New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs Holds 120th Annual Convention

The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (NYSAAF) held its annual convention on Jan. 18-21. 2008, at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, N.Y. Over 900 attendees represented 44 fairs and a number of associates.

The convention keynote address was delivered by Mark Mayfield and titled “Momma Told Me There’d Be Days Like This.”  Dave Taylor, Western Fair, London, Ontario, presented an IAFE Workshop titled “Is it Time to Re-package, Re-market, and Rejuvenate Your Fair?”  IAFE CFO & COO Max Willis presented an IAFE Update.

The trade show held Jan. 19-20 included 94 booths and was the location of the Little Red Wagon “50s Rock & Roll” Parade.  The New York State Showpeoples Association awarded the Fair Person of the Year award to Norma Hamilton, executive director of the NYSAAF.  Vincent Speciale of American Fireworks received the Show Person of the Year award. The NYSAAF presented the 2007 Above and Beyond Incentive Award to the Monroe County Fair & Recreation Association.

During the annual business meeting, new officers were elected to the association board. The 2008 officers are President Glenn Gillespie of the Clinton County Fair, Morrisonville, First Vice President Gerry Elthorp of the Herkimer County Fair, Frankfort, Second Vice President Jessica Underberg, CFE, of the Erie County Fair -- America’s Fair, Hamburg, Third Vice President John Burr of the Lewis County Fair, Lowville, Treasurer Steven Harter of the Jefferson County Fair, Watertown, and Executive Secretary Norma Hamilton of the Schaghticoke Fair in Rensselaer County.