Press Release

New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs, Inc. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Norma W. Hamilton, Executive Secretary  518-753-4956  

      The 122nd Annual New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, NY was held January 15-18, 2010.  Forty five fairs attended as well as associate members

of the Association.  Over nine hundred individuals were in attendance.  President Gerry Elthorp of the Herkimer County Fair welcomed everyone to the convention.

     The convention speakers included  motivational speaker, Steve Gilliland with “Enjoy the Ride”; Phil Hurst,

CFE-Clay County Fair, Iowa ,“Making the Unusual the Usual”, and Marlene Pierson Jolliffe, CFE-State Fair of

W.V. “What Does the Fair of 2015 Look Like?  Are You Ready?”

    Messages were given by Marla Calico of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions and Robert

Johnson of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.

     A variety of workshops and roundtables continued throughout the four day event. 

    The auction to benefit the scholarship program grows in items and attendance each year.

    The trade show held on January 16 & 17 included 94 booths and was the location of the Little Red Wagon “LasVegas” Parade. 

    NYSAAF “Hall of Fame” awards were presented to Steven Harter of the Jefferson County Fair;  James

Slocum of the Hemlock Fair,  Jake Sammons, CFE of the Fonda Fair and Newell Wagoner of the Boonville

Oneida County Fair.

   New York State Showpeoples Association awards were presented to Bob Grems of the Dutchess County

Fair for “Fair Person of the Year”; Betty Gillette of Gillette Shows Inc. for “Show Person of the Year”and Alan Wheelock for “Workhorse of the Year”.

    Jessica Underberg, CFE of the Erie County Fair is the 2010 President.  Other officers are First Vice President,  John Burr of the Lewis County Fair; Second Vice President, Robert Grems of the Dutchess County Fair;

Third Vice President Steven Berninger of the Columbia County Fair; Treasurer, Steven Harter of the Jefferson

County Fair and Executive Secretary, Norma Hamilton of the Schaghticoke Fair.

District Directors are:

District 1          Frank Cuff, Ulster County Fair

District 2          Alice Zabel, Greene County Youth Fair

District 3          Robert Peryea, Clinton County Fair

District 4          Robert Simpson, Jefferson County Fair

District 5          Richard Bush, Cortland County Youth Fair

District 6           James Folts – Yates County Fair

District 7          Eugene Slater, Wayne County Fair, Palmyra

District 8          Lon Robinson, Chautauqua County Fair         

NY State Fair  Dan O’Hara, Director - Syracuse        

Associate Directors – Joseph Sofo, Jr., Auburn & Jeff Lloyd, Utica

 Showcase Acts:  Variety Attractions, AM Radio Band; Anjoli Productions, The Uptown Band; Love Shine Agency, The DooZees;  Thompson Productions, Jimmy Lehoux; Klein’s Attractions, Cook & Belle; and The Smudge

Fundaes

 2011 Convention dates are January 14-17 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY

 For more information on NYSAAF Fairs & Convention contact Norma Hamilton, Executive Secretary at carousels4@aol.com or visit our website at www.nyfairs.org.