Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals Holds Convention in Oklahoma City

The 59th annual convention of the Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals (OAFF) was held Feb. 7-9, 2008, at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Oklahoma City. At the convention, 13 county fairs, two livestock shows, one facility, 14 associate members, and five lifetime members were represented. The theme for the OAFF convention was “Face-Off For The Next 100 Years,” which reflects the association’s preparations for the next 100 years.

The keynote speaker was Doug Sauter, head coach of the OKC Blazer Hockey Team. Sauter, who has the most wins in Central Hockey League history, relayed his love of fairs and spoke about showing cattle at fairs as a youth in Canada.

Delegates received the opportunity to share experiences and learn new strategies at the round table discussions. Topics included Sponsorships & Community Partnerships and Who’s in Charge in Emergency Situations. Charles Cox, state extension specialist and 4-H program leader, presented “Ignorance of the Law is Not an Excuse -- IRS Requirements for Counties.” Will Clark, Kay County assistant district attorney, and Larry Klumpp, Kay County extension educator, both presented “ Liability Issues Your Event Can Face.” A panel discussion on carnival operations was also held.

The luncheon on Friday was a tribute to D.J. Walker, who passed away on Dec. 21, 2007. Walker was a longtime member of the OAFF and an active member of the Oklahoma fair community. The OAFF announced the scholarship recipients at the luncheon. The scholarship winners are Matthew Kubik, Sarah Tolsma, Amy Peel, and Christopher Bingham.

The Volunteer of the Year winners are Virginia Davis of the Kay County Free Fair in Newkirk, Ed Allen, Valerie Naumann, and Lisa Totty of the Okmulgee County Free Fair, Okmulgee. The 2008 OAFF Hall of Fame recipient is Don Britton, retired from the Pottawatomie County Extension Service/County Fair, Shawnee.

Bill Ogg, manager of the Montana State Fair, presented two “Power Play” sessions, which included humorous thoughts on fairs and understanding a target audience. Natalea Watkins, chair of the accessibility board for the city of Stillwater, Okla., gave a presentation titled “American Disabilities Act -- What You Don’t Know May Harm Someone.”

Four district board members were elected at the business meeting.  They are Joe Thompson of the Washita County Free Fair, Cordell; Shelley Scifres of the Pontotoc County Fair, Ada; Karen Schimon of the Garfield County Fair, Enid; and Newt Stephens of the Creek County Fair, Kellyville.

The 2008 OAFF president is Larry Klump. The vice president is Brandi Herndon.