Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association Holds Annual Meeting

The 89th annual meeting of the Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association (MAFA) was held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Marlborough, Mass., on Nov. 8, 2008. A total of 140 fair members attended the meeting, and 27 tables made up the trade show.

Issues discussed at the round tables and workshops included wind turbines, IRS record keeping, dispute resolution, casinos, going green, and teens at your fair. Fred Lunt and Frosty Bean provided Powerpoint presentations on Massachusetts fairs.

Bob Grems, manager of the Dutchess County Fair, Rhinebeck, N.Y., delivered "The Current State of Ag Fairs." Doug Peterson, Massachusetts commissioner of agriculture, updated attendees on the latest from the state agriculture department and legislative issues. Zone 1 Director Dennis Lang, Erie County Fair, Hamburg, N.Y., presented an IAFE update. The banquet entertainment was provided by Comedian Paul O'Donnell, who was well received.

George Jones, retired president of the Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, Mass., was inducted into the MAFA Hall of Fame. Al Craig presented Jones with the award. Annual media awards were presented by Noreen Tassinari and Catherine Pappas of the Eastern States Exposition. Awards were presented in the categories of Websites, Newspaper Ads, Brochures, Premium Books, Ads on TV, Radio, and Print, and Posters.

The annual business meeting was held and officers and executive board members were elected.