Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals

Established 1948
History of the OAFF
The first organizational meeting of County fair secretaries was held September 30, 1948 at the 4-H building of the State Fair of Oklahoma. J. B. Hurst was elected president and Vera McQuilkin was elected secretary. Mr. Hurst appointed 2 representatives from each of the four districts. October 11, 1948 the representatives met to draft the first constitution, this meeting was also held at the Oklahoma State Fair grounds. An additional meeting was held December 14th 1948, at the Mirror room of the Municipal Auditorium in Oklahoma City to determine committees and select a date for the first two day meeting. The date selected was February 3-4, 1949, the event was held at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. Twenty-eight (28) fairs and twenty-three (23) associates attended the first meeting. Interestingly enough two of those associates are still members of the association, Staats Custom Awards and Regalia Mfg.
Mission
The purpose of the OAFF is to aide in the creation of Fairs and Festivals; to encourage and advance the agricultural, industrial, social and ethnic interests of the State as represented through it’s Fairs & Festivals; to acquire and disseminate information beneficial to it’s members through newsletters and the annual convention.  

 
Types of Membership

Regular membership is open to any County, District, Regional or State Fair, local or area Festivals, Chambers of Commerce and Main Street Organizations that promote City Festivals, County Fairs and other related activities. Membership Dues: $50.00

Associate Membership of this association shall be open to any commercial organization interested in the improvement and promotion of the Fair and Festival industry, by providing goods and services. Membership Dues: $50.00  

Annual Convention

Our annual convention is held the second week of February in Oklahoma City, OK.The convention allows Members to: Mingle with other members, old and new; Exchange ideas and build on new ideas to use at your next events; Discover problem-solving techniques shared by other members of the industry; Attend seminars that address issues pertinent to fairs and festivals; Learn new marketing strategies; Share new ideas for activities or exhibits; Attend the showcase entertainment and see great affordable talent; Meet with associates that provide and deliver products for our industry; Have a great time at our scholarship auction