N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs Page 1NYSAAFN E W S L E T T E RN e w Yo r k S t a t e A s s o c i a t i o n o f A g r i c u l t u r a l F a i r s , I n c .December 2013

From The President

Visit us on our website at: www.nyfairs.org

Newsletter published 3 times a year in April, September & December. Send infor-mation for newsletter to Norma Hamilton at carousels4@aol.com.

Thank you to all who contributed to this newsletter. If you missed this issue, send your fair reports and pictures for the April issue.

Hello again.A lot has been

happening since my last message to you. Our legis-lative representa-tives have been

busy walking the halls of our State Capitol even though the Legislature has been away since the end of June. It seems that they may have found a compromise on the State’s overtime issues. As you know, the Department of Labor does not honor the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act that provides for overtime exemptions for seasonal carnival employees. For over three years they have been working with the Legislature in support of the seasonal exemption. Recently I was able to attend a meeting with Senator Savino who is Chair of the Senate Labor Committee. I drove down with Todd to the Senator’s district of-fice to meet up with Dominic Vivona and Dominic’s CPA. The goal of the meeting was to get her support for the legislation before session starts in January. I am very happy to report that the meeting went extremely well. The Senator made a sug-gestion to have the legislation honor the federal exemption as it relates to employ-ees that travel with the carnival companies. However, for those employees hired in New York or are from New York, the carnival companies would be entitled to pay the overtime. Todd and Rick are working with the sponsors on making amendments to our legislation as we speak.

As you know my wife and I visited 40 out of the 44 county fairs this past summer and I saw the great need for infrastructure im-provements to our buildings and grounds. Many county fairs are not able to afford the necessary capital project funds and have to forgo these repairs. It is my fear and that many of the Association’s smaller fairs may go out of existence due to the major expense involved in the providing of proper sanitation, potable water and other

grounds improvements. Therefore I recom-mend that NYSAAF support and advocate for a state funded grants initiative that will provide us the critical funds for capital re-investment into our grounds and facilities.

Our legislative representatives and I met with Assemblyman Pete Lopez last month to discuss the notion of a legislative remedy for this grants initiative. He was very recep-tive to the idea and offered to support an effort to include funds within next year’s state budget. In addition, Todd and Rick met with Steve McGrattan, the Agricultural Development Specialist at the Department of Economic Development, and he sug-gested a competitive grants program either through the Department of Agriculture and Markets or through the regional economic development councils. In essence, we have two viable paths for achieving our goal of providing grant dollars to county fairs: through the state budget process and through applications to regional economic development councils. In either case we will need to develop a list of priority projects for each county fair and I will be reaching out to you with more guidance on develop-ing such a list. In the meantime, think about your priority capital projects and rank them according to their relative importance.

Finally, the Association is getting ready to host the 126th Annual Association Con-vention January 18-20, 2014 in Rochester. I hope everyone will attend. There will be workshops to attend, tradeshow exhibits to see and a spectacular banquet on Sunday night to honor the volunteers who graciously spend hundreds of man-hours keeping this organization and that of the NYS Show-peoples Association a viable concern for county agricultural fairs and carnivals to go to when they need advice and guidance. We will continue to be a source for you and your organization.

Happy holidays to you and your societies.Respectfully,Steven G. BerningerPresident

The World Cup Of Sandwich, NH

By: Betty Gillette of Gillette Shows Inc.After the close of our 2013 season we re-

ceived a link from an employee’s facebook page. Our employee Eli Jair Morales joined us several years ago after being recruited by the JKJ Workforce Agency on a H2B Seasonal Workers Program Visa from Tlapacoyan, Vera Cruz, Mexico. James Judkins who heads up the Workforce Agency has been recruiting most of our ride operators for many years. As soon as we arrive at a new location the first thing the boys do, while waiting for bunkhouses and rides to be placed on location, is play a little soccer. About 7 years ago (during set-up at the Sandwich,NH fairgrounds) a young local man asked Jules if it would be okay if a local soccer team played a game of soccer with our workers after they were finished for the day. Jules told the man it would be fine. Hence, the Annual Soccer Game began. Talk about good public relations!! This young bunch of guys took it over the top without even knowing what they were doing. How nice it was to find out what our boys were doing on their own time.

For this year’s match the local team had shirts printed, blue with Ferris wheels on the front for the home team and yellow with a sandwich on the front for our boys. After the game the locals threw them a big barbecue andhad them pose for a group photo with members of both teams.

Below is listed the link if you would like to listen to an NHPR Announcer tell the story while they are playing the 2012 match. http://nhpr.org/post/world-cup-sandwich.nh>world cup of sandwich,nh

Or just google “THE WORLD CUP OF SAND-WICH, NH”

N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs Page 2

Dates to Remember2013December 15 ......................................................Pre-Registration for NYSAAF ConventionDecember 15 .......................................................Reservations for January Banquet Due

Registration, banquet & breakfast tickets will increase after 12/15December 28 ................................. Deadline for Hyatt Regency Hotel room reservationsDecember 31 .......................................... Deadline for Radisson Hotel room reservations

2014January 17 ..............................NYSAAF Board of Director’s Meeting, RRCC, Rochester, NYJanuary 17-20 .......... NYSAAF Annual Convention & Trade Show, RRCC, Rochester, NYApril 1 ....................................................................................April Newsletter Articles DueApril 5 ..................... NYSAAF Board of Director’s Meeting, State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NYApril 10-12 ................................................................. IAFE Zone 1 Meeting, Topsfield, Ma.April 22-25 ............................................. IAFE Management Conference, Tucson, ArizonaSeptember 1 ...............................................................September Newsletter Articles DueSeptember 26-28 .................................NYS Fair Managers’ Meeting, Wayne County (TBD)September 27 .................................. NYSAAF Board of Director’s Meeting, Wayne County December 1 ............................................................. December Newsletter Articles DueDecember 7-11 ....................... IAFE Convention & Trade Show, Paris Hotel, LasVegas, NV

ObituaryDr. Harry P. O’Connor

LOWVILLE – Dr. Harry P. O’Connor, 70, a well-known area veterinarian, died doing what he loved, treating horses, on Wednesday afternoon, October 2, 2013.

He was born in Lowville on March 9, 1943, the son of the late Byrne F. and Marjorie E. Brown O’Connor where Harry graduated from Lowville Academy in 1961. He entered Cornell University in the fall of 1961, and spent the next three years in the Ag College. He was accepted in the Veterinary College in 1964, and received a B.S. in Agriculture in 1965, and DVM in 1968.

After graduating from Vet School, Harry took a position with Dr. Wilbur Bull’s veterinary practice in Burrville, building up the large animal clientele while his wife, Donna assisted in the office. He returned to Lowville in 1969, where the O’Connors raised their family. He joined the practice of Dr’s. Jones, Lormore, Markham and Carroll, known today as Countryside Veterinary Clinic. Dr. O’Connor practiced for 45 years and served many generations of dairy farmers.

He devoted a significant amount of time to the community serving on the Lewis County General Hospital Board of Managers, was the current President of Lowville Rural Cemetery where he was instrumental with recent upgrades to the vault, served as Public Health Officer for the village of Lowville, Rabies Coordinator and for 40 years was volunteer weather observer for the National Weather Service from which he re-ceived the pretigious HOLM Award in 1993 for conscientious service. Dr. O’Connor’s “real baby,” however, was the Lewis County Agricultural Society “Lewis County Fair” as fair board President for over 25 years. He was proud to have seen dramatic growth of the Lewis County Fair during that time period and to which it has became one of the premier fairs in New York State. Dr. O’Connor was also past President of NYS Associa-tion Agricultural Fairs in 2002.

Surviving Dr. O’Connor are his wife Donna, his three sons and their wives, Mark and Tanya; Douglas and Nikki; Matthew and Loretta all of Lowville, and his daughter Kate O’Connor of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Brian and Sydney, Morgan, Kody and Cameron, Nicole and Alyssa, and his “California Flowers” Lily and Violet; his sister and her husband, M. Kathleen and Anthony Pacilio of Brockport; his brother-in-law John and his wife Carol Longwell of Herkimer; uncles and an aunt; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial was in Lowville Rural Cemetery. Memorials in Dr. O’Connor’s name may be made to: Lowville Rural Cemetary As-

sociation in care of E. S. K. Merrell 7624 North State Street Lowville, NY 13367, or the LACS Business Office: attn: Dr. Harry P. O’Connor Scholarship Fund at 7668 North State Street Lowville, NY 13367.

Bits & PiecesFair Dues

Association treasurer, Joan Rowland, re-minds all fair treasurers and managers that the dues notices went out in October and are payable by December 9 so that all are accounted for by convention time. Mail your dues payable to NYSAAF to Joan at 451 North Creek Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Note that your dues are determined by your 2012 attendance.

NYS Dept. of Ag & Markets Officers Information Forms

2014 Agricultural Fair & Officers Informa-tion form listing your current officers has been mailed to you. Please complete so an updated list can be distributed at the January convention. Fax form to: Holly Marchand at 518-457-3087, email her at: holly.marchand@agriculture,ny.gov or call her at 518-485-7728.

Premium Reimbursement Report

You annual report for premium reimburse-ment must be sent to the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets. Return to Lucy Roberson, Director of Fiscal Management, 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235.

2013-2014 NYS Fair Managers Officers

L to r: Gerry Elthorp - Secretary/Treasurer -Herkimer County, Carol Sweeney-Vice President-Oswego County, Gene Slater-President -Wayne County

The NYS Fair Managers Association has voted to offer a $500 College scholarship to a graduate senior. The senior will be chosen from the candidates that submit their ap-plications through the NYSAAF . Since there are 7 students chosen from the NYSAAF submissions, the student receiving the next highest score will receive the scholarship as long as the winner’s representative fair is a paid up member of the NYS Fair Manage-ment Association.

The Managers Meeting is scheduled for Sept 26-28 in Wayne county.

Gerry Elthorp

N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs Page 3

2014 Convention The 126th Annual NYSAAF Convention will be held

January 17-20, 2014 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY

RegistrationThe registration desk will be located in the gal-

leria, street level. Your registration packets with badges and tickets will be available Friday 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Registration forms have been mailed to you. On December 16th, registration increased to $20.00. List your name on the form as you would like it to appear on your badge.

Saturday & Sunday Breakfast– Advance ticket required

For the 2014 convention the NYSAAF is offering a breakfast on Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19. The menu will include: Sliced fruits, scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausage, as-sorted pastries, juices, coffee and tea. Breakfast will be located at the Radisson Hotel in the Grand Ballroom. Advance tickets are required and can be ordered on the registration form mailed to you. The cost is $11.00 per person, $13.00 per person if purchased after Dec. 15.

Badge RequirementsName Badges must be worn to all functions.

Please wear your registration badge at all times. These badges are important for your identification to attend the meetings, enter the trade show and other functions involved with the convention. These badges indicate that you have registered for the convention; they help the trade show participants put names to faces and the ribbon color identi-fies fair attendees, associate members, officers and speakers.

Convention ProgramYou can download the 2014 Convention

Program at www.nyfairs.com

Hotel ReservationsReservations should be made directly with the

Radisson Riverside Hotel and the Hyatt Regency. Be sure to tell them you are with the NYSAAF to get the proper room rate.

It is very important for everyone making reserva-tions, (whether individually or one person making the reservations for the whole group) to be sure they are identified by name and by fair to eliminate any repetitions. We receive credits on the convention expenses from the Radisson and the Hyatt depend-ing on the number of rooms used. Therefore, it is most important that all of our registrants stay at one of the two hotels and that they know you are part of our group. Deadline for room reservations is December 31st. If you are tax exempt you must present the necessary paper work at the time of registration. If your fair is paying with a corporate card, please read tghe following instructions:

Group Credit Card Instructions- Radisson Riverside Hotel

In effort to assist with previous billing issues we suggest the following procedures to assist in smoothing out the process. If you are a group that is looking to have all the rooms from your fair or organization billed to one credit card the following will enable you to do so:

1. Have one main contact for your group call the hotel 585-546-6400 and ask for Linda Donoghue the reservations manager.

2. Tell Linda that you are with Ag Fairs and you would like to create a “group master” for your fair. Linda will then create a “group master” for your billing purposes.

3. You will need to have the credit card and fill out a credit card authorization form.

Once that group master is created you can then either give Linda the list of names to go on your “group master” or you can have the individuals from your fair call in.

If you are going to have individuals call in on their own please let them know that they will need to make a reservation under ABC fair part of the Ag Fairs block. That way all reservations will be under the correct fair. Linda will also take care of any payment or billing issues that you may have. Her email address is donoghuel@gfhotels.com

The Riverside Convention Center is connected to the hotels by skywalks. Note that there is a NO SMOKING policy at the convention center.

DirectionsThe parking garages for the hotels can be

reached from Interstate 90 to:WEST - From I-90 take exit 47 to route 490 east

(stay in left-hand lane), then take Plymouth Avenue exit. Make a right onto Plymouth Avenue, then a left onto Main Street.

EAST - From I-90, take exit 45, follow route 490 west to Plymouth Avenue, exit ramp. Go straight to Main Street and take a right onto Main Street. After crossing the Genesee River, make a left into driveway from Main Street to Radisson Riverside Hotel, 120 E. Main Street. Make a right into drive-way from Main Street to Hyatt Regency Hotel, 125 E. Main Street.

Presidents’ ReceptionThe President’s reception will be held in the

Riverside Ballroom at the Radisson Hotel on Friday, January 17 from 9 PM until midnight.

AuctionSaturday following the Past President Reception,

our annual scholarship auction will be held. Dona-tions can be left at the registration desk. Be sure your name is on each donated item. It is requested that the item have a minimum value of $25.00. The Association will again be accepting credit cards for auction purchases. In addition to benefiting the Scholarship Fund, 25% of the proceeds will go to the General Fund to support convention activities.

Door PrizesWe request only one door prize per fair and it

can be left at the registration desk. Label each item with the name of your fair and distinguish between door prize and auction item.

Banquet The NYS Association of Agr. Fairs banquet ticket

will be $35.00 for either choice of Chicken Mon-terey or Sirloin Steak, if purchased by December 15th, On December 16th the cost of the banquet tickets will increase to $40.00. This offer is being made available to you by the Association in the hope that you will join us for the 126th annual banquet and entertainment showcase on Sunday in the Empire Hall North of the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Memorial DisplayMemorial forms were mailed to you. If you have

someone you want remembered, please send completed form to Dr. Marilyn Trainor, 436 Harris Dr., Watertown, NY 13601 by January 1, 2014.

Trade Show Booth & HoursExhibit will be open Saturday, January 18 from

11 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday, January 19 from 11 AM to 4 PM. Booths are 8 ft. x 10 ft. Contact Norma Hamilton at 518-753-4956 or carousels4@aol.com for further information on obtaining a booth. A lunch buffet (on your own) and seating area will be available on both days in the trade show for your convenience.

Discount CouponsLunch: Check your registration packet for a

Luncheon Discount Coupon being offered by the NYS Association of Agr. Fairs and The Rochester Riverside Convention Center redeemable for a savings of $1.50 off any concession purchase of $5.00 or greater at the trade show.

This will offer you the opportunity to have lunch and also to conduct business. Tickets for the spe-cial drawing will be included in your registration packet. You must deposit the ticket at the trade show to be eligible. There will be a box where the prizes are displayed. Five qualifying tickets will be drawn Saturday at 4:30 and five Sunday at 3:30 PM. Qualifiers must be present to win. On Sunday, a drawing of the qualifiers will determine the winner. The winning registered delegate must be present to win. The prizes will be displayed in the trade show at the convention.

Trade Show ParadeThe theme for 2014 is “Jail House Rock”. The

“Little Red Wagon Parade” will be held Sunday at 2:45 pm in the trade show area. Rules to par-ticipate were mailed to you with your registration information. Return your entry form by January 1 to: Nelson Eddy, 31571 Peck Road, Black River, NY 13612. If you need further information, contact Nelson at 315-773-5133.

NAME BADGES MUST BE WORN TO ALL FUNCTIONS

You can download the 2014 Convention Program at: www.nyfairs.org

N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs Page 4

Sunday Speaker:Chris Fesko

Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:45 A.M. Speaker Chris Fesko, Lilac Ballroom, Conven-tion Center

Raised in Upstate New York on a small farm, Chris Fesko is the second of seven chil-dren. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Cortland State College with an emphasis in Science Education. Her Masters Education degree is also in science with a flare for the medical aspect, in particular, heart disease.

Now the mother of three grown children and a wife of more than 30 years to Rick Fesko, Chris is active in Hospice and the local church as a lay speaker.

Chris Fesko, an award winning educator, farmer, videographer and producer, is the creator of the On The Farm video series. These videos are delighting children and adults of all ages both in the United States and internationally.

Winner of four Telly Awards, three Parent’s Choice awards and many, many more dis-tinguished awards, Chris’ enterprises have earned a place on the front line of educa-tion and entertainment of all ages.

Her development of the Discovery Cen-ter seemed only a natural follow-up to the nationally distributed videos. She delights in welcoming school children to a learning environment in her huge barn.

As a keynote speaker and workshop leader, Chris brings many of her life experi-ences, boundless enthusiasm and sense of humor to her audiences.

In her spare time, Chris likes to canoe on nearby Skaneateles Lake, hike in the nearby ravines and play soccer.

Jason Young presentations at the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (“NYSAAF”) Conference in Rochester NY on January 18, 2014.

Keynote PresentationSaturday, January 18, 2014 – 9:45 A.M.

Lilac Ballroom, Convention CenterCulturetopia: Creating the ultimate high-

performance organization - This presentation is an introduction to Jason Young’s innovative perspective on how to create and sustain a culture of care and accountability where people can do their best work. A wide range of cultural factors combine to drive the be-havior of managers and those employees who do the real work of serving customers and making products. Jason shows how companies can create a high performance culture that will produce the desired perfor-mance outcomes in productivity, profitability, employee retention and customer satisfac-tion. The key is intentionally identifying and developing the essential factors that impact performance for any organization: engaged leadership, accountability, team alignment and empowerment. These are the elements that truly define great leadership and or-ganizational culture that have the greatest impact on results. Jason uses his experience as a manager, trainer, and consultant to dozens of leading companies to develop the concept of Culturetopia: the ultimate high-performance workplace. In this presentation, Jason provides practical, easy to implement guidance to the seven key determinants that make a healthy, productive and profitable culture of any team or organization.

Breakout SessionSaturday, January 18, 2014 – 1:00 P.M.

Highland A, Convention Center “The Art of Customer Retention” As the

competition continues to heat up for goods and services, organizations today struggle with levels of customer service that will cre-ate satisfied and loyal customers. During this powerful presentation by Jason Young, you’ll find out what outrageous customer service can really do for your bottom line. Discover the meaning behind “customer-defined” service and how that may very well separate you from your competitors. Learn to make the most of those moments of truth that face your organization to leave a legacy of service. Identify the sources of service breakdowns and what it really takes to make a clear path to recovery. You’ll discover that your commitment to service excellence can help your organization make a name for itself and leave its mark.

Saturday Keynote Speaker:Jason Young

Jason Young has been called a “rare breed” when it comes to developing leaders and customer service initiatives. As a former senior-level manager at Southwest Airlines, Jason learned the value of a successful workplace culture. During his 10-years with the airline consistently rated No. 1 in customer service and employee satisfaction, he was a key driver in creating and developing the company’s innovative training programs for its successful leadership and customer ser-vice culture that have become renowned in the business world today.

Driven by the need to extend his unique insight in leadership development to others outside Southwest, Jason separated from the pack in 1998, when he left the airline to launch his own consulting practice to focus on corporate training and development services provider specializing in leadership, customer service and team building. Today, as president of LeadSmart, Inc., Jason shares his vision in developing successful corporate cultures and workplace environments with forward-thinking companies, including Star-bucks, Radio Shack, Coca Cola and Tyson Foods, to name just a few. He has even re-turned to his old turf – Southwest Airlines – to extend his knowledge as a corporate training consultant in leadership development area once again. He has even captured his philos-ophy of creating high performance cultures in his recent book, The Culturetopia Effect.

Capturing the innovative strategies and tactics he created at Southwest Airlines, Jason offers insights and practical informa-tion that can be implemented immediately. His keynote presentations and training pro-grams are in demand for audiences of all types – from senior level executives to front line employees. Jason’s messages reach to the core of every audience member with his unique style and engaging presentation skills. Participants are treated to a compelling experience that will change the way they view themselves, their customers and the company for which they work.

Jason’s keynote and workshop presenta-tions are designed to reinforce the concepts and skills geared to increase learning and assist in the transition from the meeting room to the workplace. The result is an inspirational encounter that resonates long after his pre-sentation is over.

2014 Convention

Boonville Fair exhibit: Dylan Grems built a carnival entirely out of K'Nex

N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs Page 5

Fair Reports - 2013Essex County Fair -WestportDates: July 30 – August 4Attendance: 8,268, same as 2012Gate Admission: adult $10.00 children

$10.00, seniors $10.00Parking: freeWeather: Perfect WeatherCarnival: East Coast MidwaysEntertainment/Fee/Attendance:7/30 Lawn & Garden Pull, free8/1 Truck Pull, free8/2 Figure 8, $3.008/3 Demo, $5.002014 Fair Dates: August 13 - 17Reported by: Bridget Brown, Treasurer

Cortland County Junior Fair Dates: July 9-13Attendance: Big crowds on SaturdayWeather: No rain, hot during the weekCarnival: Midway ride numbers were downEntertainment/Fee/Attendance:Free entertainment: Good turnout 7/10 Beach Party and movie for children7/12, 7/13 Local bands and fireworks2014 Fair Dates: July 8 - 12Reported by: Dick Bush

Herkimer County Fair -FrankfortDates: August 13-18Attendance: 66,081, attendance upGate Admission: adult $7.00, children

$3.00, seniors $7.00Parking: freeWeather: Best Week – No rain, warm, low

humidityCarnival: Gillette ShowsEntertainment/Fee/Attendance: Daily: Granpa Cratchet & Hanson’s Spec-

tacular Circus Thrill Show, daily shows free-filled bleachers

8/14 Shania Twin – free, full pavilion8/15 Rodeo - $5.00, 1000+ attended8/16 & 8/18 Demo/Truck Pull, sold out for

both events2014 Fair Dates: August 12 - 17Reported by: Gerry Elthorp, Treasurer

Jefferson County Fair – Watertown Dates: July 9- 14Attendance: 49,943Gate Admission: adult $5.00, children under

6 free, seniors free on ThursdayParking: $300 on grounds; free at JCCWeather: Tues. Rain on and off, Wed. Rain,

Thurs. thru Sunday warm & HumidCarnival: Reithoffer ShowsEntertainment/Fee/Attendance:Free all week:Bear Mountain Disc-Connected K-9’sThurs & Sunday Stoney Roberts Demo Derby

$5.00, kids under 6 free – 1200 attended2014 Fair Dates: July 8-13Reported by: Larry Burnett, Treasurer

2014 Convention Showcase ActsSunday evening, January 19, 2014Before banquet: Screaming Orphans - Renate LaineCeltic Rock/Folk Band – The Screaming Orphans are the four Diver sisters from Bundoran, Co., Ireland.

After Banquet:Jeremy Staubus Band – Love Shine Agency -Daniel Love Country Singer/Songwriter – Nashville Recording Artist Hardworking, talented group that can play anything from classic country to top 40 country hits to rock and everything in between.The Willis Clan - Klein’s Entertainment, Inc., RJ Kaltenbach, Multi-talented family band comprised of 12 brothers and sisters featured on the hit GAC (Great American Country) show. Country act comprised of one family 12 brothers and sisters and Mom and Dad.am Radio - Variety Attractions, Todd BoltinBand of 9 experienced musicians from Northeast Pennsylvania who play jukebox hits from the 60’s, 70’s, & 80’s. The band covers Classic Rock, Retro 70’s as well as Motown, Disco and Contemporary Pop Rock.Chelsea Cavanaugh – Bridge Road Entertainment 17 Year Old Contemporary Country Artist. From the heart of New York, teen singer/song-writer is redefining contemporary country music with songs that defy her age.

State Fair Director Search Committee Will Meet December 2 to Discuss Candidate Submissions, Interview Process

41 New Yorkers and 17 Candidates from Outside New York Submitted Applications by November 30 Deadline

Search Committee Chairman Matthew J. Driscoll, president and CEO of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., and State Department of Agriculture and Markets Acting Commissioner James B. Bays today announced that 58 candidates have applied to be the new Director of the Great New York State Fair. Forty-one applicants from New York State and 17 from outside the state submitted applications prior to the November 30 deadline.

“The Search Committee will meet on December 2 to discuss next steps in the selection process, including which of the candidates will be selected for interviews by the Search Committee and how those interviews will take place,” said Mr. Driscoll. “Because this is a personnel matter, the inter-view process will not be open to the public. After all the applications are reviewed, four to five finalists are expected to be interviewed.”

“The Great New York State Fair is a hugely important Division within the Department of Agriculture and Markets,” said Acting Com-missioner Bays. “We want the next Director to help maximize the potential of this 375 acre enterprise.”

“Our goal is to recommend a candidate who understands the importance of con-

nectivity between New York’s vast agricultural markets and the broad spectrum of busi-nesses that represent New York’s economy,” Mr. Driscoll said. “All of this is symbolized not only during the two weeks of the Fair, but also in the year round expositions, conventions, entertainment and shows that make the New York State Fair one of the premier attractions in Upstate New York.”

The members of the State Fair Director Search Committee are:

• CommitteeChairMatthewJ.Driscoll• DeputySecretaryforFoodand

Agriculture Patrick Hooker• ActingAgricultureandMarkets

Commissioner James B. Bays• HenryM.Greenberg,Chairofthe

State Fair Advisory Board• NewYorkFarmBureauPresident

Dean Norton• DwayneHill,PresidentoftheNYS

Maple Producers Association• JimTrezise,PresidentoftheNewYork

Wine and Grape FoundationThe Great New York State Fair is held an-

nually in Syracuse and attracted more than 851,000 people this year. The year-round venue also draws as many as a million par-ticipants annually for events including trade shows, festivals, conventions, and animal competitions.

N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs Page 6

Larry Records of Records & Burpee Zoo Shows Griff Gillette of Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream

Erie County Fair celebrates 175 years in 2014

2013 Greene County Youth Fair DisplayBest Friends at the Boonville Oneida County Fair

Frank Roberts of Stoney Roberts Promotions with daughter Kim

N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs Page 7

Fair Secretary Pat Maneely and District 3 Director and Fair President, Dale Chapin visit with fair director Lloyd White at the Franklin County Fair in Malone

NYSAAF VP and Secretary/ Manager of the Dutchess Co. Fair Andy Imperati, with wife ,Vicki and Deb Aschmann

Secretary/Manager Angelo Nero at the Columbia County Fair in Chatham

Schaghticoke Fair Treasurer, John Luskin at the Labor Day Weekend event.

2013 IAFE Convention-New York DelegationThe Twin Flip was a new Coleman Brothers Ride at the Lewis County and Boonville Fairs

Page 8 N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs

my dreams. You are all beyond a doubt an incredible inspiration.

THANK YOU to the NYSAAF for selecting me as a recipient of a $1,000.00 scholarship, which is a tremendous help toward realizing my dreams.

Emily MarkhamEmily is the daughter of Jim and Carol

Markham. Emily has been an active mem-ber of Chautauqua County 4-H for 13 years. She enjoys showing her horse, Will, and participating in the Chautauqua County

traveled to Wisconsin last fall for the National 4-H Dairy Conference and World Dairy Expo. She is currently a freshman at Morrisville State College studying Agriculture Business. At Morrisville, she is involved with the Dairy Cattle Club and on the Western Equestrian Team. Courtney enjoys going to county fair because it serves as an opportunity to edu-cate the public about agriculture. Courtney would like to give a big thanks to NYSAAF and NYSSA along with their members for this great scholarship.

ThanksCourtney Luskin

Marissa Rice

Scholarship WInnersAbby Luzier

Hello! My name is Abby Luzier and I am in my second year at SUNY Cobleskill where I am studying Animal Sciences. I plan on stay-ing at Cobleskill for two more years to com-plete my undergraduate degree and then moving on to Veterinary School immediately after. But first I want you all to get to know me and how I got to be who I am today.

As I grew up I remember people telling me that I was going to go far in life. Many people have always seen me as a very bub-bly, positive person; it is who I am. But what many people don’t know is that my first year and a half of college has not exactly been a “piece of cake”.

My first semester was great! I loved my classes and I loved experiencing new and exciting things. I took that same attitude with me into my second semester, but things changed. I lost my number one inspiration for becoming a vet halfway through the semester. When my grandfather died, I felt as if it was impossible to continue pursuing my dreams.

It took me until mid-terms to finally accept my grandfather’s passing and realize that I am on the right path for myself. Yes, there are classes that I have to make up along the way. Yes, there are situations I wish I had handled differently. But if you are wonder-ing if I ever truly regret choosing the career path I have chosen, the answer is most definitely NO.

I needed this to happen. It has made me grow so much and for that I am glad that it did happen. I understand what it is like to struggle; to feel hopeless, but I know even better how it feels to accomplish something amazing, and that is exactly what I plan on doing over and over again.

Through 4H, I believe I am more “Heart” than I could ever imagine. Being a part of something for so long helps you find your way in life. I cannot see myself as the same bub-bly, positive girl that I am today if 4H didn’t have the encouraging impact on me that it did. There are things in life you know you were meant to do and meant to succeed in, no matter what obstacles appear in your path. You have to learn how to overcome those obstacles to really make a difference.

I have learned so much through 4H and my own personal experiences that I truly believe will make me a great veterinarian one day soon. There is no way possible that I can thank everybody for everything they have ever taught me over the years; my family, fair families, friends, educators, advisors, mentors—THANK YOU for always being there and never giving up on me or

Fair and the New York State Fair. Emily was valedicto-rian of her Class of 2013, a goal that she had set for herself upon entering high school. In high school, she was involved in various student activities, includ-ing Key Club, Concert Band, Marching Band, softball, and National Honor Society. She enjoys helping others and serving her community in any way that she can. Emily currently attends The Ohio State University as a psychology major. She is in the honors program and is also a proud member of the women’s rowing team. She can’t wait to see what opportunities are waiting for her in the future. Emily hopes to get involved in research and is possibly thinking of focusing on equine assisted psychotherapy. One of Emily’s favorite quotes describes her future plans: “Be daring, be different, be impracti-cal, be anything but ordinary.”

Emily would like to thank the NYSAAF/NYSSPA for awarding her this scholarship. It is a huge honor and participating in the Chautauqua County Fair and the New York State Fair has been a huge part of Emily’s life. It means the world to her to be able to attend the college of her dreams and she knows that it will present her with limitless op-portunities for success in the future.

Courtney LuskinCourtney Luskin of Valley Falls, daughter

of John and Jane Luskin has been an active participant of the Schaghticoke Fair in Rens-selaer County for her whole life. Courtney has exhibited cows and horses at the fair along helping out with various activities at the fair for a number of years. Court-ney is active member of Rensselaer County 4-H, she has been involved in equine, dairy, canine, and teen exchange programs. She served as county dairy prin-cess in 2012, she is the current New York State Dairy Princess. Courtney was also a member of the 2013 NYS Junior Dairy Leaders, she

I have been a 4-H member since I was 8 years old, and partici-pated at the Hemlock, Caledonia, and NYS Fairs every year since then. My experiences have primar-ily centered around ani-mals. I have shown rabbits at the Hemlock, Caledonia and Orleans County Fairs, culmi-nating in a Best of Show rabbit at the NYS Fair. I have also shown pigs, goats and horses, and was the 2010 Hemlock Fair Grand Mas-ter Showman of all eight species. However, my greatest interest is in horses, showing at the Genesee and Ontario County Fairs in addition to those previously mentioned. Although I enjoy riding, I also especially love to learn about nutritional and physiological aspects of equines. I have participated in numerous 4-H educational events, including the Eastern National Roundup in Lexington, Kentucky for both Horse Bowl and Hippology. In addition to being ranked individually in both events, our NYS Horse Bowl team was the Reserve National Champion! I have been awarded Livingston County 4-H Horse-man of the Year several times for points ac-cumulated from riding, educational events, and community service activities. This past summer, I worked as the Livingston County Cornell Cooperative Extension Summer As-sistant for the Hemlock Fair. Along with 4-H activities, I am also member of the United States Pony Club, and was a member of an Interscholastic Equestrian Association team. For both of these organizations, I was able to compete with equines at the National Level very successfully.

In high school, I was very active with local and state NYS CLSA Leadership conferences, and also was a workshop leader at the Na-tional LEAD conference in Washington D.C. I was a member of Link Crew, which helps freshman transition to high school, and I also

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Page 9 N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs

enjoyed tutoring several different subjects. Class Treasurer and member of both National Honor and Science National Honor Societ-ies, I was also the 2013 Valedictorian of the Livonia Central School District. Currently, I am studying Biology/Pre-Vet at Cornell University. I was fortunate to be selected as a member of the Cornell Equestrian Team, where my passion for horses can continue!

Jenna HillMy name is Jenna Hill and I am currently

a junior at Houghton College. At Houghton,

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this program, as it allows me to inform the public about all aspects of the dairy industry and to explain how farmers care deeply for their animals. From doing school programs with the court to doing farm tours for pre-schoolers, I have loved being able to teach others about the dairy industry.

During my high school years at Clyde-Savannah, I was involved in various extracur-ricular activities, including volleyball, softball, track and field, Varsity club, Spanish club, Interact club, band, jazz band, Yearbook club, and National Honors Society. Now that I am in college, I still am involved with the community. I participate in Allegany County Outreach, Health Professions Club, and Sig-ma Zeta Mathematics and Science National Honors Society. I am also still very active in our family farm, Drumlin View Farm. On our farm, we strive to produce high quality milk with low somatic cell count. I have become involved in our milk quality management practices, whether it be treating mastitis cows, testing for mastitis, or simply making sure the cows are clean during milking preparation. I have always enjoyed being involved with our farm, and I look forward to always being involved in the dairy industry.

These past few summers I have become more involved with shadowing our farm veterinarians as well as a local small animal vet. I value this experience greatly, and I have enjoyed learning more and more about veterinary medicine. As a large ani-mal veterinarian, I will strive to help farmers be more profitable with their cows, teach them to care for them in a safe and healthy manner, and share my passion for the dairy cow and industry. I have always looked up to the vets that serve our dairy farm, and I hope that I can one day be as knowledge-able as they are. Though it will require a lot of schooling, I am excited and eager to expand my knowledge of the dairy cow and dairy industry. This will be accomplished with the help of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs awarding me the $1,000.00 Scholarship, thank you.

I am majoring in biology and minoring in chem-istry. I will be applying to veterinary schools this coming summer.

Having grown up on a family owned dairy farm, cows and the dairy in-dustry have always been a part of my life. Now that I am older, I am responsible for various duties on the farm. Doing farm work has taught me responsibility and the true meaning of hard work. I have also shown cows since I was eligible to join 4-H. I personally halter train all of my cows, and do all of my own fitting and clipping. Showing at the Wayne County Fair, as well as the New York Spring Dairy Carousel include some of my most cherished memo-ries. I value all that I have had the privilege to learn through my experience at the Wayne County Fair. Fair week is by far my favorite week out of the summer, and I always look forward to picking out my show string for the show season. At the Wayne County Fair, I also had the opportunity to participate in Super Showmanship, in which the showmanship winners of each species compete in show-ing dairy cows, beef cows, goats, pigs, and sheep. I have made great friends through showing dairy cows, and I have discovered many opportunities. I joined the Wayne County Princess Court when I was ten years old, and I am still involved in it to this day--this year as the Wayne County Dairy Princess. I enjoy promoting the dairy industry through

Page 10 N.Y.S. Assoc. Ag Fairs

NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATIONOF AGRICULTURAL FAIRS, INC.Norma W. Hamilton, Executive Secretary67 Verbeck Ave. • Schaghticoke, NY 12154www.nyfairs.org

BU

SIN

ESS ASSOCIATION

MEMBER • OU

TDOOR AMUSEMENT

•

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS

Join us January 17 - 20, 2014 126th NYSAAF Annual Convention

Riverside Convention Center • Rochester, NYConvention Program – www.nyfairs.org

Call for room reservations:

Radisson Riverside Hotel – 585-546-6400 donoghuel@gfhotels.com

Hyatt Regency – 585-546-1234 https://resweb.passkey.com/go/nysagfair2014