- Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs

Illinois
Association
of
Agricultural
Fairs
December 2010
Inside:
—Page 2—
President’s
Pen
YR We Here
—Page 3—
Legislative
Update
—Page 4—
Convention
Schedule
—Page 5—
Meet Director
Ken Tyrrell
Mission
Possible
Breakfast
Order Form
—Page 6—
Zone Meetings
Have Record
Attendance
—Page 7—
Bushels to
Blue Ribbons
Charlyn’s
Corner
—Page 8—
‘In Memoriam
Letter to
Chicago
Tribune
IAAF: “We’ve Only Just Begun”
The year was 1970 and the
big hit of the year was
“We’ve Only Just Begun”
which was sung by the
Carpenters.
It is now 41 years later. It
is now 2011 (or soon will be)
and the hit of the year will be
the 101st annual IAAF convention. The IAAF will be
celebrating the fact that
“We’ve only just begun.”
This convention will be
laying the cornerstones and
paving the road for successful county fairs across
Illinois for many years to
come.
The convention program,
found in the center of this
issue, details why you will
want to, and why you need to
be in Springfield on January
14-16, 2011.
The Convention will get a
roaring pre-start on Thursday
evening, Jan. 13th with a
“Can’t Miss It Party” sponsored by the Illinois State
Fair, North American
Entertainment, and the
Central, Northern and
Southern Zones.
There will be some important information relating to
credit card usage and other
ideas presented on Friday
afternoon at the increasingly
popular
‘Let’s Get Acquainted”
session sponsored by Luehr’s
Ideal Rides. All associates
and fair people are invited to
both of these events.
Barney Cosner is our featured speaker for the
“New Horizon’s” breakfast on Saturday morning. He is usually
decked out in a big cowboy hat and boots to hide
his balding head and
bowed legs. You won’t
want to miss this cowboy with a message for
all of us.
The Trade Show will open
Friday afternoon at 3 pm
with many booths and a lot
of refreshments presented by
Signature Event Services and
Skinner Amusements. The
Friday evening showcasing
will feature ten stage acts.
Do not forget that there
will be free ice cream from
Prairie Farms and free beer
and snacks sponsored by
Burnham and Flower
Insurance. This is a chance to
see and enjoy some great
acts that would love to be a
part of your fair’s 2011
entertainment offering.
All will definitely want to
attend the Saturday morning
breakfast to honor our new
class of “Friends of County
Fairs.” Skinner Amusements
and Signature Event services
will co-host this event. The
highlight of the event will be
a presentation by Barney
Cosner. (Please see page 5
for more information and an
order blank for tickets.)
Eighty acts have entered
the Saturday talent contest.
WOW! Sixty-six young
ladies will compete for the
title of the 2011 Miss Illinois
County Fair Queen. This
event has the prelims on
Saturday and the crowning
on Sunday evening. These
two events will showcase
over 200 of Illinois finest
young people. Please help
them celebrate their achievements.
The Sunday Roundtables
sponsored by the Illinois
Tractor Pulling Association
will offer two sessions of the
latest and greatest discussions involving successful
fair management techniques.
The morning snacks will
be provided thru the courtesy
of Fantasy Amusements. Do
not forget the business meeting and the livestock meeting
on Sunday. All of these
events are just the beginning
of a new year and a new century of Illinois County Fairs.
Dates to Remember
• Declaration of Intent due
December 31, 2010
The President’s Pen
Season’s Greetings to Everyone.
Having just returned from the
Southern Zone Meeting this evening,
it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the
Illinois County
Fair Members.
All three zones
had great attendance and I
would like to
thank the Zone
Officers for
their efforts.
Our 2011
State onvention
is fast
approaching as it will be held Jan 14
thru Jan 16, 2011. Your state board
and Secretary Fugate have put together an outstanding program. As fair
board members, the convention is a
chance to make improvements to your
county fairs.
Take advantage of this great opportunity! The Show Case and Trade
Show offers many options and ideas.
Be sure to patronize the Associate
members during the convention, as
they are a large part of our association.
I have asked Bureau Chief Charlyn
Fargo to address Jackpot Shows at the
Secretary’s Meeting on Saturday
morning at the convention. Be sure to
have a representative from your fair
attend this meeting for guidance for
• IAAF Convention, Springfield
January 14-16, 2011
• Zone 5 Meeting, St Louis, Mo.
February 18-20, 2011
your own fair programs and State
reports.
Also plan to attend the “Can’t Miss
It” Pre-Convention Hospitality reception on Thursday night sponsored by
your Zones, the State Fair and by North
American Entertainment. We are planning to invite our Illinois legislators to
this event. This would be an excellent
opportunity to promote the importance
of County Fairs especially to the new
House and Senate members.
Please make a personal contact to
your legislators and encourage them to
attend.
Our Association took a big step last
winter by the hiring of a lobbyist. With
your financial support, we were fortunate to hire Margaret Vaughn. She has
been a big asset and will be participating in the state convention. Please take
time to introduce yourself to her. She
would love to meet each of you.
I would like to thank everyone for
their hard work over the past year.
Have a safe and happy holidays!
Tom
• Illinois State Fair
August 12-21, 2011
Illinois Association of
Agricultural Fairs
OFFICERS
President ............................................Tom Moore,
Jerseyville
Vice President..............................George Fewkes,
Albion
Past President .......................................Bill Diller,
Princeton
Secretary/Treasurer......................Wm. H. Fugate,
Fairbury
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Jim Walsh (Southern Zone).........................Carmi
Elizabeth McDevitt (Central Zone) ....New Berlin
Marvin Perzee (Northern Zone) ..............Ashkum
ZONE DIRECTORS
Ken Tyrrell (Northern Zone)...................Sheridan
Ron Meyer (Northern Zone) ...................Manteno
Mary Lou Wright (Central Zone)..................Paris
Bill Redshaw (Central Zone) .................Rushville
Russell Vandeveer (Southern Zone).....Kinmundy
Bill Jennings (Southern Zone).....................Olney
PRESS & PUBLICITY
Marla Behrends.........................................Carlock
YR We Here? Barney’s Back
Some may remember Barney
Cosner’s presentation to the IAAF
about twenty years ago.
He talked about animals, kids and
fairs from his perspective as an
employee of the State Fair of Texas.
Barney is coming back to the convention.When Cosner speaks to our
New Horizons Breakfast on
Saturday morning his focus will be
on an overview of the fair business
and why we come together at meetings such as our 101st annual IAAF
meeting. Barney believes that
together we all can strengthen our
fairs for the“edutainment” of all our
fair guests. Cosner will draw from
his experience as a professor at
Colorado State University, as the
State Fair Manager at the Wyoming
and Nebraska State Fairs, and as the
current manager of the Fremont,
Wyoming County Fair and Rodeo.
Barney will wear a big hat and
deliver a huge and important message for our benefit. Breakfast tickets may still be ordered. Pease see
the order form on Page 5.
ZONE OFFICERS
SOUTHERN
President ...................Charlie Durbin, Fayette Co.
Vice Pres. ............................Sam Robb, Perry Co.
Sec./Treas. ..............David Hake, Washington Co.
CENTRAL
President................................Jill Hardesty, Fisher
Vice Pres. ...............Toby Dean, Montgomery Co.
Sec./Treas. ....Sandy Hoke, Moultrie-Douglas Co.
NORTHERN
President...............Jim Anderson, Winnebago Co.
Vice Pres ...................Jim Schahrer, Fairbury Fair
Sec./Treas. ......Gary Mielke, Stephenson Co. Fair
www.IllinoisCountyFairs.org
Contact:
[email protected]
IAAF Legislative Lobbyist, Margaret Vaughn, her sons,
Robert and Frank and a family friend, Bella Galago, all
truly enjoyed some wonderful Will County Fair food this
summer. Margaret’s boys think mom’s job with fairs
sure has benefits. They all had fun visiting county fairs
and appreciated the hospitalities extended to them.
IAAF Hires Lobbyist Margaret Vaughn
The county fairs suffered disproportionate budget cuts from the
Department of Agriculture for the
2011 fair season.
However we were able to accomplish our top priority for this year –
which was “holding on to what we
got” for 2010. In May 2010
none of the fairs (both F&E
and Premium) which had
turned in their vouchers to
the state from the 2009 season had been paid.
In years past, they would have
received the money over the winter
months but had still not received
their reimbursements by late spring.
Many fairs were not sure if they
would be able to open for the 2010
season because of this.
I orchestrated a letter writing
campaign to the Governor’s office
with legislators and worked closely
with the Governor’s staff. IAAF
members also followed up with
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
EDITORIAL
At the end of July the Chicago
Tribune ran an article questioning
the significance of county fairs
(especially in the collar counties) in
today’s society. I wrote a rebuttal
letter back on behalf of
IAAF which was published in the 08/07/10 ediBy Margaret Vaughn, IAAF Lobbyist
tion of the Tribune.
My letter stressed the
deadline still had not received their
fact that many Chicago area resirehab money and many other premidents forget that the state is predomum fairs were waiting for their pro
inately agricultural and the imporrata.
tance of urban dwellers and their
On 10/21/10 the $1.3 million in
children getting a more hands on
funding was released in premium
understanding of agriculture and the
reimbursements and pro ratas. I
diversity of the state. A full copy of
would like to extend a special
the article is published on Page 8.
thanks to Ryan Croke and Israel
ELECTRONIC GAMING AT
Salazar in the Governor’s Office as
well as all the IAAF members and
RACE TRACKS
legislators who helped make this
IAAF is working with a coalition
possible.
(Continued on Page 8)
phone calls and letters and it paid
off because in June 2010 over $ 2.8
million in state reimbursements
were finally released. We used the
same strategy again this fall when
premium fairs which had turned in
their receipts closer to the 7/31/10
Legislative Update
Schedule of Events for 2011 IAAF Convention
“We’ve Only Just Begun”
101st Annual Convention
Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs
Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express
Springfield Illinois
All events open only to registered guests
with a convention badge.
Thursday’s “Workin’ Together”, Jan. 13, 2011
6-8:00 PM Carnival Amusement Safety Board
Mtg.-Plaza F
8:00 PM
Associate Registration Opens
—Plaza Lobby
8:00 PM
VIP Reception for Convention &
Pageant Sponsors, IAAF Bd.
—Capital View
8-11 PM
“Can’t Miss IT” Pre-convention
hospitality and fun—Illinois Room
Sponsored by the Illinois State Fair,
North American Midway Ent.,
Northern, Central and Southern Zones.
Friday’s “Talkin’ It Over,” Jan. 14, 2011
8:00 AM
Carnival/Amusement Safety Mtg.
—Plaza F
8:00 AM
Queen Rehearsals – Ballroom
9:00 AM
Registration Counter Opens
—Plaza Lobby
10:00 AM IAAF Board meeting - Lincoln Room
1:30 PM
“Let’s Get Acquainted XI” for
associates and fairs - Plaza H-J
Sponsors: Luehrs Ideal Rides
ID Theft and Credit Card Abuse, Mike Fazzio,
Detective, Bloomington Police Department,
assigned to US Scret Service Cyber Crime Task
Force.
“Celebration of Lights,” Craig McCoy, Fulton
County Fair.
What did your fair do differently in 2010?
Moderated by Paul Johnson, Variety Attractions,
and IAAF Past President Bill Jennings.
3:00 PM
6:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:30 PM
Trade Show opens - Plaza A-E
Trade Show Reception sponsored by
Skinner Amusements and Signature
Special Event Services.
Trade Show closes for the day
Fairs and Exposition Fund meeting
—Capital VI
Audit Committee Meeting
—Convention Office
Showcasing—Plaza H-J
Drinks and Snacks Sponsored by
Burnham & Flower Insurance;
Ice Cream by Prairie Farms.
Drawing for Crowne Plaza Package
during the showcase. Must be present
to win.
MC-John Measner, Laura Ernst (Elsenpeter Productions), Leland’s Road (J&Q Ent.), “TeJai” (IL
Country Music Assoc.), Tim Balster (Sheer Magic),
Ultraviolet Band, Gwen Sebastian (Bobby Baker
Ent.), Kali Rose, Haute Sox (D&J Concessions),
Blue Suede Crew, Madd Hoss Jackson (Variety
Attractions).
7:00 PM
Associates who have hospitality rooms may host
during other hours than those listed for the trade
show.
Saturday’s “Sharing New Horizons”, Jan. 15, 2011
7:00 AM
Registration Desk Opens
7:15 AM “New Horizons Breakfast” doors open
—Plaza F&G. Tickets Required
Sponsored by Signature Special Event
Services and Skinner Amusements
Special door prize for breakfast participants:
$50 cash from Nationwide Demo Derby.
7:30 AM Breakfast —Opening remarks: Tom
Moore, President. (Special Drawing for
Breakfast Participants), Pledge of
Allegiance and Invocation-George
Fewkes, Edwards County Fair
8:00 AM All non ticket fair members and associates are welcome to join the meeting after breakfast.
8:15 AM Welcome & committee appointments:
Tom Moore, IAAF President
8:30 AM Presentation of “Friend of Illinois
County Fair” Awards, Marvin Perzee
Drawing for “Early Bird” door prize
-Donated by Burnham & Flower
8:45 AM Remarks: Director,
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau Chief
of County Fairs and Horse Racing
Margaret Vaughn, Legislative Lobbyist
for IAAF
9:15 AM “YR We Here?” by Barney Cosner, Fremont County Fair and Rodeo, Riverton, WY
10:30 AM Drawing for door prizes including
package donated by K & K Insurance
All door prize winners must be present to win at
the time of each drawing.
10:45 AM Secretaries Meeting & Legislative
Update.—Plaza F&G
Please visit the associate member rooms
• Camping at the Fair-What is it Worth? What Do
We Need to Charge?
-Marvin Perzee, Iroquois Fair
• Customer Service the Disney Way
-Judy Greer, Georgetown Fair
• Emergency & Evacuation Planning
-Nancy Rex, Sandwich Fair
• Advertising Mixes-Print/TV/Radio/Internet
• Demo Derby Safety
-Kathy Ramer-Ramer Race Promotions
• Fun Activities at the Fair
• Are You OSHA Compliant?
11:00 AM Annual IAAF Business Meeting
—Plaza F-G
Please Register for Door Prizes
Welcome - Tom Moore, IAAF President
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:30 AM
11:00 AM
Drawing for prizes donated by Swyear
Amusements and other prizes. All door-prize winners must be present to win.
Queen Pageant Rehearsal-Ballroom
Big Ten Colt Stakes Mtg.-Capital III
USTA Officials School-Winter Garden
Associate Rooms & Trade Show open
—Plaza A-E
12:00 PM USTA Lunch-Capital III
12:15 PM Jr. Talent Contest—Plaza H-J
1:00 PM
Afternoon Queen Pageant Preliminaries—Ballroom
1:00 PM
4-H Standardbred Meeting—Capital V
1:00 PM
ISOBA Horseman Annual Meeting
—Plaza F
1:45 PM
Zone 5 planning for 2012—Capital View
2:00 PM
Midwest Amateur Driver Meeting
—Capital V
3:00 PM
Central Zone Pres. Mtg. - Capital View
3:00 PM
USTA Dist. 5 Members Meeting
—Plaza F
5:00 PM
Trade Show closes
5:30 PM
Mass —Winter Garden
5:45 PM
Sr. Talent Contest- Plaza H-J
7:00 PM
USTA Reception, Banquet and Dance
—Plaza F-G
Evening Queen Pageant Preliminaries
7:00 PM
—Ballroom
8:00 PM
Registration Desk Closes
Associates who have hospitality rooms may host
during other hours than those listed for the trade
show.
Minutes
Introduction of Directors
Committee Reports:
• Secretary-Treasurer report - Wm. H. Fugate
• Audit Committee report - George Fewkes
• Grievance Committee - George Fewkes
• Resolutions Committee - Mary Lou Wright
• Legisltive Committee - Marvin Perzee
Old Business
New Business
11:30 AM
NOON
1:00 PM
1:15 PM
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
9:30 PM
Queen Devotional & Farewell Luncheon
for Retiring Queen, Haley Freeman
—Plaza H-J, ticket required
Midwestern Racing Association
—Capital III
Thoroughbred Race Meeting
—Governor Room
Livestock Issues, Q&A-Illinois Room
For Fair Secretaries and Livestock
Superintendents
Zone Officers Meeting
—Capital View
Past Presidents Meeting
—Capital View
Grand March - Ballroom
Banquet & Queen Pageant Finals
—Ballroom
Dessert Reception for the new Queen
—2nd floor lobby
Monday’s “We Smile,” Jan. 17, 2011
8:00 AM
IAAF Directors And Spouses
Breakfast—Ruby Room
9:00 AM
IAAF Directors Meeting—Ruby Room
Sunday’s “So Many Roads to Choose,”
January 16, 2011
8:00 AM
Egyptian Colt Stakes-Capital View
8:15 AM
Protestant Worship with Geo. Fewkes
—Capital II
9:00 AM
Registration Desk Opens-Plaza Lobby
9:00 AM
ISOBA Breakfast - Springfield Room
Queen Pageant Rehearsal—Ballroom
9:00 AM
— Convention Notes —
Rising Sun Sandwiches.
8:50 AM
100 years of History
“Rising Sun” breakfast sandwich and coffee sponsored by Fantasy Amusements
Convene for Round Tables-Plaza F-G
Sponsored by Illinois Tractor Pulling
Association
Moderated by Ron Meyer, Will Co.
9:15 AM
Roundtables: First Session
• Working With Your Legislators
-Margaret Vaughn, Lobbyist
• IAFE Awards-Jill Hardesty, Fisher Co. Fair
• Keeping Your Fair History-How Well Do You Do
-Dave Engelbrecht
A ham, egg, and cheese sandwich
awaits all who participate in the Roundtable discussions. Fantasy Amusements
owners, Bill and Mary Johnson, invite you
to share this “Rising Sun” treat with them.
The second 100 years of IAAF history is just beginning. The history of
Illinois County Fairs has been digitally
recorded by IAAF Historian, David
Engelbrecht. All convention participants
are encouraged to stop in the Opal
Room on the 3rd floor of the Crowne
Plaza where there will be an electronic
display of many, many Illinois Fairs
and the IAAF.
Meet Your Director: Ken Tyrrell
Ken Tyrrell has been associated with
the Sandwich Fair for 42 years and a
director since 1988.
He is the general livestock superintendent and has been sheep superintendent since 1987. Ken also
serves on the Advertising
Committee and is chairman of the
Off-Season Events Committee. He
also arranged to have People
Movers at the fair and schedules the
work shifts.
At the LaSalle County Fair
(Ottawa) he has been on the Junior
Fair Board since 2000. He served
that fair as secretary and president
for many years. He currently serves
as Northern Zone Director of the
Illinois Association of Agricultural
Fairs and has served on the legislature committee for the past six years
Besides being involved with two
county fairs, he is involved with
many other community activities.
He has been an elected Adams
Township trustee since 1999. Ken
started farming in 1977. He is currently farming 950 acres of corn,
soybeans, and hay and feeds locker
steers for private sale. The family
also shows purebred Holsteins at
several fairs during the summer. His
hobbies include politics, history, collecting LaSalle County history, and
NASCAR.
Ken is married to Charlotte, an
educator. They have three sons: John
lives in Normal and is involved in
Correct
addresses
Tent Talk has a
continuing need
for correct
addresses as more
and more of you
switch from rural
routes to “911
addresses”. Also,
there are some
phone numbers
that have a new
area code that we
won’t know about
unless you tell us.
past, but I see a visit to the fair as a
trip into the future. Fairs are an
opportunity to learn. We need to
educate not only about our traditional rural heritage but also all of the
new aspects of our world. From
agriculture to computer science the
interests of Americans today are
many and varied. We must address
all of these interests if fairs are to
survive into the future.”
He believes that fairs return much
more to their communities than they
ask in return.
‘Mission Possible’
Is Zone 5 Theme
Ken Tyrrell
agribusiness; Patrick, a paramedic,
lives in Somonauk with his wife,
Kiara, and daughter Katie; and
Christopher is in 6th grade at
Somonauk Middle School
When asked about his philosophy
of county fairs, Tyrrell noted that”
we all know fairs have been a part
of the American scene since the
founding of this country. Fairs are
social events, a bringing together of
the community. In the past, fairs
were mostly agrarian.”
He continues by pointing out that
“A fair can be a journey into the
The 2011 IAFE Zone 5 will be held
February 18 - 20, 2011 in St Louis.
The theme of “Mission Possible:
5 States-One Mission” will set an
exciting tone for sharing success
stories and best practices that are
relevant to your fair.
There will be workshops and presentations covering topics like marketing and event planning which
will be relevant to all sizes of fairs.
For program, registration and
housing information, please go to
www.mostatefair.com under the
heading of “Just Announced.”
The New Horizons Breakfast
Tickets may still be ordered for the Saturday morning, January 15, 2011 IAAF breakfast.
Tickets will be held for pickup at the registration desk.
Name:______________________________________________________________
County Fair or Associate:______________________________________________
Town:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________
Number of tickets:___________ @$12/ticket = $____________ Due no later than Jan. 6th , 2011
Please send this request and check to:
IAAF, c/o Wm. Fugate, Secretary, 24510 E. 1000 N Rd., Fairbury, Il 61739
Attend Central Zone
Fourteen Georgetown Fair people enjoyed the roundtable discussion at
the Central Zone Meeting.
Zone Meetings Had Record Attendance
Over 550 attended the fall zone
meetings this year. This total is a
recent record for attendance and is a
testament to the will of Illinois
County Fairs to improve and learn
from each other.
The Northern Zone featured a
trade show with nearly 20 vendors.
A lively “get together” session at the
Central Zone meeting featured ideas
that worked at 2010 County Fairs.
The Egyptian Zone of Southern
Illinois featured a discussion of the
proposed “Racino” gambling bill
and its potential as a funding source
for fairs.
All featured a wide array of very
nice door prizes. Showcasing was
provided at the Northern and Central
Zones by Elsenpeter Productions
and Variety Attractions.
Bits & Pieces
“Red Meat is not bad for you.
Fuzzy green meat is bad for you.”
—Ed Abbott
Win Prize at
Southern Zone
Miss Union County presented a nice gift
basket as a door prize at the Southern Zone
to Dave and Deb Cox who were representing the Illinois Horse Pulling Association.
“Sacred cows make the best hamburger.”
—Anonymous
Bushels to Blue Ribbons in Lee
Lee County farmers have had, and
continue to have, the opportunity to
support the Lee County Fair
Association and the fair’s 4-H and
Junior shows by donating grain
through local elevators.
All a farmer had to do to make a
tax exempt donation was tell an elevator manager how many bushels
from a load of delivered grain
should go to the Lee County Fair
Association.
This “Bushels to Blue Ribbons”
campaign is now in the fifth year of
helping to fund the fair’s maintenance and some of the fair’s cost of
its annual 4-H and Junior show. The
Fair annually realizes about $3000
from this project.
Katie Pratt, fair secretary, notes
that “the annual average of $3000
extra income from this program
truly helps in these times of uncertain and unreliable state funding.”
Pratt also said “this is a simple program with not a lot of extra effort
involved.”
Charlyn’s Corner
self-sustaining.
We all agree as to
the importance of
a county fair to a
community. We
just need to get
that message out,
especially as we
face uncertain
budget times. I
encourage you to
Charlyn Fargo
band together to
promote our county fairs, our queen
contests, our livestock shows and
the importance of county fairs in
this state. They continue to be the
best showcase for agriculture in the
state, and the best place to renew
friendships.
I want to thank all of you for your
hard work in making our county
fairs successful. We continue to
strive to have the best county fairs
in the nation.
This office will continue to do our
best to be helpful in streamlining all
efforts to send and receive information and in supplying funding reimbursement. To do so, we request you
email us with any and all email
addresses that may have recently
changed or if you wish to add a new
one. Email Peggy Lowder at
[email protected] or me at
[email protected].
Our office is always open and
ready to assist any way we can. See
you in January!!!
Thanks to all of you who made the
effort to attend the Zone meetings.
They are a great way to stay connected after a busy summer and to
get excited about next year’s fair.
The IAAF Convention in January
(Jan. 14-16, 2011) offers a great
opportunity to stay connected as
well. Please make every effort to
attend this year to help celebrate the
101st anniversary.
The theme is “We’ve Only Just
Begun,” and we feel that is certainly
true with county fairs. We may have
to change some things and adapt
some programs, but county fairs can
and should remain viable for the
next 100 years. If you haven’t made
your reservations, there’s still time.
It’s a great way to learn some new
ideas which you can take home and
implement at your next fair. We also
will be updating you on the budget
and reporting requirements at the
Secretaries’ meeting. Please make
plans for someone from your fair to
attend.
We encourage you to think about
ways to make your county fair more
Bit & Piece
“The most important thing in
communication is to hear what isn’t
being said.”
—Peter Drucker
(Editor’s note: Livestock and
antiques could also be sold in the
same manner to support a fair’s
activities.)
Entertained at
Nothern Zone
Kinetic Artist, Laura Ernst,
entertained the Northern
Zone guests with her skills.
She was presented by
Elsenpeter Productions.
IN MEMORIAM
Alice Tostberg Drury , 88, of
Carlinville died November 21, 2011.
Alice worked for many years as a
secretary. She dedicated over 50
years of her life to the Macoupin
County Fair. She served as a director
of the IAAF and was named the
Illinois County Fair Person of the
Year in 1986. She was preceded in
death by her husbands, Joseph
Tostberg and William Drury.
—Margaret Vaughn’s Legislative Update
(Continued from Page 3)
of other organizations to pass legislation to allow electronic gaming at
race tracks. Sen. John Sullivan was
able to get the proposal amended to
bring in an additional $1 million
annually for county fairs. The proposal is known as the “Racino Bill”
and IAAF is urging their members to
contact their legislators in support.
IN MEMORIAM
John Cisne, 73, of Springfield
died November 4, 2010 as a result
of a grade crossing accident when
his vehicle was struck by a train in
Douglas County. Cisne was a longtime trainer and driver of race horses. He was a cofounder of the
Illinois Standardbred Association
and was the association’s executive
director at the time of his death.
John is survived by his wife,
Gloria, and their two children. ,
Stephanie and Brian.
Don Stahl, 86, of Sandwich
passed away September 27, 2010.
Don was the Livestock Director at
the Sandwich Fair for 44 years. He
was a 37 year member of the
Sandwich Fire Department. He
worked in the building trades. His
wife, Eleanor, preceded him in
death. He is survived by his son,
Douglas.
Illinois
Association
of
Agricultural
Fairs
WM. H. FUGATE, Secretary
24510 E 1000 N Rd.
Fairbury, IL 61739
Dear Editor –
I am responding to the 7/29/10
Tribune article regarding “Struggling
County Fairs”. The article seem to
portray fairs as being antiquated and
questioned their relevance in current
society, I think it is important to point
out that county fairs are the backbone
of agricultural communities in the
State of Illinois. County fairs provide
a backdrop for competitions which
raise the bar for the development of
agricultural products within the state.
Their youth programs, such as 4H, are imperative to insuring future
generations continued dedication to
farming. Living in Chicago and the
collar counties many Illi-noisans
don’t realize that Illinois is a predominantly agricultural state and take for
granted the actual origin of the food
products they rely so heavily on from
grocers and restaurants.
By state law the agricultural component is what distinguishes a “fair”
from a “fest”. There are many misconceptions about county fairs. First
of all, they do not get any funding
from the county. Their resources
come from being self funded and
receiving state reimbursements.
While last year the state spent $7
million on county fairs – it was
spread out over 101 counties and 104
fairs across the state.
Like everyone county fairs are
also suffering huge state budget cuts
this year. The state reimburses the
county fairs for a percentage of the
costs incurred with running the agricultural competitions as well as helping defray the costs of insuring the
buildings and grounds are properly
maintained. Predominately in the collar counties, the fair grounds are used
year round for other events and many
community organizations have come
to rely on.
Agriculture plays a huge role in
Illinois’ economy. Agriculture is
responsible for 25% of Illinois’ workforce and despite the congestion of
Chicago and urban sprawl, 75% of
land in Illinois is in agricultural production.
It is important that urban dwellers
take their children to county fairs so
they can get a more hands on understanding of agriculture and understand the diversity of the state. In
these hard economic times, sometimes it is best to go back to basics
and appreciate the simpler things in
life. 2010 marks the 100 year
anniversary of the Illinois
Association of Agricultural Fairs
(IAAF). Illinois fairs have survived
the Great Depression, the 1980s
Recession and they plan to persevere
in this current economic climate.
Please support your county fair, you
are supporting agriculture and we
would love to have you.
Sincerely,
Margaret Vaughn, Government
Affairs Director
Illinois Association of
Agricultural Fairs
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THOMSON, IL
61285