Nebraska Association of Fair Managers Holds Annual Convention

The Nebraska Association of Fair Managers (NAFM) held its annual convention on Jan. 25-27, 2008, at the Ramada Inn in Kearney, Neb. About 1,200 delegates were on hand for the convention. They represented 79 county fair members, 79 associate members, six festivals and celebrations, the Nebraska State Fair Board, speakers, and guests. The opening session saw record attendance. Speakers at the session included John Hanschen, chair of the OABA and owner of Thomas Shows, Austin, Texas, and IAFE Chair Rick Frenette, executive director of the Utah State Fair, Salt Lake City. Marla Behrends, media relations director of the Mid West Dairy Association, delivered a presentation titled “Communicating Your Passion of Fairs.” Marlin Seeman, a retired vocational ag instructor and current mayor of Aurora, Neb., spoke during the secretary workshop. The keynote address was delivered by IAFE President and CEO Jim Tucker.

At the awards luncheon, the Fair Person of the Year Award was presented to Joe Andrews of the Rock County Agricultural Society, Bassett, and past president of the NAFM. Gene Berger of Allied Specialty Insurance received the Associate of the Year Award.  The association awarded Martha and Don Romeo Scholarships to Justin Wiegand of Gage County and Sarah Ourada of Buffalo County. Two Staats Custom Awards Scholarships were awarded to Jacie Ochsner of Hastings and Shea Henderson of Alliance.

The 2008 officers are President Stan Brodine of the Buffalo County Fair, Kearney; Vice President Steve Kruger of the Nebraska State Fair, Lincoln; and Executive Secretary/Treasurer Ken Killion of Marquette, Neb.

The 2009 NAFM convention will be held Jan. 23-25.