Virginia Association of Fairs Wraps Up Annual Meeting

The Virginia Association of Fairs Annual Convention was held Jan. 4-5, 2008, at Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, Va.  A total of 550 people attended the convention, which also featured 35 exhibits. The theme for the 2008 convention was “Past, Present, and Future.” Delegates were encouraged to focus on what they learned from the past so as to utilize it in the future.

The guest speaker for the Friday luncheon was Nour Al’Deen, whose ancestors were involved in the “Colored Fair,” in Fairfax, Va. The fair was dissolved at the outbreak of World War II. One aspect that focused on the future was the Tec Track, which focused on the use of computers in the fair industry. A general session focuses on web site basics and a fair member described how they created a computer program to fit their fair needs.

The Fair Manager of the Year award was presented to Jenny Wilkins of the Halifax County Fair, South Boston. Ms. Wilkins has worked with the fair in Halifax County for 50 years.

The 2009 Virginia Association of Fairs Convention will be held Jan. 2-4.