January4- 7, 2018 Omni ew FIRST PLACE FOR FUN OF VIRGINIA Thank you Virginia Association of Fairs! 2018 DATES: Sept. 28 – Oct. 7, 2018 The Meadow Event Park, Caroline County, VA Visit statefairva.org for updates on what’s new in 2018! Soaring Into the Next Century !! The sky’s the limit! Whether our 2017 fair season was ‘off the charts’ with great weather, record attendance and a smiling bottom line, or proved to be a challenge due to circumstances beyond our control, we can all be grateful and encouraged to be part of an industry that is still family focused, aiming our youth into leadership, as well as enjoying life in our ‘today’ while reaching for and enjoying that cutting edge of the future. How’re we doing that?!? The planned program for this year’s VAF 2018 annual conference at The Homestead is chocked full of topics/speakers/round tables which will address some of the most pressing concerns of our fair operations. AND, you’re going to be treated to pure fun while enjoying one of America’s highest acclaimed resorts. Great food, fabulous showcase, best trade show, $100 give-aways, showing off our fair’s best, and a special treat! Be sure to get your banquet tickets for Saturday night and enjoy special guest entertainment “Little Texas”. “It IS a BIG DILL!!!!” One of the grass root qualities any fair/festival can possess and which is the foundation for a successful event – customer service. Let’s always remember the phrase, “Get ready, company’s coming”. Be sure to mark your schedule to view the fun-filled theatre presentation, “Just Give Them the Pickle” on Saturday morning. Be on the lookout for friendly ‘pickles’ all weekend! Our past 100 years as the Virginia Association of Fairs has given us a great jump start on a stellar next century. Enjoy some fun and relaxation and a refueling at the upcoming annual conference in January. See you there!!!! Remember Wrigleys, Betsy Brown, VAF President 2018 VAF COMMITTEES ADVERTISING...... Joye Wood AUCTION AND SILENT AUCTION ...... Essie Berry and Keith Harless CONFERENCE SCHEDULE/HOTEL COMMITTEE...... Tom Eshelman COMMUNICATION AWARDS...... Sandy Dodson and Brenda Payne DECORATING...... Debbie Badami DOOR PRIZES...... Debbie Hite EQUIPMENT...... Brian Mancini and Joye Wood FAIR PERSON OF THE YEAR...... Betsy Brown MISS VAF PAGEANT...... Wendi Gruninger NOMINATING COMMITTEE...... Brenda Rich, Sam Long, Tom Eshelman PRESIDENT’S HALL OF FAME...... Betsy Brown SECURITY...... Dan Schmitt, Alex Wilkins, Tom Eshelman SOCIAL MEDIA...... Terry Corle, Danny Byrum and Dan Schmitt SPEAKERS...... Brian Mancini, Ellen Shaver Shank and Tom Eshelman SPONSORS...... VAF Board, Joye Wood SHOWCASE AND CAFÉ...... Danny Byrum TRADE SHOW...... Alan Nogiec and Sam Long YOUTH LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS...... Kari Sponaugle and Essie Berry VAF HOSPITALITY SUITE...... Fauquier Co and Orange Co Fairs HAZEL STALEY LEADERSHIP AWARDS...... Alan Nogeic, Brenda Rich and Tom Eshelman WELCOME...... Brian Mancini VAF STAFF Joye Wood • Lana Woody • Teresa Griffith • Andrew Pope PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin and Kim Estep TO OUR SPONSORS, A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU ----- It is with great appreciation that we salute our generous sponsors. Without their kindness, many of the special programs and amenities included in the 2017 Virginia Association of Fairs Conference would not be possible. A number of these Associate Members have not only sponsored our conference, but they dedicated their dollars to special events and many have placed 2017 conference Program Book advertisements. Please check out their ads in this program. Patron Sponsors ($50) Fun Time Amusements Brass Sponsors ($100) Sponsoring Francine Whittaker Judges School for the Home Arts Debra and Wick Coleman Communication Awards Artists and Attractions Showcase Drawing Bronze Sponsors ($250) Sponsoring Allied Specialty Insurance Company Silent Auction Silver Sponsors ($500) Sponsoring Fauquier County Fair Hospitality Suite True Grit Roundtables Orange County Fair Hospitality Suite Variety Attractions Live Auction State Fair of Virginia Friday Session Break Gold Sponsors ($1000) Sponsoring Fair Publishing House Hazel Staley Award RMC Events Entertainment Talent Showcase Salem Fair Welcome Party and Social Stineman Ribbon Company Trade Show Closing Drawing Platinum Sponsors ($1500) Sponsoring Deggeller Attractions Conference Badge Pouches Pepsi Cola of Central Virginia Miss VAF Pageant The State Fair of Virginia Saturday Luncheon Beyond Spots and Dots Educational Sessions VISIT WWW.VAFAIRS.US TO VIEW PICTURES OF THE CONFERENCE. ALSO VISIT US ON FACEBOOK. RECYCLE YOUR VAF BADGES IN THE RED TOTES BEFORE LEAVING THE CONFERENCE – THANK YOU. Virginia Association of Fairs $800 Giveaway Here is how you can go home $100 richer 1) The 1st Fair to Show Terry Corle two signed contracts from an exhibitor at the 2018 Trade Show will receive $100. (Terry is a Board member and will have on his VAF vest and name tag) 2) $100 given away at one of the morning seminar sessions on Friday. 3) $100 given away at one of the afternoon seminar session on Friday. 4) $100 given away at one of the roundtable sessions on Saturday. 5) Two $100 bills will be given away during the 2018 Showcase. 6) $100 to be given away sometime during the day on Friday or Saturday via the VAF phone App. 7) Again give Terry the secret word and win $100 on the spot. (Secret word will be in a sealed envelope at the registration desk and the word known only by Terry) Hint: word is associated with the Fair industry 8) $100 given away to the person who purchases a 50/50 ticket with a 4 digit number written on the back of one ticket (XXXX). Note: VAF Board members, VAF Staff and their families are not eligible to win. Te r r y C o r l e is a VAF Board member and will have a name tag for identification. FREE TO PARTICIPATE TO THOSE WITH A VAF REGISTRATION BADGE FOR 2018 MISSION STATEMENT VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS We serve association members through representation, education and direction which will enhance their productivity, economic viability and administrative capabilities, thus enhancing the economic growth, development and quality of Virginia Communities. Officers and Board of Directors Betsy Brown, Russell County Fair – President...... 276-971-4321 Danny Byrum, Isle of Wight County Fair - Vice President, Director ...... 757-635-5725 Essie Berry, Madison County Fair - Secretary ...... 540-948-4415 Mack Wright, Jr, Caroline County Agricultural Fair - Treasurer ...... 804-370-4551 Terry S. Corle, The Corle Group - Associate Director ...... 703-727-3951 Harless, Lee County Fair - Director...... 276-393-0048 Debbi Hite, Salem Fair – Director...... 540-580-4346 Patti Knight, Orange County Fair - Director ...... 540-718-3767 Sam Long, Field Day of the Past Fair- Ex Officio...... 804-240-4040 Allan Nogiec, ASN Promotions -Associate Director ...... 757-621-3005 Brenda Rich, Fauquier County Fair - Director ‘...... 540-270-1659 Dan Schmitt, RMC Events - Associate Director ...... 804-353-7621 Ellen Shaver Shank, Augusta County Fair - Director ...... 540-421-6651 Alex Wilkins, Patrick County Fair - Director ...... 276-806-1796 Joye Wood - VAF Executive Services Coordinator ...... 703-919-7020 VAF Administrative Office P.O. Box 416 Middletown, VA 22645 703-919-7020 www.vafairs.us EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS Friday, January 5th 1ST SERIES MORNING EDUCATION SESSIONS 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Piedmont Room – Topic 1 Dave Neudeck: Dave is the Digital Marketing Director for the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Seminar Title: Keeping up with an ever changing world of social media platforms Dave Neudeck brings his digital marketing expertise from the Virginia Tourism Corporation to help fair planners through the process of picking the correct social media platforms to use, before, during, and after your fair. In an ever changing world of social media, and its user groups, Dave will suggest and break down which platforms might be right for your fair. Mt. Vernon Room – Topic 2 Richard McDonald: Richard is the Aerial Director of Photography for New Media Systems Seminar Title: Lights, Camera, Drone New Media Systems, Inc will introduce a glimpse into the drone world on how drones can help you prepare, capture, handle logistics real-time, and promote your next event. Learn about strategy with low- cost aerial surveying, data collection, and marketing. U.S. officials estimate that nearly two million consumer drones will be sold in the U.S. over the 2017 holiday season. If you're not using drones, don't worry... your competitor is. Session will include footage from a 2017 VAF member fair as an example, as well as a live drone demonstration outside after the session, weather permitting. Blue Ridge Room – Topic 3 Martin Svrcek: Martin is the Executive Director, Montgomery County Agricultural Fair Seminar Title: Volunteers as Stakeholders Recruiting and retaining active volunteers is a challenge in the Fair and Festival industry. Long term volunteer commitment can be achieved when true stakeholder involvement occurs at a Fair. Learn how volunteers achieve various levels of membership at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. Stratford Room – Topic 4 Dario Savarese: Dario is the president of Full Circle Marketing. Seminar Title: Develop a new advertising/marketing plan for your fair-festival or do the same thing and accept the same results? Session will cover the type of media partners and how to leverage your Fair/Festival for more exposure. Utilizing the media element to support your sponsorship engagement. And lastly, develop a comprehensive marketing/promotional plan for your Fair/Festival. Appalachian Room – Topic 5 Bradley Veach. Bradley is the President of Mobile Marketing & Entertainment Solutions, Inc. Seminar Title - Reaching your Audience through Mobile Technology. Mobile phones are an integral part of most people's lives. Learn how to better reach your audience with innovative ideas that many people will use from their phones as part of their every day routines. Mobile technology and apps can be an integral part of your event! 15 Minute Refreshment Break – Regency Lobby (Downstairs) 2ND SERIES MORNING EDUCATION SESSIONS 10:30 AM – 12:00 NOON Piedmont Room – Topic 1 Clint Sellers: Clint is an Attorney with his own company, Clint Sellers PLLC Seminar Title–Corporate Governance Overview Employees and volunteers acting on behalf of a fair or similar organization need to understand their legal duties to protect the entity and themselves from liability. Protecting an organization and the individuals who serve it is possible only with working knowledge of basic legal requirements. Learn how associations are commonly structured and the duties of individuals who serve them. Mt. Vernon Room – Topic 2 Thomas Hardiman: Thomas is a Partner in Hardiman-Williams, LLC Seminar Tilte - Effective Board Leadership - Roles and Responsibilities Many non-profit leaders serve in their roles without any formal training or full understanding of what is expected of them. Learn basic board roles and responsibilities while sharing best practices and real life examples of how effective boards operate. Blue Ridge Room – Topic 3 Lynnette Embree: Founder of Success for Life Coaching (2001) Seminar Title – Get Better Results with Better Communication Skills Have you ever had a problem with a Board/Staff member or volunteer? Did you know that we all give and receive information differently? What if you could learn how you and others best give and receive information? This session will help you discover your own communication style as well as others’ styles. Learning how to best communicate with others will make a huge difference in getting work done with minimal conflicts. Stafford Room – Topic 4 Mark Duffell: Past President VA Angus Association Seminar Title – The importance of Livestock Shows at your Fair Mark Duffell has served as a livestock judge for the past 35 years. He has judged numerous breeds from County Fairs to State Fairs, National Breed Shows, All-American Breeders’ Futurity, American Angus Junior National Breed Show and Showmanships, and many others. He will be addressing the significance of Livestock Shows and the impact they have on our youth’s future. Appalachian Room – Topic 5 Trooper Tom May from the Virginia State Police and Jared Jenkins, Assistant Commonwealth Atty Seminar Title – Grounds restrictions: Do you have a weapons policy at your Fair? What are your plans and /or policies regarding concealed weapons. Do you prefer no admittance of weapons? Is open carry concerning your fair attendees? What are the laws regarding public property vs. private property? This discussion and much more regarding Virginia Laws and what you can and can’t do. For other events should there be bag searches? Who and or what should we be alerted to? A thought provoking discussion focused on Virginia Concealed weapons and today’s social environment that we live in presented by Virginia State Troopers “Soaring Into the Next Century” 2018 CONFERENCE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION of FAIRS THURSDAY, JANUARY 4th Conference Registration 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Crystal Room Conference badges complements of Deggeller Attractions “Southern Social Hour” 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM The Great Hall Communications Entries 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Empire Room Auction items received 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Crystal Room VAF Board of Directors Meeting 5:45 PM – 7:30 PM Dominion Room Welcome Party and Social 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Meet you downstairs at “Down Time” Restaurant Games & Fun, Corn Dogs, Complementary Tea/ Coffee, – Reduced Price Cash Bar Sponsored by: Salem Fair (Please make sure to pick up your Official VAF registration badge) VAF Hospitality Suite 7:00 PM – 12 Midnight New Location! 1627 Tower Suite Presented by the Fauquier County Fair/ Orange County Fair For great fun and socializing, make sure & stop by your Virginia Association of Fairs Hospitality Suite! FRIDAY, JANUARY 5th Conference Registration 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Crystal Room BREAKFAST “On Your Own” 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Homestead Dining Room $15.00 Buffet plus fees (At your expense) Silent/Live Auction Items received 8:00 AM – Noon Crystal Room Communications Entries 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Empire Room (Open for public viewing in late afternoon–Check App For updates) Sponsored by: Debra and Wick Coleman EDUCATION SESSIONS 9:00 AM-12 NOON Morning Education Sessions sponsored by “Beyond Spots and Dots” 1st Series Morning Education Sessions 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Room Topic 1 – Keeping Up with ever Changing World of Social Media Platforms Speaker: Dave Neudeck – Digital Marketing Director – Va. Tourism Piedmont Topic 2 – Lights, Camera, Drone Speaker: Richard McDonald – Aerial Director of Photography Mt. Vernon Topic 3 – Volunteers as Stakeholders Speaker: Martin Svrcek – Montgomery County Agricultural Fair Blue Ridge Topic 4 – Develop a new Advertising Plan or do you do the same thing w/ the same results Speaker: Dario Savarese – President – Full Circle Marketing Stratford Topic 5 – Reaching Your Audience through Mobile Technology Speaker: Bradley Veach – President- Mobile Marketing/Entertainment Appalachian 15 Minute Refreshment Break – Regency Lobby - Sponsored by “The State Fair of Virginia” 2nd Series Morning Education Sessions 10:30 PM - 12:00 PM Room Topic 1 – Corporate Governance Overview Speaker: Clint Sellers – Private Attorney, Clint Sellers, PLLC Piedmont Topic 2 – Effective Board Leadership Speaker: Thomas Hardiman – Partner, Hardiman-Williams LLC Appalachian Topic 3 – Get Better Results with Better Communication Skills. Speaker: Lynette Embree – Founder, Success for Life Coaching Blue Ridge Topic 4 – The Importance of Livestock Shows at Your Fair Speaker: Mark Duffell – Past President, Virginia Angus Association Stratford Topic 5 – Grounds Restrictions: Do you have a Weapons Policy at your Fair? Speakers: Virginia State Trooper May and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jared Jenkins Mt. Vernon 2 VAF LUNCHEON 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Grand Ballroom East Advanced Ticket required Greek Salad, Baked Ham, Green Beans Turkey/ Mash Potatoes/ Chips, Cookies/ Brownies Virginia Association of Fairs Annual Meeting 1:30 PM Grand Ballroom East 1) President’s Welcome & Introductions 2) Attendance Report / Treasurer’s Summary 3) General Business and Nominations for Board 4) 100th Anniversary Queen’s Farewell Address 5) Sponsors recognition /Announcements and “Door Prizes” 2018 VAF “TRADE SHOW” Sneak Peek Opening 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Regency Ballroom (You must display your Official VAF Registration Badge to enter) “Southern Social Hour” 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM The Great Hall Make plans to have Dinner on your own tonight! “Entertainment Showcase” 7:00 PM Sponsored by RMC Events Grand Ballroom West Arrive before 7:00 and receive a chance to win $100 at conclusion. Sponsored by Artists & Attractions Must be present to win. Meet the Entertainers in Grand Ballroom Lobby after the Show VAF Hospitality Suite 1:00 PM – Until # 1627 Tower Suite SATURDAY, JANUARY 6th Conference Registration 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Crystal Room Silent Auction Opens for your Bids 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Crystal Room Silent Auction sponsored by Allied Insurance BREAKFAST “On Your Own” 7:00AM – 9:00 AM Homestead Dining Room $15.00 Buffet plus fees (At Your Expense) 3 Communication Awards Viewing Check app for opening times Empire Room Youth Leadership Interviews 10:00 AM -3:00 PM Stratford, Mt Vernon, Chesapeake, and Lexington Rooms – Main Floor VAF TRADE SHOW 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Regency Ballroom “CORNER CAFÉ ENTERTAINMENT” – Performances throughout the Day Judges School for Home/Garden/and Arts – Dominion Room Sponsored by: Caroline County Agricultural Fair & Francine Whittaker Registrations begin 8:00am….Please list 1st, 2nd, 3rd Choices on the Application. Required Ethics Class: 8:30 – 9:00 AM Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 9:00 -10:00 10:10 -11:10 11:20 -12:20 Needle Arts Food Preservation Needle Arts Interview Judging Scrapbooking Food Preservation Photography Quilts Vegetables/Fruits 1st Session Round Table Casual Discussion Series 10:30 AM – 11:30 All sessions held downstairs –sponsored by True Grit Rodeo Topic 1: How do you compensate your judges? Meals, Mileage, or Fee Moderator: Brenda Rich Appalachian Topic2: Our Fair works with radio and gets free advertising. Moderator: Ellen Shaver Shenk Piedmont Topic 3: Special Days at your Fair…Senior’s, Kid’s, Special Needs… Moderator: Betsy Brown Blue Ridge 4 Italian Lunch Buffet 12:00 – 1:15 PM Grand Ballroom West Caesar Salad / Chicken Alfredo / Lasagna / Tiramisu (Advanced ticket required) proudly Sponsored by “The State Fair of Virginia” nd 2 Session Round Table Casual Discussion Series 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM All sessions are held downstairs – sponsored by True Grit Rodeo Topic 1: Fair and 4-H Livestock: Who pays for what? Moderator: Patti Knight Piedmont Topic2: Is your Fair doing any cool things on Face Book? Moderator: Essie Berry Appalachian Topic 3: Bartering Sponsorships: Make your Fair better with no cash outlay! Moderator: Dave Leonard Blue Ridge VAF Hospitality Suite 1:30 PM – Until #1627 Tower Suite TRADE SHOW “RAFFLE & RALLY” 2:45 PM Youth Scholarship Recognition presented by the Virginia Association of Fairs Drawings -Sponsored by Stineman Ribbon Company Must be present to win drawings. “Southern Social Hour” 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM The Great Hall Miss Virginia Association of Fairs Pageant 3:00 PM Commonwealth Room proudly sponsored by: Pepsi -Cola of Central Virginia 5:00 PM Meet the Queens Virginia Association of Fairs Gala Dinner Sirloin Filet with Diane Sauce, Whipped Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Farmer’s Salad, Seasonal Vegetables, Chocolate Layer Cake, Iced Tea, Coffee Grand Ballroom 6:00 PM Dinner and Show (Dress: Business Casual or better…Please no jeans, shorts, or caps (Advanced Ticket Required) Special Guest Entertainment “LITTLE TEXAS” Nashville Recording Artist, Featuring #1 Hit “God Bless Texas” Sponsored by Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) 5 VAF Recognition Awards & Live Scholarship Auction 7:30 PM Grand Ballroom (All Conference Attendees and Guests are requested to attend) *Introduction of our 2018 VAF Queen * Recognition Guest *Communication Awards – sponsored by Debra and Wick Coleman Presentation of the Hazel Staley” Leadership Award Awarded to a Veteran Fair Volunteer for years of Service Sponsored by Fair Publishing Manufacturing, Inc. “VAF Fair Person of the Year” Last Chance to buy Raffle tickets - Special 50/50 & Golden Ticket Raffle Drawings!!! “Live Scholarship Auction” – Sponsored by Variety Attractions $100 cash prize given at conclusion of Live Auction. (Must be present to win). Final opportunity to pick–up/pay for Auction Items at Conclusion of Live Auction. VAF Hospitality Suite (Finale’) Open until 12 or so… #1627 Tower Suite (Make sure to stop by and see if you won any door prizes, guessing games, or raffles) SUNDAY, JANUARY 7th BREAKFAST “On Your Own” 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM Homestead Dining Room $15.00 Buffet plus fees – Also available to VAF Pageant attendees. (At your Expense) VAF Board of Directors Meeting 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Dominion Room Thank You for attending the 2018 Virginia Association of Fairs Conference. Returning to The Homestead January 3rd, 2019 6 HOMESTEAD DINING OPTIONS 1) Kober’s: Ski Lodge Dining -complementary shuttle front of Homestead $15-$25 Features: Casual restaurant –Specialty items include - Smoked entrees 2) The Casino: Located outside –exit at end of Great Hall and turn left. $15-$35 Features: Casual restaurant atmosphere featuring Italian Menu Open: Friday and Saturday Nights 3) Homestead Dining Room: Up-scale Dining Dress Jackets required $50-$80 Features: Regular menu. Ask about specially priced 3 course menu for VAF guests 4) Jefferson Restaurant: Quality dining in a relaxed atmosphere $20-$80 Features: Regular menu. Ask about specially priced 3 course menu for VAF guest 5) Jefferson Lounge: Located end of Great Hall – Cocktails and light fare $10 -$25 Features: Sports Bar atmosphere and casual dress. 6) Martha’s Markets: Located Tower Wing off Grand Hall $5 -$15 Features: Continental Breakfast, Juice & Sodas, and snacks OFF SITE DINING OPTIONS 1) Cucci’s Restaurant: Italian Fare approx. 4 miles (also delivers) $8 -$15 2) Subway: walk downtown $5-$8 3) Lindsay’s Roost: Lunch/Dinner walk downtown $5-$15 4) Country Cafe: Full menu approx. 2 miles $5-$25 5) Snead’s 1912 Steak walk downtown $35- $70 6) Les Cochon’s d’ Or walk downtown $16-$29 7 Special Saturday Night Entertainment As part of the Young Country movement of the early ‘90s, Little Texas were responsible for shaking up the country music world with a new, energetic sound that fused the look and attitude of modern rock music with traditional coun- try themes and styles, bringing a much appreciated bolt of life into the genre. For their efforts, country fans the world over richly rewarded the band, buying up over 7 million of their albums, while critics showered them with 3 Grammy nominations plus honors from both the Academy of Country Music (Vocal Group Of The Year) and the Country Music Association (Album Of The Year). Their first radio release in 1991, “Some Guys Have All The Love,” became a Top-10 hit, as did their next single, “First Time For Everything.” After the albumFirst Time For Everything was released, five singles reached the top of the charts. The second album, Big Time, truly was the big time for Little Texas. Early in their career, Little Texas was designated as an arena act. They first signed on as an opener on an arena tour headlined by Clint Black. Later, they traveled with Travis Tritt and Trisha Yearwood on a tour sponsored by Budweiser. After that, they were on their own, with Crown Royal, singing to packed arenas across the United States and Canada. During this time, the band played a part in Common Thread: The Songs of The Eagles, which later earned their first Country Music Association trophy for “Album Of The Year.” Currently, the line up’s on the concert circuit celebrating its official 24th year on the radio since their first single, “Some Guys Have All The Love,” hit the airwaves in 1991. The music the band has generated over the years is timeless, and has been featured on hundreds of television programs and sporting events including Good Morning America, American Idol, Don’t Forget The Words, America’s Got Talent & HBO’s “True Blood,” while “God Blessed Texas” has been the theme music for the Texas Ford Dealers commercials since 1998. This year, Little Texas is breaking new sonic ground with the release of their 8th album, Young For A Long Time. Undoubtedly the band has never sounded more confident, as the chorus of the titular lead off track proudly declares, “Don’t you know by now we’ve got this down / That Friday night fire still hasn’t gone out / We got a rock solid life and a rock n’ roll state of mind / We were born to run / So sit down, son / We’ll show you just how it’s done / ‘Cause we’ve been young for a long time.” The musicianship has only improved with age as well with Porter Howell truly coming into his own as the band’s lead vocalist in addition to his dazzling lead guitar work, and backed by the always solid playing of drummer Del Gray. “Young For A Long Time pretty much runs the gamut of everything we’ve ever done, plus takes us down some new roads as well,” Propes continues, “the vocals are there, the guitar work is there, the party songs are there, the ‘make you cry’ love songs, the songs about Texas. We even dive off into swamp rock and torch music, so each song has a totally different fuel behind it.” “The four of us appreciate each other and still have a ball on stage,” says drummer Gray of the band’s chemistry on stage after all this time. “There is a comfort level that happen to us when we play together that can only happen with 20-something years of experience.” Proud Sponsor of the Virginia Association of Fairs and The Miss Virginia Association of Fairs Pageant Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of Central Virginia Family Owned and Operated The Jessup Family continues to celebrate over 109 years of continuous service to our community! PO Box 9035, Charlottesville, VA 22906 www.pepsicva.com In Memory of WINFRED WILLIAM “Bill” ORTTS (1938 - 2017) Winfred William “Bill” Ortts passed away Thursday, Novem- ber 16, 2017. He was 79 years old. Bill was a major part of the Shenandoah County Fair, joining the Fair Board in 1985, serving as President from 1996 until 2009 and Vice President from 2009 until the present. Bill founded Ortts Electric; now operated by his son, Charlie; in 1967 and retired in 2002. Bill served on the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors from 1984-1995, was a charter mem- ber of the Woodstock Moose Lodge #575 and the NRA. Bill was a hard worker, made a lasting impact on people in his life and passed along a strong work ethic. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kitty Lou Hockman Ortts and a son, Charles W. Ortts and his wife Karla and grand- son Kyle. Bill was an influential part of the Shenandoah County Fair Association for many years and will be sorely missed. JOE JOHNSON Joe was a graduate of Osbourn High School, and later served In the United States Navy during WWII. Mr. Johnson was a lifelong resident of Manassas and was very proud of his city. He owned and operated the Johnson Family Farm, which now serves as the home for Grace United Methodist Church, and was a member of the Manas- sas City School Board for over 25 years, where he also served as its chairman from 1975-1985, and again from 1995-2000. He was actively involved in the development of the Johnson Learn- ing Center, and was one of the founders of the Prince William County Fair. In 1949 a group of young veterans, including Mr. Johnson, organized and held a successful Dairy Show. The gentlemen decided to organize themselves as the Veterans Farm Club. Joe Johnson was elected president that first year and was fair manager for over 40 years until 1996. He remained an active board member until his passing this fall. 2018 VIRGINIA FAIR DATES AND LOCATIONS Fair Date Fair Name / Location Phone Fair Date Fair Name / Location Phone Fair Date Fair Name / Location Phone Fair Date Fair Name / Location Phone APR 27-MAY 06 Shen. Apple Blossom Festival / WINCHESTER (540) 662-3863 AUG 13-18 Rockingham County Fair / HARRISONBURG (540) 434-0005 SEP 08 Floyd Livestock and County Fair / FLOYD (540) 745-2066 SEP 28-OCT 07 State Fair of VA / MEADOW EVENT PARK-DOSWELL (804) 994-2800 MAY 18-20 Powhatan County Fair / POWHATAN (804) 598-9808 AUG 15-18 Arlington County Fair / ARLINGTON (703) 829-7471 SEP 10-15 Washington County Fair / ABINGDON (276) 628-6233 OCT 09-13 South Central Fair / CHASE CITY (434) 372-2642 JUN 04-09 VA-KY District Fair & Horse Show / WISE (276) 328-5760 AUG 19-25 Page Valley Agricultural & Industrial Fair / LURAY (540) 843-3247 SEP 12-15 Franklin County Agricultural Fair / ROCKY MOUNT (540) 483-3030 OCT 13 King George Fall Festival / KING GEORGE (540) 709-7495 JUN 08-10 Celebrate Fairfax! Festival / FAIRFAX (703) 324-3247 AUG 22-26 Carroll County Fair / HILLSVILLE (276) 730-3128 SEP 13-16 Isle of Wight Co Fair / WINDSOR (757) 357-2291 OCT Stafford County Fair / MOUNTAIN VIEW HS (540) 840-8992 JUN 20-23 Caroline County Agricultural Fair / RUTHER GLEN (804) 466-1507 AUG 24-26 Amherst County Fair / SWEET BRIAR (434) 946-0990 SEP 15-16 New Kent County Fair / NEW KENT HS (804) 932-3155 TBA Dickenson County Fair / HAYSI (276) 865-4823 JUN 20-23 Orange County Fair / ORANGE (540) 672-8108 AUG 24-SEP 01 Chesterfield County Fair / CHESTERFIELD (804) 768-1555 SEP 18-22 Patrick County Agricultural Fair / STUART (276) 694-6617 TBA Five County Fair / FARMVILLE (434) 392-7002 JUN 26-30 Greene County Fair / STANARDSVILLE (434) 985-3333 AUG 26-SEP 01 Shenandoah Co Fair / WOODSTOCK (540) 459-3867 SEP 27-30 Bedford County Fair / HUDDLESTON (540) 322-3247 JUL 03-15 Salem Fair / SALEM (540) 375-4013 AUG 29-SEP 01 Lee County Fair / PENNINGTON GAP (276) 346-2075 JUL 11-14 Fauquier County Fair / WARRENTON (540) 270-1659 AUG 29-SEP 01 Highland County Fair / MONTEREY (540) 468-2225 JUL 17-21 Tazewell County Fair / TAZEWELL (276) 988-7300 AUG 8-11 Bergton Community Fair / BERGTON-ROCKINGHAM (540) 852-3505 JUL 18-21 Madison County Fair / MADISON (540) 948-7073 SEPT 01-08 Russell County Fair & Horse Show / CASTLEWOOD (276) 762-2261 JUL 22-28 Loudoun County Fair / LEESBURG (703) 777-3835 SEPT 15 Bath County Fair / MILLBROOK ELEM SCHOOL (540) 839-7261 JUL 23-28 New River Valley Fair / DUBLIN (540) 674-1548 SEP 21-23 Field Day of the Past / GOOCHLAND COUNTY (804) 741-8468 JUL 26-28 Albemarle County Fair / ASHLAWN HIGHLAND (434) 989-4222 SEP 06-08 Rockbridge Regional Fair & Exposition / LEXINGTON (540) 464-2952 JUL 26-28 Suffolk Peanut Fest / SUFFOLK (757) 539-6751 SEP 07-09 Dinwiddie County Fair / DINWIDDIE COUNTY (804) 732-1100 JUL 27-AUG 05 Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair / FREDERICKSBURG (540) 373-1294 SEP 07-08 Mathews Market Days / MATHEWS (804) 505-1209 JUL 29- AUG 04 Frederick County Fair / WINCHESTER (540) 667-8739 JUL 31-AUG 04 Augusta County Fair / FISHERSVILLE (540) 245-5627 AUG 06-11 Warren County Fair / FRONT ROYAL (540) 635-5827 AUG 08-11 Franklin / Southampton County Fair / COURTLAND (757) 562-3765 Presented by AUG 08-12 Richmond County Fair / WARSAW (804) 313-9940 Virginia Association of Fairs, Inc. AUG 10-18 Prince William Co Fair / MANASSAS (703) 368-0173 www.vafairs.us • 703-919-7020 AUG 10-11 Louisa County Agricultural Fair / LOUISA (540) 894-6321 AUG 12-18 Clarke County Fair / BERRYVILLE (540) 955-2530 2018 VIRGINIA FAIR DATES AND LOCATIONS Fair Date Fair Name / Location Phone Fair Date Fair Name / Location Phone Fair Date Fair Name / Location Phone Fair Date Fair Name / Location Phone APR 27-MAY 06 Shen. Apple Blossom Festival / WINCHESTER (540) 662-3863 AUG 13-18 Rockingham County Fair / HARRISONBURG (540) 434-0005 SEP 08 Floyd Livestock and County Fair / FLOYD (540) 745-2066 SEP 28-OCT 07 State Fair of VA / MEADOW EVENT PARK-DOSWELL (804) 994-2800 MAY 18-20 Powhatan County Fair / POWHATAN (804) 598-9808 AUG 15-18 Arlington County Fair / ARLINGTON (703) 829-7471 SEP 10-15 Washington County Fair / ABINGDON (276) 628-6233 OCT 09-13 South Central Fair / CHASE CITY (434) 372-2642 JUN 04-09 VA-KY District Fair & Horse Show / WISE (276) 328-5760 AUG 19-25 Page Valley Agricultural & Industrial Fair / LURAY (540) 843-3247 SEP 12-15 Franklin County Agricultural Fair / ROCKY MOUNT (540) 483-3030 OCT 13 King George Fall Festival / KING GEORGE (540) 709-7495 JUN 08-10 Celebrate Fairfax! Festival / FAIRFAX (703) 324-3247 AUG 22-26 Carroll County Fair / HILLSVILLE (276) 730-3128 SEP 13-16 Isle of Wight Co Fair / WINDSOR (757) 357-2291 OCT Stafford County Fair / MOUNTAIN VIEW HS (540) 840-8992 JUN 20-23 Caroline County Agricultural Fair / RUTHER GLEN (804) 466-1507 AUG 24-26 Amherst County Fair / SWEET BRIAR (434) 946-0990 SEP 15-16 New Kent County Fair / NEW KENT HS (804) 932-3155 TBA Dickenson County Fair / HAYSI (276) 865-4823 JUN 20-23 Orange County Fair / ORANGE (540) 672-8108 AUG 24-SEP 01 Chesterfield County Fair / CHESTERFIELD (804) 768-1555 SEP 18-22 Patrick County Agricultural Fair / STUART (276) 694-6617 TBA Five County Fair / FARMVILLE (434) 392-7002 JUN 26-30 Greene County Fair / STANARDSVILLE (434) 985-3333 AUG 26-SEP 01 Shenandoah Co Fair / WOODSTOCK (540) 459-3867 SEP 27-30 Bedford County Fair / HUDDLESTON (540) 322-3247 JUL 03-15 Salem Fair / SALEM (540) 375-4013 AUG 29-SEP 01 Lee County Fair / PENNINGTON GAP (276) 346-2075 JUL 11-14 Fauquier County Fair / WARRENTON (540) 270-1659 AUG 29-SEP 01 Highland County Fair / MONTEREY (540) 468-2225 JUL 17-21 Tazewell County Fair / TAZEWELL (276) 988-7300 AUG 8-11 Bergton Community Fair / BERGTON-ROCKINGHAM (540) 852-3505 JUL 18-21 Madison County Fair / MADISON (540) 948-7073 SEPT 01-08 Russell County Fair & Horse Show / CASTLEWOOD (276) 762-2261 JUL 22-28 Loudoun County Fair / LEESBURG (703) 777-3835 SEPT 15 Bath County Fair / MILLBROOK ELEM SCHOOL (540) 839-7261 JUL 23-28 New River Valley Fair / DUBLIN (540) 674-1548 SEP 21-23 Field Day of the Past / GOOCHLAND COUNTY (804) 741-8468 JUL 26-28 Albemarle County Fair / ASHLAWN HIGHLAND (434) 989-4222 SEP 06-08 Rockbridge Regional Fair & Exposition / LEXINGTON (540) 464-2952 JUL 26-28 Suffolk Peanut Fest / SUFFOLK (757) 539-6751 SEP 07-09 Dinwiddie County Fair / DINWIDDIE COUNTY (804) 732-1100 JUL 27-AUG 05 Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair / FREDERICKSBURG (540) 373-1294 SEP 07-08 Mathews Market Days / MATHEWS (804) 505-1209 JUL 29- AUG 04 Frederick County Fair / WINCHESTER (540) 667-8739 JUL 31-AUG 04 Augusta County Fair / FISHERSVILLE (540) 245-5627 AUG 06-11 Warren County Fair / FRONT ROYAL (540) 635-5827 AUG 08-11 Franklin / Southampton County Fair / COURTLAND (757) 562-3765 Presented by AUG 08-12 Richmond County Fair / WARSAW (804) 313-9940 Virginia Association of Fairs, Inc. AUG 10-18 Prince William Co Fair / MANASSAS (703) 368-0173 www.vafairs.us • 703-919-7020 AUG 10-11 Louisa County Agricultural Fair / LOUISA (540) 894-6321 AUG 12-18 Clarke County Fair / BERRYVILLE (540) 955-2530 Hospitality Room 1627 Tower Suite * * * The Virginia Thursday, January 4th Soaring Into the Next Century !! 7:00 p.m. - 12 midnight Association of Fairs The sky’s the limit! Whether our 2017 fair season was ‘off the charts’ with great weather, record attendance and a smilingwant bottom line,to orthank proved to yoube a challenge due to circumstances Friday, January 5th beyond our control, we can all be grateful and encouraged to be part of an industry that is still 1:00 p.m. - until ?? family focused, aiming our youthfor into coming leadership, as wellto asthe enjoying life in our ‘today’ while reaching for and enjoying101 thatst cutting Annual edge of the future.Conference. Saturday, January 6th How’re we doing that?!? The planned program for this year’s VAF 2018 annual 1:00 p.m. - 12 midnight conference at The HomesteadThe is chocked Board full of topics/speakers/roundwishes you tablesall which will address some of the most pressing concerns of our fair operations. AND, you’re going to be treated to * * * pure fun while enjoying one aof America’sgood highest FAIR acclaimed season resorts. Great food, fabulousand showcase, look bestforward trade show, $100 to give seeing-aways, showing off our fair’s sponsored by best, and a special treat! Be sure to get your banquet tickets for Saturday night and enjoy special guest entertainment “Little Texas”. Fauquier County Fair you here again in 2019. & Orange County Fair “It IS a BIG DILL!!!!” One of the grass root qualitiesrd th any fair/festival can possess and which is the foundation for a successful(January event – customer 3 -7 service) . Let’s always remember the phrase, “Get ready, company’s coming”. Be sure to mark your schedule to view the fun-filled theatre presentation, “Just Give Them the Pickle” on Saturday morning. Be on the lookout for friendly ‘pickles’ all weekend! Our past 100 years as the Virginia Association of Fairs has given us a great jump start on a stellar next century. Enjoy some fun and relaxation and a refueling at the upcoming annual conference in January. See you there!!!! Remember Wrigleys, Betsy Brown, VAF President VAF YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS - WE ARE PROUD! The Virginia Association of Fairs embraces and promotes two youth scholarship programs, the Youth Leadership Award Program and the Miss VAF Scholarship Pageant. Each year young people are awarded approximately $10,000 in scholarship funds during the VAF Conference. Award winnings are paid to the winner's choice of higher education institutions in the award winner's name. The educational institution may be a college, university or technical school. Proceeds from the sale of items donated by fairs and associate members during the Live and Silent Auctions are directed exclusively to the Youth Leadership Award Program fund. Additionally, proceeds from the Raffle ticket sale are for the sole purpose of the Youth Leadership Award Program. The YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD PROGRAM is open to youth ages 14-19 as of January 1, 2018, who have been an active participant in a VAF member fair or festival. The Youth Leadership Award Program contest goals are as follows: 1. Recognize superior leadership characteristics among junior members of the Association and the industry 2. Encourage and develop leadership and speaking skills among junior mem- bers so that they will be able to serve their local boards, the industry, and their local communities. Six young leaders will participate in this year's competition on Saturday, January 6th at the OMNI Homestead Resort. The 2017 VAF Youth Leadership Scholarship competition partici- pants will be: Makayla Newman Carroll County Agricultural Fair Megan Day Fauquier County Fair Katherine Orlowsky Loudoun County Fair Jenna Hamilton Rockbridge Regional Fair Tiffany Heishman Shenandoah County Fair Ryan Gobble Washington County Fair 2017 Miss Virginia Association of Fairs WHITNEY DAVIS Five County Fair The MISS VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS PAGEANT is held annually at the VAF Conference. This year twenty-four young ladies, Queens from their respective or regional fair, will compete in the 2017 Miss Virginia Association of Fairs Scholarship Pageant on Sunday, January 8, at 10:00AM in the Commonwealth Room. The Virginia Association of Fairs Board of Directors welcomes these young ladies, chosen in competitions among their peers from their respective member fair across the Commonwealth, to participate in the Miss Virginia Association of Fairs (Miss VAF) Scholarship Pageant. The Board’s purpose in sponsoring the Miss VAF Scholarship Pageant is to select the young lady that best represents the values that Virginians hold dear. These include, but not limited to, a nice appearance and presentation, well-spoken, well-behaved, and knowledge of a wide array of topics. The lady chosen as Miss Virginia Association of Fairs will represent not only the association, but the fair industry, her fair and her community. The Board’s expectation is that the Miss Virginia Association of Fairs be a responsible individual, whose desire is to con- tribute to the greater good through education, volunteerism and personal contribution. 2018 Miss VAF Fair Contestants are: Miss Bedford County Fair ...... Madison Ohler Miss Bergton Community Fair...... Cheyenne Miller Miss Chesterfield County Fair ...... Ariana Speight Miss Dickenson County Fair ...... Cami Robinette Miss Fauquier County Fair ...... Savannah Reinhar Miss Five County Fair...... Juliann Spigler Miss Floyd Livestock and County Fair ...... Jaci Thomas Miss Franklin / Southampton County Fair ...... Sarah Giorgi Miss Franklin County Agricultural Fair ...... Jessica Brevard Miss Frederick County Fair...... Alina Hackney Miss Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair ...... Abagail Farley Miss Isle of Wight County Fair ...... Kelly Moore Miss King George Fall Festival ...... Brianna Green Miss Lee County Fair...... McKenzie Temple Miss Page Valley Agricultural & Industrial Fair ...... Danielle Dinges Miss Patrick County Agricultural Fair...... Brook Pike Miss Rockingham County Fair...... Rachel Nott Miss Russell County Fair & Horse Show ...... Jazlyn Adams Miss Shenandoah County Fair ...... Kylie Stottlemyer Miss Stafford County Fair ...... Kristin Halter Miss Tazewell County Fair...... Courtney Foster Miss Virginia-Kentucky District Fair and Horse Show ...... Victoria Adams Miss Warren County Fair ...... Rachel Costello Miss Washington County Fair ...... Emiily Brown Fair Attendees - VAF Conference 2018 Amherst County Fair Fauquier County Fair Sara Hedgepeth Carter Wasser Chandra Houff Dora Garner Karen Tanner Andy Cooper Sarah Giorgi Lee County Fair Charlie Whetzel Izabella Garner Vanessa Angus Anita Johnson Spring Byrum Bobby Burchett Dawn Ritchie Kevan Sherman Augusta County Fair Anna Dodson Will Drury Charlotte Kirk Dewey Ritchie Marilyn McCluster Ellen Shaver Shank Becky Cooper Franklin County Agr. Fair Connie Burchett Gary Roy Sharon Sherman Eric Stogdale Brandon Huffer Chelsea Claytor Elizabeth Barron-McElyea Gretchen Germroth Stafford County Fair Bath County Fair Brenda Payne Corrie Utt Faye Bocock Jeff Germroth Anne Shelton Allison Hicklin Brenda Rich Danielle Ridgeway Gary A. McElyea Kathy Burke Christine Hare Celine Pritt Brooke Heflin David Rotenizer Kaitlyn Harless Kern Houff Gordie Shelton Edward Hicklin C. Q. Ritchie Jessica Brevard Keith Harless Melissa Shifflett Gordon Shelton Kari Sponaugle David Day Madherleyn Torres Leslie Harless Pam Edwards Jerry Hare Bedford County Fair Donald Jenkins, Jr. Mike Burnette McKenzie Templeton Patricia Bowman Kaylee Shelton Carolyn Fellers Eddie Payne Robin Brevard McKenzie Templeton Rachel Nott Kaylin Hare Christy Lucy Eli Reinhardt Tammy Bowles Madison County Fair Ron Williams Kristin Halter Lindsay Tomlinson Elizabeth Lloyd Frederick County Fair Amanda Scott Sue Armbruster Maureen Shelton Madison Ohler Frank Reinhardt Alina Hackney Carlyle Weaver Vera Bowman Medford Shelton Pete Fellers Grady Reinhardt Dawn McKee Cathy Weaver Vicki Cook Sandy Halter Susan B. Tarrelll Hunter Carson Gary Lutrell Ed Berry William Bowman State Fair of Virginia Susan Epperly Jennifer Pittman Jerry Arbogast Essie Berry Russell County Fair & Cheryl English Bergton Community Fair Joleen Reinhardt Kim Arbogast Jeff Colvin Horse Show Pam Daneker Cheyenne Miller Joyce Gunderson Les Morefield Kaci Daniel Betsy Brown Tazewell County Fair Krista Strawderman Judy Poland McKenna Kendrick Roger Scott Betsy Brown Courtney Foster Savannah Showalter Kaye Day Nancy Sowers Scott Daniel Carolyn Fields Dee Stillwell Sharon V. Lantz Keith Johnson Ricky McKee Tina Colvin Darlene Austin Donnie Yates Vickie-Keplinger-Funk Lauren Poland Sharon Lutrell Mehrle Staley David Leonard Jack W. Asbury Yvette Miller Lindsey Pittman Stasia Morefield Mehrle Staley Ernie Perkins Jerry Foster Caroline County Agr. Fair Megan Day Fredericksburg Agr. Fair Mid-Atlantic Power Festival Jackie Hubbard Ruth Ann Foster Debra C. Coleman Meredith Day Abagail Farley Chip Morris Jazlyn Adams Sue Yates Wickham B. Coleman Mike Pittman Adeline Estes Jamie Morris Jeanne Hubbard Viola S. Asbury Audubon L. Hayes Quinn Morris Bonnie Patrick Lyla Morris Karen Salyers Virginia-Kentucky Dist. Fonville Hayes Roy Rich Camden Bullock Wyatt Morris Kelsey King Fair and Horse Show Lynda Tate Rusty Curley Carey Snellings Orange County Fair Nancy Burkett Amanda Mullins Macine Williams Sandy Dodson Charlene Dempsey Autumn Rogers Nancy Perkins Cameron Mullins Sylvia Tate Savannah Reinhardt Christine Dempsey Carol Koontz Patsy Phillips Casey Mullins Francine Whittaker Will Dodson Crystal Hunnicutt Daniel Lohr Sexton Burkett Courtney Rasnake Debbie Wright Zoe Divjak Dottie Gibson Danielle Sargent Whitney Phillips Lawton Mullins Mack Wright Field Day of the Past Evie Farley Drema Rogers Salem Fair Victoria Adams Carroll County Fair Denise Gammon Fran McCalley Hayden Rogers Debra Hite Warren County Fair Carol Chevalier Dennis Gammon Gabi Estes Sarah Altman Eddie Hite Barbara Ballentine Jo Newman Marylin Long Jennifer Cox Sibyl Hale Shenandoah County Fair Bob Ballentine Makalya Newman Melinda Gammon Joe Farley Tammy Lohr Allen Gochenour Charles Costello Margie Quesenberry Sam Long Jordan Estes Tony Rogers Anthony Peacher Dave Moler Dave Moler Myra Leonard Five County Fair Kim Updyke Page Valley Agri. & Ind. Fair Barbara Eastep Dennis Grove Pat Cox Auburn Estes Kinsley Updyke Anita Wood Becky LeDane Joe Starcher Sheila Newman Billy Jo Waddell Mary Ann Seay Chad Breeden Bridgette Fisher Kandi Lamb Trish Hash Jennifer Spigler Mary Cooper Charlie Sours Christy Stottlemyer Kathy Costello Chesterfield County Fair Juliann M. Spigler Pat Loving Cindy Sours David Getz Kelly Cody Ariana Speight Lynne C. Estes Patricia Combs Danielle Dinges David Hutton Kim Shipe Brenda White T.J. Estes Paula Combs Delores Gochenour Dawn Burch Lacey Lancaster Carmen Speight Floyd Livestock and Co. Fair Presley Patrick Louise Mauck Debbie Wakeman Maria Kisner Chris Eudaily Dee Wallace R. Glenn Graves Page Wood Derek Franklin Mark Lantz Donnie Yancey Jaci Thomas Rebecca Dagg Paula Kibler G. B. Foltz Megan Kitzmiller Freddy Ridout Franklin/Southampton Co. Fair Robert Perkins Sara Brown Greg Wakeman Mike Garrett Jan Rusbasan Autumn Heeren Rodney Cox Stephanie Breeden Jim Eastep Morgan Butler Judy Caul Barbette Porter Sophia Ramsel Wendy Rothgeb JJ Gatchell Rachel Costello Karen Eudaily Brian Snow Sue Bullock Patrick County Agr. Fair Kamryn Stottlemyer Rachel Lamb Kenneth Chandler Cassie Powell Teresa Bullock Alex Wilkins Kandall Kennedy Robin Lloyd Kim Estep Cecil Edwards Theresa Farley Barry Taylor Katrina Gochenour Washington County Fair Lacie Lithgoe Chloe Snow Travis Bullock Brook Pike Kessa Hawkins Cam Blankenship Nick Yoss Dale Spivey Highland County Fair Cathy Swails Kylie Stottlemyer Charles Meade Pat Chandler David Jones Cindy Vrugtman Danny Hazelwood Lauren Keith Debbie Icenhour Paul Maynor Debbie Nehrebecki Dean Beverage Donella Inman Lauren Keith Eddie Icenhour Phyllis Maynor Emma McClelland Ellen Phillips Janice Wilkins Olivia Hutton Emily Brown Robert Vaughn Erin Stenger Kathy Beverage Mike Gravely Ozlem Getz Fred Tweed Shandra Clairborne-Payton Georgia Stenger Zack Phillips Monika Gravely Randall Kennedy Irene Meade Tammy Ridout Glenn Joyner Isle of Wight County Fair Patty Hazelwood Randy Stottlemyer Jennifer Blankenship Tikesha Williams Janet Joyner Alice Lee Scott Pike Sarah Showalter Julie Gobble Clarke County Fair Jennifer Joyner Cathy Richards Sonny Swails Seth Ralston Kerrie Snyder Rebecca Cather Jerry Nehrebecki Danny Byrum Summer Pike Sheila Franklin Kim Tweed Thomas Cather Josalyn Groenestyn David Smith Tom Inman Sonny LeDane Kristen White Dickenson County Fair Kendall Hedgepeth Debbie Braswell Powhatan County Fair Terri Eshelman Mary Garrett Barbara Cross LeeAnn Alexander Donna Claud Ray Wilkerson Tiffany Newland Natalie Blevins Brittany Bise Lily Stenger Janet Moore Runda Harris Tom Eshelman Roger Garrett Cami Robinette Madelyn Groenestyn Kelly Moore Prince William Co Fair Tom Streett Shauna Reynolds Cindy Robinette Mandy Groenestyn Robbie Claud Eddie Roseberry Tom Truban Stephanie Adams Clarence Cross Max Porter Robert Lee Virginia Roseberry Wilson Ryman Todd Reynolds Glenda Robinette Nikki Robertson Rosie Smith Rockbridge Regional Fair & South Central Fair Matt Bloomer Peggy Jones Teresa Woodall Exposition Allen Sherman Tiffany Rose Renee Wren King George Fall Festival John Serocki Barbara Averette Dinwiddie County Fair Robin McClelland Allyson Norris Kim Serocki Billy Averette Andrew J. Hardy Ruben Byrum Beckey Gallamore Rockingham County Fair C.L. Garner Brian Mancini Sandra Heeren Brianna Green Amanda Nott Dean McCluster VAF Past President’s Hall of Honor Since the Virginia Association of Fairs Organization began in about 1917, there has been a long line of individuals who have served the Association as President. Each of the following individuals has served the Association drawing on their skills, knowledge, abilities and experience as leaders in their professions and their businesses, and as president or manager of their local fair. Known only to them- selves and their Board Members are the countless hours, days and dollars they have donated by their service and their effort as President to benefit the Virginia Association of Fairs and its fair members and associate members. VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS, INC. PAST PRESIDENTS NAME FAIR SERVED NAME FAIR SERVED H. G. Watkings Danville Fair 1918-1939 Auburn F. Estes Five Co. Fair 1983-1984 Charles A. Somma State Fair of VA 1940-1943 Thurston J. Ploutz Rockingham Co Fair 1985-1986 Thomas B. McCaleb Allegheny County Fair 1944-1947 M. M. Clingenpeel Henry Co Fair 1987-1988 W. W. Wilkins Halifax Co Fair 1948-1949 James B. Paitsel New Castle/Craig Fair 1989-1990 L. F. Altaffer, Sr. Northern Neck State Fair 1950-1951 Albert Roseberry, Jr. Prince Wm Co Fair 1991-1992 C. C. Finch Danville Fair 1952-1954 Blaine G. Lenhart South-Central Fair 1993-1994 Garland E. Moss South Central Fair 1955-1957 Thomas R. Inman Patrick Co Fair 1995 Marvin W. Renalds Shenandoah Co Fair 1958-1959 William F. Schwartz State Fair of VA 1996-1997 J. C. Brickert Five County Fair 1960-1961 Dennis L. Cupp Rockingham Co Fair 1998-1999 J. A. Mitchell State Fair of VA 1960-1963 David A. Leonard Russell Co Fair 2000 Charles W. Wampler, Jr. Rockingham Co Fair 1964-1965 Kelly J. Liddington Richmond Co Fair 2001 Walter C. Buckner Roanoke Fair 1966-1967 Dennis L. Cupp Rockingham Co Fair 2002-2003 Stanley R. Hutcherson Southside VA Fair 1968-1969 Bill Milleson Clarke Co Fair 2004-2005 Kenneth P. Asbury Wise Co Fair 1970-1971 Alan Nogiec Isle of Wight Fair 2006 W. E. Finch Danville-Pittsylvania Co Fair 1972 Joye Wood Warren Co Fair 2007-2008 Joseph B. Johnson Prince William Co Fair 1973-1974 Keith Johnson Prince Wm Co Fair 2009-2010 Josephine Shepperson State Fair of VA 1975-1976 Brenda Rich Fauquier Co Fair 2011-2012 J. E. Rowell Fredericksburg Agr Fair 1977-1978 Tom Eshelman Shenandoah Co Fair 2013-2014 H. A. Farris New River Valley Fair 1979-1980 Sam Long Field Day of the Past 2015-2016 George Bearn Augusta Co Fair 1981-1982 2017 Fair Person of the Year FRED FRYE Fred joined the Monterey Lion’s Club in 1967 and a year or so later was their representative on the Highland County Fair Association’s Board of Directors. He served the fair in all officer positions including President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Fred was the Association’s Presi- dent in 1971 and 1972 and from 1975 – 1983 serving elev- en years in this position. Currently serving as the Board Vice President. Most people don’t realize the year-round efforts involved with a fair. Fred has been an avid support- er of the fair and has served on many committees. HeVAF is 2018 Conference App always available to assist any fair department from gym Downloadto to your smart phone now the livestock barns. When asked what his favorite fair ac- tivity is, Fred quickly responded –“ The Parade. It is the start of the Fair”. You could win $100 during the Conference when you have this on your phone VAF 2018 Conference App VAF 2018 Conference AppDownload to your smart phone now Download to your smart phone now You could win $100 during the Conference when you have this on your phone You could win $100 during the Conference when you have this on your phone PAST VAF FAIR PERSON OF THE YEAR In 1997, Virginia Association of Fairs Executive Director, Hazel Staley, introduced the formation of an annual “Fair Person of the Year” award. The purpose of the award is to give fairs the opportunity to express appreciation for the leadership, dedication, and often unnoticed 'grunt work' performed by this person to make their Fair the best it can be. The first recipient was Bud Walsh, New Valley County Fair in 1998. The award has be- come a highly coveted acknowledgment among peers, and is awarded at the VAF annual convention banquet. 1998 Bud Walsh New River Valley Fair 1999 David Leonard Russell County Fair & Horse Show 2000 Keith Hessey State Fair of Virginia 2001 Buck Wilkins Halifax County Fair 2003 Bill Schwartz State Fair of Virginia 2004 Carey Harveycutter Salem Fair 2005 Kelly Liddington Richmond County Fair 2006 Betsy Brown Russell County Fair & Horse Show 2007 Blaine Lenhart South Central Fair 2008 Jenny O. Wilkins Halifax County Fair 2009 Jane Thornhill Russell County Fair 2010 Charles & Irene Meade Washington County Fair 2011 Dr. Sexton Burkett Russell County 2013 Mack Wright Caroline County Agricultural Fair 2012 Terry Kibler Shenandoah County Fair 2014 Kenneth Reynolds Washington County Fair 2015 Tom Eshelman Shenandoah County Fair 2016 Brenda Rich Fauquire County Fair 2017 Fred Frye Highland County Fair 2018 TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS Their continued support for Virginia Fairs and the VAF makes our conference complete!! AGENCY FOR THE PERFORMING ACTS AGRICADABRA AGRI-PUPPETS ALLIED SPECIALTY INSURANCE, INC. ANASTASINI ENTERTAINMENT ASN PROMOTIONS, LLC BAR C RANCH PETTING ZOO & CAMEL RIDES BEYOND SPOTS AND DOTS CAPTAIN JIM IS MAGIC CINCINNATI CIRCUS COMPANY COLE AMUSEMENT COMPANY DOMINGUEZ ENTERTAINMENT LLC DREAMLAND AMUSEMENTS EXTREME ILLUSIONS ESCAPES FAIR PUBLISHING HOUSE FUN-TIME AMUSEMENTS GOSPEL HARMONY BOYS HOG WILD BBQ & CATERING ILLUSION SOUND AND LIGHTING JOSH OLDAKER LONESOME ROADS MASTER HYPNOTIST MICHAEL BLAINE MOBILE MARKETING & ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTIONS MOONSTRUCK MANAGEMENT NARROW PASSAGE PRESS OLD MCNALLY'S PIG DERBY ON THE EDGE 2 WHEEL ACTION SHOWS PEPSI COLA BOTTLING OF CENTRAL VA PITTMAN MAGIC, JUGGLING AND COMEDY RAFTER Z RODEO CO RAZZLE DAZZLE, LLC RICK MODESITT AND ASSOCIATES RMC EVENTS, INC. ROCKIN A RANCH ANIMAL EXHIBITS, INC. STINEMAN RIBBON COMPANY THE CORLE GROUP, INC THE CRESTMEN QUARTET TRUE GRIT RODEO VARIETY ATTRACTIONS VERTICAL MUSIC GROUP VICTOR PRODUCTS ZAMBELLI FIREWORKS INTERNATIONAL Leave All Your Printing Needs to Us! Commercial Press, Inc. 965 Green Street • Stephens City, VA 22655 Whether it’s for your Fair Needs, Work Needs, or Personal Needs ~ Give Us a Call ~ 540.869.3496 [email protected] Complete Composition - from typesetting and layout design to final printed product. Advertising Specialties - Fair Catalogs - Rack Cards - Tickets - Registration Forms Computer Forms - Business Cards - Stationery - Forms - Pamphlets - Posters Newsletter - Invitations - Menus -Books - Brochures - Presentation Folders and much, much more! 2017 Hazel Staley Volunteer Award Winner Presenter Alan Nogiec Dennis Gammon Presenter Mehrle Staley In 2016, Field Day of the Past celebrated its 25th year. There has been one constant throughout that quarter of a century – our volunteer Dennis Gammon. In his time with this association, Dennis has been involved in almost every aspect of the establishment and organization of our show. From the early years, he worked on the structures which have now become an integral part of the Field Day event. He helped to build our petting zoo, the first permanent structure on the grounds, our announcer’s stand, an engine building and the Field Day Post Office. Dennis “stole” the idea of an operating post office on the grounds during the fair from another show. He came back to Field Day and constructed the building, then nagged until we got permission to operate an official post office at Field Day of the Past. It has been in operation at our show since that time. When Springfield Baptist Church was donated to the organization, Dennis worked tirelessly for months prepar- ing the church for the move to our grounds. Once the building was in place, he spent the entire summer reconstructing the interior of the building in preparation for the show. The next year, he tore down old walls, dragging in any volunteer possible, including his own children, until the interior boasted all new sheet rock and was painted. He rewired the structure then search diligently for lighting which he thought was appropriate to the old building. Dennis has worked building, repairing or modifying almost every structure on the grounds, including the cov- ered bridge, the bleachers, the large engine building and a metal working shop. He organized the spoon factory, a work shop in our sawmill building, and our sorghum complex. In 2015, Dennis designed and was instrumental in the construction of a storage/exhibit hall on the grounds. In addition, Dennis created much of our infrastructure at Field Day of the Past – lying electrical and water lines and developing plans for these systems. If anyone wants to know why a light doesn’t work or where the water lines run, they are sent to Dennis. Heart attacks, lung surgery and a bout with lung cancer have not stopped him. Dennis has been on the grounds for every event, show or otherwise, which Field Day of the Past has hosted for 25 years. He has suggested new exhibits and demonstrations which have become part of the show tradition. He has worked behind the counter selling drinks and cheese in the Short Pump Grocery Store, operating engines in our large engines exhibit, including the operation of the steam operated Corliss Engine, making ice cream spoons in Grasberg- er’s Spoon Factory, and making walking sticks on our machinery during the show. Although the walking sticks are offered for sale at the show, it’s not unusual to “catch” Dennis passing them out (along with Field Day buttons) free to the young children who attend. In 2014, it was Dennis who headed up the effort to reorganize our farm exhibit to make it more visitors friendly and in 2015, he pushed to get the antique hay baler which had been donated put in operating condition – and it was in operation during the show. He also outfitted the newly donated corn crib in the manner which was both visitor friendly and appropriate for the time period. For several years, Dennis has also undertaken the growing of tobacco and cotton on our show grounds to be used in exhibits for the show. He plants the cotton seeds and young tobacco plants, works the weeds out of them, checks for tobacco worms, waters, fertilizers and coddles the plants throughout the season, harvesting in September in time for the annual event. If you visit our show and want to know how an engine works, how an ice cream spoon is make, how to pick cotton or tobacco, or what a piece of farm machinery does, just ask Dennis. He’ll tell you. During show days, he is also “on call” for any water, electrical, or other emergency. In our off season, he works on bathrooms, winterizes the machinery, rebuilds engines and originates new ideas for the next show. Dennis suggested the idea of our holiday celebration which serves as an open house to our community and is geared to holiday activities for the entire family. This “Celebration of the Season” has become an important part of our offerings and now attracts several hundred visitors. Since his retirement, Dennis volunteers at the grounds almost every day, including weekends year- round. He is our “go to” guy for almost every program in which we become involved. It was also Dennis who suggested we place our emergency numbers on the back of the volunteer name tags which are worn throughout the show, thus placing these important numbers close at hand in the event of an emergen- cy on the grounds. It was Dennis who attended the Emergency Action Plan seminars at the IAFE convention in Las Vegas and came back adamant that we develop our own plan for Field Day. Dennis suggested that we initiate the Volunteer of the Year program in 2006 and became our second Volunteer of the Year in 2007. Dennis has inventoried acquisitions, made pickles at the show, and entertained children and adults with his tales. There is not an area of our grounds or of our show of which Dennis does not have intimate knowledge. SERVICE TO THE FAIR INDUSTRY For more than ten years, Dennis has attended both the VAF Conference and the IAFE conference in Las Vegas where he has participated in seminars, workshops, tabletop and round table discussions, bringing back ideas which would help Field Day, and offering to other attendees the ideas which have worked at our show. He helped organize and attended the VAF requested Central Virginia Regional Meeting at Field Day – a meeting in which fairs in our area were invited to the grounds to discuss issues which were a concern to all. During the VAF annual conference in January 2016, Dennis was one of the people who originated the idea of the VAF Commemorative Quilt. The quilt was meant to represent all VAF fairs and to be auctioned at the 2017 VAF Convention to benefit the Scholarship Fund. Last year, Dennis was also one of the biggest supporters of the first Field Day of the Past school trip by 175 first graders to the show grounds last Spring. The trip underscored his belief that the fair industry needs to reach out to children of all ages to educate them and attempt to bring them “into the fold.” He had a hand in developing the program, designing the booklet which was given to each child and devising hands on methods to teach them. Dennis has never met a stranger when it comes to promoting Field Day of the Past and the fair industry in Virgin- ia. He will exchange ideas and discuss the working operation of an event to anyone at any time, for any length of time. He is open to suggestions and is quick to offer his own ideas on how to operate and promote a fair and the industry. Dennis attends local Chamber of Commerce functions and participates in public relations events, including school functions, heritage and similar events, which promote Field Day of the Past and the industry. He passes out Field Day newspapers everywhere he goes and invites strangers who wander onto the show grounds during the off season for a tour of our grounds. In 2015 and 2016, Dennis co-hosted a “behind the scenes” tour of Field Day of the Past for the local historical society. At 75 years old, Dennis Gammon is still the number one volunteer who exemplifies a dedication to and love of the fair industry. Audio • Lighting • Staging • Video • 2 Way Commnunication Your one stop production facility www.illusionsoundandlight.com 1185 Division Highway Ephrata, PA 17522 717-721-6901 Cole Shows Amusement Co., Inc. 5311 Indian Draft Rd Covington, VA 24426 540-965-4553 colerides.com Providing Quality Family Entertainment to your event year after year! Printed by Commercial Press, Inc., Stephens City, VA • 540.869.3496 • [email protected]
January4- 7, 2018
