60th Annual

Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals

Convention

The 60^th annual Convention of the Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals was held February 4 - 6, 2009 at the Hilton Southern Hills Hotel and Convention Center in Tulsa, OK. Our theme, “On Your Highway to Success,” was reflected through out the convention, with professional presentations, panel discussions, workshops and round table discussions. The forum gave delegates many avenues for everyone to learn, grow and return to their events energized and driving toward success.

The keynote speaker was Travis Meyer, Chief Meteorologist with KOTV in Tulsa. Mr. Meyer graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in Meteorology and Geography. Mr. Meyer has been honored with numerous service awards and earned the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasting award for Best Weathercast Presentation. Meyer is a member of the National Weather Association and holds the American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval. He joined The News On 6 Warn Team on February 1, 2005 bringing more than 25 years of meteorology experience to The News On 6 and is one of Northeast Oklahoma's most trusted and respected meteorologists. 

Due to the change in venue, a larger, more accessible trade show area was available to the associate vendors. This year's exhibitors included: Awards & Moore, Choctaw Nation, Linda Brown and Associates, Haystack Productions, Integrated Ticket Systems, Parr Sound & Lighting, PartyPro Rents, Rent-A-Tent and Tropical Illusions.

Our Awards Luncheon was held on Thursday. Ashley Nicole Wheeler with Haystack Productions provided the attendees with entertainment.

Volunteer of the Year honors went to:

Dorothy Bailey

Pontotoc County Fair

Steve Condit

Stephens County Fair

Sherman Grubb

Tulsa State Fair

Loren Heavin

Grady County Fair

Bob Heidlage

Rogers County Fair

Lynn Puffinbarger

Alfalfa County Fair

Professional of the Year honors were given to:

Max Gallaway

Stephens County Fair

Jay Hague

Alfalfa County Fair

Peggy McMahon

Grady County Fair

Karen Schimon

Garfield County Fair/NW District Jr. livestock Show

The recipients of the 2009 OAFF Scholarships were announced:

NE District

Sarah Marie Major

Blackwell High School, Kay County Free Fair

NW District

Jace Tyler White

Cherokee High School, Alfalfa County Fair

SE District

Lashun Renee Oakley

Latta High School, Pontotoc County Fair

SW District

Clinton Tyler Martin

Central High School, Stephens County Free Fair

Congratulations to all of our honorees and scholarship recipients!

Thursday's presentations included; Michael Hnatt of Gladstone, Inc. demonstrating ShoWorks Software, Susan Gebhart on "Using the World Wide Web for your Fair", Rusty Gosz of Oklahoma State University with "Let the Games Begin", and an "Ask the Experts" committee networking session proved informative.

As always, the Entertainment Showcase was the conclusion of the Thursday activities. Our thanks to booking agents, Linda Brown & Associates and Haystack Productions for providing the acts for the showcase.  Linda Brown and Associates showcased The Boyle Brothers, Neely, Illusionist Sean Watson, Tate Stevens and Blaine Younger. Haystack Productions showcased Ashley Nicole Wheeler during the Awards Luncheon and The Mystery Men Gospel Quartet. Please remember these acts when you book talent for your event. The live auction and the silent auction took place on Thursday evening, between acts of the showcase. Proceeds from the auction will support OAFF programs and the scholarship fund.

Our Friday morning presentations included; Amanda Blair of the Tulsa State Fair on "Getting the most for your marketing and advertising budget", and Vonda Wolfe with Express Personnel on "Utilizing temporary staffing services". Our closing speaker Phil Hurst, Manager of the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa, had the delegates laughing as he spoke on "Making the Unusual Usual". Gina Burchfiel from the Oklahoma State Fair, gave us an informative update on the Carnival Legislation.

We would like to thank the board members and volunteers for their hard work and dedication, making the 2009 OAFF Convention a success. Many organizations generously donate money, door prizes and auctions items to the convention and we greatly appreciate their generosity. We also appreciate the buyers of the auction items, thanks for your continued support of the Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals.

Photos from the 60th Annual Convention