Fair Game with Robert Smith

In today’s episode we take a look at major headlines from around the fair and agricultural industries including: Texas Supreme Court says State Fair of Texas gun rule stands, New Mexico State Fair sets record attendance, IAFE updates PLUS, Hurricane Helene devastates the ag sector across multiple states.

Buford Bear and His Tiny House along with Alford E. Gator and his Tiny Swamp House have become two in-demand characters in our fair industry. Driving around in an old truck, these two greet fair goers and make wonderful new friends at every fair they attend.

Crystal Urban is the fair manager for the Lake County Fair in Eustis, Florida. Today we talk about the Lake County Fair including a possible move to a new grounds in the future as well as Crystal’s history coming up through 4H.

Rachel Lisk is the fair manager in the Lewis County Fair in Lowville, NY. She had quit the adventure this year at her fair and she shares it with us today. All that and more on Fair Game 347.

On today’s episode I welcome Theresa Agricola, Sponsorship Director for the South Florida Fair. We discuss bringing value to corporate partners, plus, Theresa reminisces about her friend and former CEO, Vicki Chouris who retired this year. All that and more!

In today’s episode Kate Turner, Director of Meetings for the IAFE joins me to discuss all things IAFE 2024. We’re talking ed sessions, trade and oh yeah, did we mention installing a Ferris Wheel in downtown Phoenix just for our convention? All that and more!Episode Note: Out of respect for the CEO search process, we made the decision not to discuss any details relating to hiring a new CEO to replace outgoing CEO Marla Calico. To get the most up-to-date information please visit the IAFE website, www.fairsandexpos.com and click on the ABOUT tab.

This week I welcome Courtny Conkle back to the show. Courtny first appeared on Fair Game #206 in November of 2020. We’ve come a long way since the depths of the Covid pandemic. We talk about how she navigated the Wyoming State Fair through tumultuous times, an amazing grant that she qualified her fair to receive. All that and more on this week’s show.

On today’s episode I sit down with Jeremy D’Angelo from the Maryland State Fair. We discuss his rise in the industry along with the importance of YPI. Oh, and did I mention he’s technically “Employee #1” for Play with Giants? We discuss all of that and more.

Today I’m joined by Scott Kozelka, fair manager for the Steele County Fair in Minnesota. Scott shares his longtime insights as a fair manager, plus he shares some great memories of industry mentor, Elmer Reseland. Join us for all that and more!

In this episode, we are joined by Jacki Stough, the Livestock and Education Manager at the Central Florida Fair in Orlando, Florida. Jacki shares insights into her history in the fair industry and provides a glimpse into running the livestock program at the Central Florida Fair. Additionally, we delve into Jacki's reaction surrounding her recognition with the Florida Federation of Fairs YPI Award.