Important Updates

NYSAAF Leadership Opportunity: Seeking Candidates for 3rd Vice President

Dear NYSAAF Members:

As we look ahead to the future leadership of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs, we are inviting members who may be interested in being considered for the position of 3rd Vice President to submit a letter of interest.

Serving as an officer of NYSAAF is both an opportunity to help shape the future of our Association and a meaningful commitment to our membership and the fair industry across New York State.

Those interested in being considered should submit:

• A letter of interest outlining why you would like to serve as an NYSAAF officer and what you believe you can bring to the leadership of the Association; and
• A letter of support from your Fair’s Board of Directors on official letterhead acknowledging and supporting your interest in serving.



Both letters should be submitted to junderberg@ecfair.org by November 1, 2026.

Before expressing interest, we ask that members consider the commitment that comes with serving as an officer. Election as 3rd Vice President begins a five-year leadership commitment, progressing through 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President, and one additional year on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President.

Officers are expected to participate in three in-person meetings each year: the Annual Convention, an April meeting, and an October meeting, as well as virtual meetings and phone meetings as needed throughout the year.

There can also be financial commitments associated with serving as President, including travel, hospitality and other expenses related to representing the Association. Those commitments can vary and are determined in partnership between the officer and their home Fair. There is no expectation that an officer or Fair take on expenses beyond what is reasonable or financially feasible; rather, we want prospective candidates and their Boards to have a clear understanding of the commitment and to discuss those expectations in advance.

NYSAAF benefits from having engaged leaders who care deeply about our fairs, our Association, and the people we serve. If you have thought about becoming more involved in NYSAAF leadership, we encourage you to consider this opportunity and have a conversation with your Board.

We look forward to hearing from those interested in helping lead NYSAAF into the future.

Sincerely,

Jessica Underberg

NYSAAF Nominating Committee Chair

Agricultural Awareness 2026

The NYSAAF Agricultural Awareness program provides support to the local County Fairs to showcase New York’s best in agriculture and livestock.

Each year the program goal is to make funds available to fairs to create exhibits or facility improvements that support agriculture during their annual events. These funds enable the local fair to present something about New York agriculture with an emphasis on education and product promotion in the local area. With the support of the people, the local fair is the showcase.

2026 ONLY: All fairs are eligible for $2000.

Fairs eligible for $1700 this year are as follows:

Cayuga

Madison

Lewis

Saratoga

Boonville

Cattaraugus

Chemung

Ulster

Chenango

Erie

Washington

Dutchess

Trumansburg

Apply here!