The 58^th annual Convention of the Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals was held February 6-8, 2007 at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Oklahoma City, OK. Our theme, “Celebrate the Centennial, A New Era of Fairs and Festivals,” to recognize and celebrate Oklahoma’s Statehood Centennial 1907-2007. The theme was reflected through out the convention, with professional presentations, panel discussions, workshops and round table discussions, The forum gave the many delegates ideas for centennial events in their respective areas of the state.

The keynote speaker was Roy Lee Lindsey, he is the executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council. Mr. Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications from OSU. He holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University. He served as a 4-H & Youth Educator in Oklahoma and Kansas, before accepting the position at the Oklahoma Pork Council.

Due to the change in venue, a larger trade show area was available to associate vendors. The vendors included: Chisholm Trail Expo; Staats Mfg; LogHoggers Chainsaw Sculpting; DGJD, Inc, The Bleacher Company; Allied Specialty Insurance; Will Roberts a Tribute to Will Rogers; Haystack Productions; Parr Sound & Lighting; Kitchen Crafts International; Integrated Ticket Systems, LLC; Linda Brown and Associates: Horseshoe Road and 720 Sports.

Our Awards Luncheon was held on Wednesday, with the following recipients honored. Volunteers of the Year honored this year were Margaret Scott, Mabel Phariss and Sue Gilliam from Grady Co. Fair. The ladies have many attributes that make them worthy recipients of this award. In 2005, Margaret wrote and was awarded an Oklahoma Department of Transportation grant for beautification of the Grady County Fairgrounds. Mabel has served, as clothing superintendent at the county fair for 53 years and Sue has been the Fair superintendent for over 29 years. Ted Mittlesteadt, Canadian County Fair Manager and 20 year member of the OAFF board of directors was inducted into the OAFF Hall of Fame.

The recipients of the new OAFF Scholarships were announced: NW District, Bryce Castonguay, Lomega High School; SE District, Kassie Fields, Wetumka High School; NE District, Jenna Parnell, Porter High School and SW District, Sarah Strobel, Burns Flat/Dill City High School. Each student will receive a $500 scholarship, which will be presented at the State FFA Convention or State 4-H Roundup. 

Wll Roberts, with his "A Tribute to Will Rogers," provide the luncheon entertainment, he is a trick roper, cowboy humorist and quick draw artist.

Our delegates were given the opportunity through round table discussion to talk about strategies that would help them, “Celebrate the Centennial.” Their choices were: Multicultural and Multigenerational Appeal for Your Event; Creative Centennial Contests for Your Event; Keeping Livestock & Horse Shows Fresh in the New Centennial and Profitable Facility Usage.

Delegates were able to interact with the following presenters presenters during the afternoon sessions: Madge Blurton, Allied Specialty Insurance, as she discussed Dollars and Cents for your insurance coverage. Ernest Hay, Haystack Productions, Carl Acuff Jr., Carl Acuff Jr. Promotions and Wayne Watt, Washita Shopper as they discussed ways to Get Entertainment for CENTs on the dollar. Abby Cash, Director of Agritourism for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, discussed Agritourism, a
Celebration of Centennial.

During the business meeting the following district board members were elected. SW District: Craig Nance, Jackson Co, Fair replacing Claudia Gray. SE District: Misty Henson, Heart of Oklahoma Expo Ctr. replacing Don Brittion NW District: Ted Mittelstaedt, Canadian Co. Fair retained position. NE District: Dena Powers, Okmulgee Co. Fair retained position. The following board members were recently appointed by the board of directors; Jeannie Bowden, Stephens County replacing Dan Lowrance and Stan Fimple, Ottawa Co Fair filling the vacancy left when Larry Klumpp became Vice President and President at the conclusion of the convention. Larry will serve a two-year term, at the helm of the OAFF.

As always, the Entertainment Showcase was the conclusion of the Wednesday activities. Our thanks to booking agencies, Haystack Productions and Linda Brown & Associates for providing the acts for the showcase. Haystack Productions showcased, Ashley Wheeler with the LiveWirez and The Mystery Men Gospel Quartet. Linda Brown and Associates showcased, Jesse and Noah, Deuce Eleven
and Ty England. The showcase acts were excellent this year please remember these acts when you book talent for your event. The live auction and the silent auction took place on Wednesday evening, between acts of the showcase.
Proceeds from the auction will support OAFF programs and the scholarship fund.

On Thursday morning delegates had the opportunity to Laugh All the Way to Successful Events, with Dr. Hall Duncan, founder of Humor and Communication.
Dr. Hall is dedicated to helping people reach their maximum potential through the power of positive humor. They experienced Centennially Sensational – Marketing
Success with Cady Shaw, Marketing and Sponsorship Coordinator for the Tulsa State Fair. The delegates also had the opportunity to discuss, Making “CENTs” of IRS Requirements and Your Staffing with Jeff McMahan, State Auditor and Susan McClain. The convention concluded with the presentation of a president’s gavel plaque to Gina Ritter, Oklahoma State Fair, as she concluded her term as OAFF
president. Larry Klumpp made the presentation.

We would like to thank the board members and volunteers for their hard work and dedication, making the 2007 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.