Georgia Association of Agricultural Fairs Holds Convention in Atlanta

The Georgia Association of Agricultural Fairs (GAAF) held its 95th annual convention January 24-27, 2008, at the Atlanta Airport Marriot Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.  Attending the convention were 283 fair members, 32 carnival members, and 37 associate members. Registered attendance was 352.  The trade show sold out with 27 exhibitors.

The convention featured presentations from industry leaders. Bob Johnson of the OABA presented “Best Practices for Fair/Carnival Relationships.” Nancy Smith of the South Carolina State Fair, Columbia, presented the IAFE workshop “Sponsorships.” Brooks Coleman of Lawrenceville, Ga., presented a motivational speech.

Workshop topics included “Special Days at the Fair,” “Finding a Carnival to Suit Your Needs,” “Advertising and Promotions for Everyone,” “Free Entertainment Stages,” and “Rules for Georgia Ride Inspections.”

A General Session was held on Saturday.  At this session, a number of honors were awarded. April McDaniel of Burke County 4-H was presented a $1,500 check from the Georgia 4-H Foundation.  Carolina Black of Jackson County FFA was awarded a $1,500 check from the Georgia Association of FFA.  The James H. Drew Fairman of the Year Award went to Darrell Colson of the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, Statesboro. J.W. Benefield of the Gwinnett County Fair, Lawrenceville, and J.R. “Jet” Russell of the Kiwanis Spalding County Fair, Griffin, both long-time members of the board of directors, retired from their positions.

The 2008 GAAF officers are President John P. Webb, Jr. of Rabun Gap, Ga., First Vice President Bud Owens of the Northeast Georgia Regional Fair, Calhoun; Second Vice President Tommie Tyler of the Coastal Empire Fair, Savannah; Secretary/Treasurer Charles Inman of Macon, Ga.; and Past President Ted Lane of the Columbia County Fair, Martinez.

The 2008 board members are Don Allen Garrett, Odis Shead, James Freeman, Bill Wages, Billy Becton, Walter Pease, Charlie Freeman, Gerald Andrews, C.J. Rehberg, and Michael L. Lariscy.

The 2009 GAAF Convention will be held Jan. 22-25, at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel in Atlanta.