IAAF Convention this weekend

SPRINGFIELD – The 107th annual convention of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF) happens this weekend at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield.

This year’s theme is “Dreams and Memories.” On Friday, IAAF director Bill Jennings will discuss impact opportunities for all. Other meeting topics include using social media tools to improve a fair’s bottom line and what fairs did differently in 2016. The entertainment showcase starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday and the Central Illinois Farm Network’s own Kent Casson will emcee.

The “Eye Opening Breakfast” is held Saturday morning with remarks expected from the Illinois Department of Agriculture director and presentation of the “friend of the fair” awards. Jeremy Parsons from the Clay County Fair in Iowa will be the featured speaker with a presentation entitled, “Take Care.”

Sunday includes the queen pageant rehearsals, the IAAF annual business meeting, county fair queen pageant finals and a reception for the new queen. The convention concludes Monday with a breakfast for IAAF directors and spouses and the IAAF director meeting.