NEW York State Association of Agricultural Fairs

Press Release

New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs, Inc. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Norma W. Hamilton, Executive Secretary 518-753-4956

The 122nd Annual New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, NY was held January 15-18, 2010. Forty five fairs attended as well as associate members

of the Association. Over nine hundred individuals were in attendance. President Gerry Elthorp of the Herkimer County Fair welcomed everyone to the convention.

The convention speakers included motivational speaker, Steve Gilliland with “Enjoy the Ride”; Phil Hurst,

CFE-Clay County Fair, Iowa ,“Making the Unusual the Usual”, and Marlene Pierson Jolliffe, CFE-State Fair of

W.V. “What Does the Fair of 2015 Look Like? Are You Ready?”

Messages were given by Marla Calico of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions and Robert

Johnson of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.

A variety of workshops and roundtables continued throughout the four day event.

The auction to benefit the scholarship program grows in items and attendance each year.

The trade show held on January 16 & 17 included 94 booths and was the location of the Little Red Wagon “LasVegas” Parade.

NYSAAF “Hall of Fame” awards were presented to Steven Harter of the Jefferson County Fair; James

Slocum of the Hemlock Fair, Jake Sammons, CFE of the Fonda Fair and Newell Wagoner of the Boonville

Oneida County Fair.

New York State Showpeoples Association awards were presented to Bob Grems of the Dutchess County

Fair for “Fair Person of the Year”; Betty Gillette of Gillette Shows Inc. for “Show Person of the Year”and Alan Wheelock for “Workhorse of the Year”.

Jessica Underberg, CFE of the Erie County Fair is the 2010 President. Other officers are First Vice President, John Burr of the Lewis County Fair; Second Vice President, Robert Grems of the Dutchess County Fair;

Third Vice President Steven Berninger of the Columbia County Fair; Treasurer, Steven Harter of the Jefferson

County Fair and Executive Secretary, Norma Hamilton of the Schaghticoke Fair.

District Directors are:

District 1 Frank Cuff, Ulster County Fair

District 2 Alice Zabel, Greene County Youth Fair

District 3 Robert Peryea, Clinton County Fair

District 4 Robert Simpson, Jefferson County Fair

District 5 Richard Bush, Cortland County Youth Fair

District 6 James Folts – Yates County Fair

District 7 Eugene Slater, Wayne County Fair, Palmyra

District 8 Lon Robinson, Chautauqua County Fair

NY State Fair Dan O’Hara, Director - Syracuse

Associate Directors – Joseph Sofo, Jr., Auburn & Jeff Lloyd, Utica

Showcase Acts: Variety Attractions, AM Radio Band; Anjoli Productions, The Uptown Band; Love Shine Agency, The DooZees; Thompson Productions, Jimmy Lehoux; Klein’s Attractions, Cook & Belle; and The Smudge

Fundaes

2011 Convention dates are January 14-17 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY

For more information on NYSAAF Fairs & Convention contact Norma Hamilton, Executive Secretary at carousels4@aol.com or visit our website at www.nyfairs.org.

Zone 1 newsletter 2010

WE WERE POWERED UP!!!!

The annual IAFE Convention was held November 29^th – December 3^rd in Las Vegas . The “Power Up” event was just that and more. Education, networking, trade show, speakers, receptions-what an event. Being your first time attending or being an old hat at what was going on; everyone had a story to share, something new to learn and a new friendship gain. Registration was up 17% from the previous year and the trade show was sold out. It was a great time.

Congratulations to Ted Powell, Hamburg Fair, Colchester , CT , and Douglas Cater, Schoharie Sunshine Fair, Cobleskill , NY , recipients of the IAFE Heritage Award, sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. Both gentlemen were recognized during the General Session on December 2^nd. Ted has served many CT fairs for the past 25 years in various capacities. Serving the NY Fairs for the past 30 years, Douglas finds the fair industry rewarding. Both Ted and Douglas participate in their state fair associations. Thank you, Ted and Douglas, for your dedication to our wonderful industry.

Three individuals from Zone One received the McKoy Scholarships for 2010. All are enrolled in the Institute of Fair Management . They are: Cindi M Jaques, Topsfield Fair, Topsfield, MA, Kevin Grupe, Sr. and Frank Griffin, both from Saratoga County Fair, Ballston Spa, NY. Each received a $500.00 scholarship used for educational reimbursement in the fair industry.

Jessica Underberg, CFE, Erie County Fair, Co-chaired the Young Professionals Initiative (YPI). This group is for fair professionals under the age of 40. YPI Mission : “To provide a venue for young professionals to guide the future of the fair industry through leadership development, mentoring, incentives, education, and idea sharing with IAFE.” To become involved in this very spirited group, contact Jessica at junderberg@ecfair.org or 716-649-3900, X460.

IAFE Zone One and Two

Combined Meeting

April 29 – May 2, 2010 , Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place , Springfield , MA

Eastern States Exposition will be the host for this combined meeting. Speakers, workshops, panel discussions – something for everyone. Final details are being put together and registration information will be sent out by the second week of February.

For further information, contact Chairperson Greg Chiecko, Eastern States Exposition at gchiecko@thebige.com

Zone One Director

November, 2010, will end the term for IAFE Zone One Director Denny Lang, CFE. It is now time to seek individuals from our Zone who are interested to serve in this position. This is a three year term. The term will start after the annual meeting in Las Vegas , 2010 and continue through 2013.

The nominating committee would like to hear from potential candidates. If you are interested, please forward a letter of interest to Chairperson:

John Hamilton, Schagticoke Fair

67 Verbeck Avenue

Schagticoke, NY 12154-2713

The nominating committee will be doing 15 minute interviews during the spring Zone One meeting to be held in Springfield , MA April 29^th – May 2^nd, 2010 .

Dates to Remember

Feb 17-19 IAFE Spring Seminar, Tulsa OK

March 15-17 IAFE Institute of Fair Management Summit , Austin , TX

April 17-20 IAFE Spring Management Conf, Richmond , VA

April 29-May 1 IAFE Zones 1 and 2 Combined Mtg, Springfield , MA

Nov 29-Dec 2 IAFE Convention, Las Vegas , NV

IAFE Cyberseminars

Feb 2 Sponsorship I

March 9 Sponsorship II

May 18 Financial Management I

Oct 19 Human Resources

Nov 16 Human Resources II

Visit www.fairsandexpos.com for registration info