The Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Holds 82nd Annual Convention

The Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs (RMAF) 82nd Annual Convention was held Nov. 7-10, 2007, at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center in Billings, Mont., according to RMAF Executive Secretary Donna Rae Stollfuss.  There were 527 people registered for the convention, and the theme was “Creating Fair Magic.”  The convention kicked off with a Presidents Reception on Wednesday evening honoring 2007 RMAF President John Pitz, manager of the Twin Falls County Fair in Filer, Idaho.

Randy Morgan of Morgan Systems, Boise, Idaho, delivered a keynote address after the continental breakfast on Thursday.  Morgan’s presentation titled “Aligning Passion with Purpose,” was an entertaining take on customer service.

A number of forum discussions were held on Thursday and Saturday. Topics included “Dealing with Difficult People,” “On-line Entries & Ticketing,” “Livestock Issues,” “Commercial Exhibits,” and “Convection Thinking.”  Workshop topics included “Safe Living/Protecting Yourself in Public,” Marketing with New Technologies,” “Spring Landscape/Lawn Care/Getting Ready for the Fair,” and more. John Webb Jr. presented an IAFE Workshop on Friday titled “You and Your Fair Can Improve and Should.”

The convention honored veterans during the noon meal on Saturday with the singing of the National Anthem and red poppies provided by the Medicine Hat Stampede.

Several members were recognized for their work with the RMAF.  Bobby Baker of Bobby Baker Enterprises received the Service Member of the Year Award. Bill Greer of the Big Horn County Fair, Basin, Wyo., was named Fair Person of the Year.  Chris Holloway of the North Idaho Fair, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho received the Fair Manager of the Year Award. 

The inaugural RMAF Hall of Fame awards were also presented.  The Posthumous Hall of Fame Award recipient was Bill Chiesa.  His wife Sharon and their daughters were present to accept the award. Chiesa’s affiliation with the RMAF began in 1970 when he was named general manager of the Montana State Fair.  He was a past president of the RMAF and a past chair of the IAFE.  Chiesa passed away in 2002.  The 2007 Hall of Fame Award was presented to Jerry Iverson, retired from the North Dakota State Fair. Iverson is a past president of the RMAF and a past chair of the IAFE.  The Hall of Fame Awards were sponsored by Royal West Amusements and Inland Empire Shows.

As outgoing president, Pitz received the President’s Plaque and a gold card, which ensures lifetime membership in the RMAF.  The incoming president is Ron Edwards of the Medicine Hat Stampede, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Jeff Martin, the Blond, Curly Haired Magician, was elected first vice president and Bob Batista of the Western Idaho Fair, Boise, will be the second vice president.  Ms. Stollfuss will be the executive secretary/treasurer.   The rest of the board members includes Gary Wiley of the Ravalli County Fair, Hamilton, Mont.; Barney Cosner of the Nebraska State Fair; Vicki Rupert of the Wyoming State Fair; and Gary Fjelstad of Rocky Mountain Talent Services.

The 2008 Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Convention will be held Nov. 12-15 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.