Arkansas Fair Managers Association Meets In Hot Springs

The Arkansas Fair Managers Association (AFMA) convened at The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Ark., from Jan. 10-12, 2008, for the annual convention. A total of 818 delegates were registered at the meeting.

Madeline Heitzman of FunNBiz Ticketing System delivered a motivational speech during the opening session. Nancy Smith of the South Carolina State Fair, Columbia, delivered an IAFE workshop titled “Sponsorship -- A Very Effective Tool in the Fair Industry.”   Other educational topics covered include Concessions -- How You Can Improve and Make $, Creative Arts & Livestock, Premium Sales, Bringing Out the Best in Others, Advertising and the Benefits Your Fair Can Reap, Web Site Development and How This Can Help Your Fair, and Carnival and Fairground Safety. IAFE Director of IT and Member Products Rachel Stutesmun delivered an IAFE Update and presented a check for $750 to the AFMA for second place in the 2007 IAFE membership drive.

The new 2008 AFMA officers are President Glenn Priebe of the Baxter County Fair in Mountain Home, First Vice President Hubert McKeown of the Drew County Fair in Monticello, Second Vice President James “Chip” Skelton of the Carroll County Fair in Berryville, and Third Vice President Wendell “Buddy” Phillips.  The directors are Eddie Burris, Dale Dixon, James Ratliff, Meri Smith, Pam Lloyd, and Jan Moore.  The associate directors are Connie Boger and James Johnson.

The AFMA honored a number of its members with awards.  The Charles Smith Award went to Poindexter Fiser of the Tri-County Fair, Elaine. Hall of Fame Awards were presented to Carolyn Pullen of the Little River County Fair, Winthrop, and Ed Burlingame of Pride Amusement, LLC of Galena, Kans. Lonene Edwards of Poinsett County Agricultural Fair in Trumann, Ark., was presented with the Work Horse Award.  The Visitation Trophy was awarded to Mr. Priebe. The Traveling Trophy went to the White County Fair, Searcy, Ark.

The 2009 AFMA Convention will be held Jan. 14-18 at The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs.