Western Fairs Association Newsletter
May 2014
Blue Ribbon Foundation Scholarships Awarded
Students Jake Carlson and Krystal Brander receive $2,500 each

The Blue Ribbon Foundation, the nonprofit charitable arm of WFA, is proud to announce the recipients of the its 2014 scholarships.
  • Jake Carlson, son of California State Fair staffer Jay Carlson, was awarded $2,500. He is currently studying animal science (with a pre-veterinary emphasis) at CSU, Fresno, and is expected to graduate next year.  
  • Krystal Brander, granddaughter of WFA lifetime members Sil and Carol Brander, is a straight-A student at Trinity High School and was named valedictorian of her graduating class. She aspires to become a marine biologist.

This program is offered in partnership with the Friends of the California State Fair which processes the applications, and manages the selection and awarding of funds. Learn more about the Blue Ribbon Foundation Scholarship Program and these talented students in the summer issue of the Fair Dealer magazine.   

First Combined Meeting a Success
Sacramento Valley Fair Area and Service Members meet in Dixon.

President Pat Kress' goal to bring fairs and service members together during meetings at fairs-in-progress is off to a great start. The Sacramento Fair Area and service members met at the Dixon May Fair on May 9 at 10 a.m. About 25 people participated, representing seven different fairs and the same number of fair businesses. Read Venues Today Magazine's coverage of the meeting.

Next Combined Meeting
May 30, 10 a.m. Contra Costa County Fair, Board Room
View updated schedule here. Sort by WFA Meetings and Mixers. Hover over each listing for details.
WFA Open House Season Kicks Off in Del Mar
Join us at the San Diego County Fair on June 26 for a day of meetings.

 

WFA's annual Open House season begins at the San Diego County Fair. Join us on June 26, 5-7 p.m. All members are invited and nonmembers are welcome to mingle with fair managers, directors, staff members, service members and WFA staff. View a complete list of meetings on our new website's Event Calendar. Add them to your Outlook Calendar or print them out for easy reference.     

 

Also of Interest at San Diego County Fair on June 26 

Professional Development Committee, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Combined Southern Fair Area and Service Member Meeting, 2-4 p.m.      
New WFA Website    

WFA debuted the first phase of its new interactive website last week that allows you to add fair dates and WFA meetings to your Outlook Calendar, upload photos from events you've attended, is easier to navigate and includes Convention, Trade Show and Showcase information.

This mobile-friendly site will be updated with an online business directory as well as a members-only section by the end of July. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
CA Park Packs   

WFA and California State Parks partnered to bring the 150th anniversary celebration of state parks to California fairgrounds. Prize packs were distributed to each California fair in January. Unfortunately, both WFA and State Parks have limited resources and the supply of prize packs has been exhausted. If you would like to participate in this celebration and can't locate your prize pack, check with your area fairs to see if they are utilizing the pack. Or you can order prize ribbons directly from Staats.
Important Dates   
 
May 23
WFA Meeting & Mixer
Sacramento County Fair
9 a.m., Board Room

May 30
WFA Meeting & Mixer (combined with Central Coast Fair Area Meeting)
Contra Costa County Fair
10 a.m., Board Room

June 13
WFA Meeting & Mixer
Merced County Fair
2 p.m., Wine Garden

View a complete list of WFA Meetings & Mixers and scheduled Open Houses.