Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows Wraps Up Annual Convention

The 56th annual Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc. convention was held April 19-21, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla. The convention was themed “Lights, Camera, Convention . . .”

A pre-convention golf tournament fundraiser was held at Queens Harbour Yacht and Country Club on April 18.  The 88 golfers experienced perfect weather and enjoyed a meal before and after their rounds of golf.

Thursday morning began early as the trade show area took shape and past presidents were honored by the board of directors with a breakfast. Following the breakfast the board held a meeting.  Educational panels were held in the afternoon. Panel subjects included Current Issues with Swine Shows, Assuming the Role of the Promoter, and Master Planning -- It’s Your Future.

That evening, all registered delegates were invited to a party that recognized outgoing president Vicki Chouris of the South Florida Fair. The celebration was held at the historic Florida Theatre.  The evening featured several showcases and a live auction.

On Friday morning, delegates arrived for the official opening session of the convention.  After a welcome from Ms. Chouris and the national anthem by Music City Brass, association members gave a brief introduction about their businesses.  Keynote Speaker Carol Scofield of Carol Scofield & Associates entertained and educated attendees with her address.  The delegates then spent the rest of the day between the trade show and educational sessions.

Saturday began with a continental breakfast and the federation’s annual business meeting. More educational topics were held, as well as the final trade show session.  The Florida Federation of Fairs Board of Directors convened to elect officers.

The new officers are President Alta Mosley of the Southwest Florida Fair, First Vice President Doris Graska of the Citrus County Fair, Second Vice President Ellany Johnson of the Florida Strawberry Festival, Secretary/Treasurer Artie McIntyre of the Highlands County Fair, and Immediate Past President Ms. Chouris.  The new directors are Giles Ellis of the Florida State Fair, Gayle Hart of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, Jeanne Keaton of the St. Lucie County Fair -- At Large, Martha Leverock of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, Dan West of the Manatee County Fair, Phil Clark of the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, Jim Ward of the Pasco County Fair, Regina Sprague of the Santa Rosa County Fair, Tim O’Brien of O’Brien Food Service, and Jill Eaton of the Kandu & Company. Honorary directors are Don Coker of the Farmers Market Division of the Florida Department of Agriculture, Frankie Hall of the Florida Farm Bureau, and Dr. Larry Arrington of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

The annual banquet was held on Saturday evening.  Several awards and recognitions were handed out during the banquet.  A special President’s Award was presented to the Greater Jacksonville Fair for putting together the successful annual golf tournament for the past two years.  A thank you presentation was given to Rita De Mier with the South Florida Fair for her assistance with the federation’s web site, printing, and newsletter.  The Associate of the Year was presented to Vicki Oler of Oler Productions.  The 2007 Florida Fairs Hall of Fame inductee is Jack Griffith of the Miami-Dade County Fair.  Theresa Agricola with the South Florida Fair was recognized for sponsoring the most new members.

The 2006/2007 Blue Ribbon Fairs were also announced. Those fairs are the Citrus County Fair, Clay County Fair, Columbia County Fair, Desoto County Fair, Florida State Fair, Florida Strawberry Festival, Highlands County Fair, Kissimmee Valley Fair, Lake County Fair, Manatee County Fair, Miami-Dade County Youth Fair, Northeast Florida Fair, Pasco County Fair, Pensacola Interstate Fair, South Florida Fair, Southwest Florida Fair, St. Lucie County Fair, and Volusia County Fair & Youth Show.