Fair convention is 'back in business'
SPRINGFIELD – It’s cold outside and snow is in the forecast. That means it must be time for the annual Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention in Springfield.
The event is planned for this weekend at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center with fair board members and volunteers from throughout the state attending. There was no convention last year due to COVID-19 so this year’s theme is “back in business.”
“We are definitely back and fairs are back in business,” IAAF secretary/treasurer Charlyn Ware told The Central Illinois Farm Network.
Plenty of educational sessions will be offered – ranging from security measures to marketing fairs toward the younger generation. Ware encourages everyone to get involved with their local fair as volunteers are always needed.
“We are so grateful for (volunteers) because that’s what keeps our fairs strong.”
The Saturday morning IAAF keynote speaker will be the president and CEO of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions who will discuss ways to make fairs viable during these times. IAFE held its convention in early December.
Also during this weekend’s IAAF convention in Springfield, 71 fair queens from across the state will compete to be crowned Miss Illinois County Fair. Ware considers this a learning experience for all of the contestants since they appear in front of judges, conduct interviews, give speeches and have to think on their feet.
“It is skill building for the rest of your life,” Ware noted.
More on the IAAF can be found online at www.illinoiscountyfairs.org.
