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57th ANNUAL FLORIDA FAIRS CONVENTION WRAP UP The Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc. 57th annual convention – entitled “Florida Fairs Will Rock!” was held in Palm Harbor, Florida on May 15 – 17th. Perfect weather provided a wonderful day for the pre-convention golf tournament fundraiser held at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club on May 14th. This year’s tournament was named the Giles Ellis Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of Giles Ellis, Controller at the Florida State Fair, who initiated the first tournament. The day started with lunch and access to the beautiful course for a field of 75 golfers. A great afternoon of golf was followed by a sumptuous dinner and prize drawings. Chuck Pesano, tournament chairman, assisted by the Golf Tournament Committee did a superb job in putting together the annual tournament and raising a great deal of money for the Federation. Thursday morning, things started off early as the Trade Show area took shape, and the Board of Directors honored the Past Presidents at a breakfast. A Board meeting followed. The afternoon provided dedicated Trade Show time, and also educational panels including sessions on New & Unique Ideas for Competitive Exhibits; Pageants, Scholarship & Baby – Everything You Need To Know; Fairgrounds Relocation; and Go Green. Thursday evening, all registered delegates received a complimentary ticket to the President’s Party. The party, in honor of outgoing President Alta Mosley was sensational. President Party Chairman Gayle Hart (Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair) and her committee created a spectacular event centered around the theme “Florida Fairs Will Rock”. The evening featured several showcases and a live auction. The event was sponsored by Reithoffer Shows, and C. Chesley Food Service provided free drink tickets for all partygoers. The event was a definite success! Friday morning, delegates arrived in great spirits for the official opening session of the convention. After a welcome by Alta Mosley, and a beautiful version of the National Anthem sung by Jessica Pesano, daughter of Chuck Pesano, Executive Director of the Florida State Fair, associate members gave a brief introduction about their businesses. Then, keynote speaker Steve Gilliland entertained and educated attendees with his address. Following Steve’s motivational talk, delegates spent the rest of day between the Trade Show and educational sessions. Saturday morning began with a continental breakfast and activity in the Trade Show area. The afternoon was bustling with educational topics, and the Annual Business meeting, as the FFF Board of Directors convened with the new board to elect officers. The new Officers and Directors are: Doris Graska – President, Citrus County Fair At the annual banquet on Saturday evening, awards were presented to various individuals. These included:
Following the presentation of awards, President Alta Mosley turned the gavel over to Doris Graksa from the Citrus County Fair. She noted that she is looking forward to her year as President and sees this as an awesome opportunity to work for the betterment of our industry. She thanked her many mentors in the fair industry and stated that she will be looking for their guidance now more than ever. After the entertainment showcase, everyone was invited to a reception honoring the new President and Hall of Fame Inductee where the festivities continued on. The hospitality suite has been a continued success at the convention. The associate members hosted the suite on Friday night and Fairs hosted the other evenings. Everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to socialize and network after hours.
2005 Blue Ribbon Fairs A Sincere Thank You to Our Convention Sponsors! Reithoffer Shows, Inc. For sponsoring the President’s Party HOK/Smith Forkner, Architects For sponsoring the Opening Keynote Hildebrand Rides, Inc. For sponsoring the Convention Goodie Bag CITRUS COUNTY FAIR For co-sponsoring the Incoming President’s Belle City Amusements For co-sponsoring the Incoming President’s GREATER JACKSONVILLE For sponsoring the Reception for the Hall of E.G. Staats & Co. Inc. For co-sponsoring the Federation C. Chesley Food Service LLC For sponsoring the complimentary drink Communications Direct, Inc. For sponsoring the Continental Breakfast Triangle Talent, Inc. For sponsoring the Closing Keynote K & K Insurance Group of Florida For sponsoring the Convention Name Badges American Tent For sponsoring the refreshment break in W.G. Wade Shows, Inc. For sponsoring the Photo Contest Capitol International Productions For co-sponsoring the complimentary drink Kitchen Craft International For co-sponsoring the complimentary drink Netterfields Popcorn & Lemonade, Inc. For co-sponsoring the complimentary drink Rick Modesitt & Associates For sponsoring the Past President’s O'Brien's Food Service For sponsoring the Door Prizes ST. LUCIE COUNTY FAIR For sponsoring the Door Prizes Duttera Sound Service For sponsoring the Ag Awards SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR For providing the sponsor and event signage Full Range Audio & Lighting For providing the Sound & Lighting Regalia Manufacturing Co. For providing the Name Badge Ribbons Publix Supermarkets For providing the Go Green Bags Florida Department of Agriculture and For providing Fresh From Florida bags Touch Poll - FYI, Inc. For providing the Convention survey
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