Indiana Fairs Wrap Up
The 90th Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events (INAFFE) convention was held January 8-10th at the Indianapolis Marriott East Conference Center in Indianapolis, In. with INAFFE President Dr. Jim Weisman from Lafayette presiding over the events activities. Membership at the time of the meeting consisted of 80 Fairs/Festivals and 162 Associates. Convention attendance for the three days reflected 1,095 fair representatives and 453 associate members being registered to attend the convention.
Eighty three trade fair vendors were set up in Liberty Hall with approximately 15 additional Associate members hosting hospitality rooms. During the Trade Fair on Friday evening a reception for IAFE Chair Cindy Hoye was held. This event was determined a success for the 1st year being held. Bear Hollow Wood Carvers from St. Croix, Indiana was voted to have the best display.
Starting Friday afternoon and throughout the day on Saturday 28 roundtable sessions and 15 discussion forums were held. Many great ideas were shared and brought to the table during these sessions.
Burton Brothers Amusements from Shirley, Indiana was recognized as the Associate of the Year. Associate Director Ralph Dunkin representing Mussett, Nicholas & Associates was nominated to continue to serve on the INAFFE Board of Directors for three years.
At the Saturday business session amendments to the by-laws were approved by the membership. The INAFFE Academy for Fairs/Festivals Leaders (AFFL) was introduced to the membership, during the convention three sessions toward the AFFL was held. In closing the 2010 Trip to Clay County Fair in Iowa was presented to the membership.
First Lady Cheri Daniels welcomed over 470 attendees at the Saturday luncheon. Kip Tew was the keynote speaker discussing the Grassroot Lobbying effort that the fair attendees have the capacity to carry forward. During 2010 legislative session a bill will be introduced in regards to School Start Date which has the potential to impact the fairs and festivals in the state of Indiana. To conclude the luncheon Hall of Fame induction was held with the following recipients:
- District 1 – James Smoker, Laporte County
- District 2 – Robert Weaver, Jay County
- District 3 – Michael Cochran, Shelby County
- District 4 – John Fultz, Washington County Farmers Fair
Sunday morning the convention came to a close with the Brunch followed by the Annual Business session. Tom Zimmerman from Jay County was elected President, Margaret Boilanger from Shelby County was elected Treasurer for a 4 year term and Larry Fisher from Bartholomew County was elected District 3 Director.
Communication Awards were presented to the following organizations based on their entries in scrapbooks, media relations, advertising and photos:
- A: Gibson County
- AA: Aurora Farmers Fair
- AAA: Vigo County Fair
- AAAA: Elkhart County Fair
Numerous silent auction items were bid on throughout the convention. $2,502 was raised with $1,000 being donated to the Indiana FFA Foundation and the balance of the funds going to the organization to assist in operating costs.
The 91st INAFFE Convention will be held January 7-9, 2011.
