475 value).

q Business / Group $400

Additional Member :

Employee Member 1:

Employee Member 2:

Employee Member 3:

REGULAR MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

Check a category below and provide a detailed description of your company’s services in the next column under Business Description.

q Food / Beverage

q Commercial Exhibitors / Retail / Merchants

q Attractions / Entertainment

q Games

q Guest Services

GENERAL ROUTING INFORMATION

List all states / provinces where you conduct your business.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE

The NICA-sponsored $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Policy is provided to Regular Members. List a beneficiary and a phone number below.

Beneficiary : Phone :

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

A person or entity who provides services to the Concession Industry.

q Fair / Festival (over 75,000 attendance) ...................... $150

q Fair / Festival (under 75,000 attendance) ................... $100

q Manufacturer / Distributor / Supplier ........................... $150

q Carnival / Circus Operator .............................................. $150

q Association / Special Services $150

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Provide a detailed description of your business, products, and/or services below. This information will be used for your entry in the annual NICA Membership Directory and as keywords to search for your business on the NICA website.

q I authorize NICA to charge the agreed amount listed above to my credit card information provided above. I agree I will pay for this purchase in accordance with the issuing bank cardholder agreement.

AUTOMATIC

q I authorize NICA to make automatic renewal payments for my Membership using the credit card information above. I shall update NICA with all changes to payment information or my intent to cancel automatic renewal payments prior to my next renewal month.

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

Time Sensitive Mail • July 2023 Issue