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Fairs & Expos Magazine |
IAFE Agriculture Awards Is For Everyone!By: Cindi M. Hardy, CFE Entering competitions of all kinds has its own stressful moments. Being prepared for the event is only the beginning. A lot of long hours thinking and re-thinking about the process and wanting to give up at times makes you wonder if it is all worth it in the end. You may ask, “what DO I get out of this?” At one time or another we have all been in a “competition” — sports, musical, animal shows, public speaking — I could go on and on. Do you remember the first time? Remember all the questions going through your head, getting ready for the BIG ONE. For the past four years, I have had the opportunity to judge and/or chair the IAFE Agriculture Awards. This experience has enlightened me on how our own exhibitors at our own fairs feel. Those long hours of highlighting an event, display, something new, or even working through a problem were viewed by a panel of judges representing the big and not-so-big fairs. This is an opportunity offered by the IAFE for the exchange of ideas that have taken place at your own fair. The IAFE Agricultural Committee has worked on the guidelines over the past years to assist YOU in the process of entering this event. The more entries there are, the more exhibits that are shared with thousands of people at the Educational Center during our annual convention. As with any event, rules are used as a basis for competition. Outside of the attendance, the same rules are followed throughout all the categories. The goal is NOT to discourage any fair from participating; however, the rules need to be followed. Disqualifications do happen, just like at our own fairs. I would encourage you to view the rules on the IAFE web site. This will give you an idea of what categories would work for your fair. Remember, first impressions stay with the judges. Let’s use the KISS method (Keep It Simple Silly). Glitz and glamour can be used, but don’t overkill. Now, on with the categories. Review each category carefully. Complete an entry form for each category entered. If it is requested to have the entry with a 3-ring hardback binder (not to exceed two inches), do it. These entries are on display, and some categories could be multiple binders — judging is only two days. Detail is the key word. Tabs are a great way to find something quickly. Essays need to stay within the rules. If you choose to use photos in your essay, you still need to stay within the amount of space specified in the rules. Pre-event is important to include in your write-up. Most things don’t happen overnight. You PREPARED! Don’t forget to get the facts in — number of people (staff and/or volunteers), actual entries in a show, media coverage, time, goal. Some topics could be entered in multiple categories. You need to decide where it is to be entered. Yes, judges have the final say, but you know best where the entry should be. Technology changes year to year, and our handbook category has taken a major turn. Handbooks on web sites are in, folks! The ease of access, printing, contents, and “user friendliness” are what the judges look for. As exhibitors, we walk the steps on entering at your fair. The hard copy handbook isn’t gone completely. This used to be the most time consuming category. Many fairs publish multiple handbooks. Please only submit one for the competition. You can do either a web site entry or a hard copy . . . not both. Developing a video of an event can be challenging when you’re not a professional. Get the camcorder out and put on your walking shoes. Start recording the agriculture that YOU feature. Remember not to exceed the time limit. Creativity, overall information, and general appeal are important . . . just not done by a professional, please. Media is the way of getting the word out to the public. Newspapers, radio, and television are our partners, and we recognize them for what they do for our events. Did you know the media receives a plaque if your fair is the recipient of an award? It may be a single interview or full coverage of any event taking place during your fair. Regardless of what type of media, it is important to get the word out. Preparing for the media helps in your submission of the entries for radio, television, or newspaper. Following the rules on what is required is so important. (Note: when media is judged, it is judged against only like media entries.) Our fairgrounds are used for many non-fair agricultural happenings. Let us know what they are. The event cannot have taken place during your annual fair. The event may be co-produced by the fair along with the event partner. Explain what involvement the staff/ volunteers had, and who came. News clippings are great. The judges view many entries within 15 categories. Consistency is followed regardless of what division you may be in. We are a team of knowledgeable, agricultural-minded individuals. Most of us have competed in this event at some point. It is a lot of work for YOU, and we thank you for sharing your events with us. Big or small, be proud of what you entered. Our comments may be few, and disqualified entries are explained to the IAFE representative so the fair is notified of what didn’t happen. In mid summer, the complete set of rules for the IAFE Agricultural Awards program is published on the IAFE web site. But this doesn’t mean you need to wait until summer to get your entry together. Take a look at the previous year’s categories to get an idea of what you may want to enter, and you’re on your way to the start of sharing a little agriculture with others in the industry. Big or small, paid staff or volunteer, you all can participate. Agriculture is the backbone of the industry. Show off your fair to others.
Cindi M. Hardy, CFE, is with the Topsfield Fair, Topsfield, Mass.
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