Delegates Meet at the Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals Annual Convention

The Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals (MAFF) 63rd Annual Convention was held Jan. 24-27, 2008, at the Lodge of Four Seasons in lake Ozark, Mo.  A total of 974 delegates were in attendance.

Workshop topics at the event included “Branding Your Event,” “Insurance: Where Do I Go,” “and “Animal Health and Livestock Shows.” Educational opportunities were also provided through three panel discussions and 10 round table discussions. Three stage entertainment showcase sessions provided entertainment and an opportunity to network with 21 representatives of the acts.

The hall of Fame Award was presented to Charles and Fern Shultz of the SEMO District Fair, Cape Girardeau. The “Show-Me” Award for best table display was presented to Lewis and Clark Trail Days festival in Buckner, Mo. The MAFF continued its dedication to education by presenting scholarships to several state youth.  Chelsea Scheulen, representing the Osage County Fair, Linn, won a scholarship as the winner of a public speaking competition. Andy Zinkle of Staats Awards presented the Staats Awards/Past President Scholarship to Jana Haley of the Miller County Fair, Eldon. The Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarship Program awarded scholarships to 30 youths. Fireworks displays were presented by John Weiter of Gateway Fireworks, St. Louis, and Matt Sutcliffe of Preimer Fireworks of Richland, Mo.

The MAAF 2008 officers are President Don Reynolds of the NEMO Fair in Kirksville, Vice President Mark Young of the Webster County Fair in Marshfield, Secretary Darcy Jones of Jones & Co Carnival, Richmond, Treasurer Cameron Mitchell of the SEMO District Fair, and Past President Nancy Bright of the Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield.

The 2009 MAAF Convention will be held Jan. 29-Feb. 1, at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Mo.