Florida Federation of Fairs Dream Trip 2014
By: Miranda Muir This summer, several members of the Florida Federation of Fairs were given the
chance to mark an item off their “bucket list.” The Federation’s President, Rick Vymlatil, of the South Florida Fair, remembers early in his career being told he must visit the Calgary Stampede. Having never yet had the opportunity, when asked to select the location for the 2014 summer trip, the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” seemed the perfect fit. Eight members of the organization, including representatives Rick and Denise Vymlatil of the South Florida Fair, Randy and Fran Crone from the Southwest Florida/Lee County Fair, Miranda Muir, the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show & Osceola County Fair, Karson Turner and Lisa Kelley of the Hendry County Fair and Livestock Show, and FFF Ex- ecutive Director, Lisa Hinton made the more than 2,800 mile journey and were fortunate enough to be a few of the more than 1 million visitors to enter Stampede Park this July. Their excitement was obvious and within the first hour of their visit, they were overwhelmed by not only all that the Stampede has to offer, but the hospitality and community spirit of the organization. From the moment the group arrived at the airport Calgary Stampede Volunteers were there to offer souvenirs, take group photos, and generate enthusiasm for their beloved event. While visiting, the Florida group was treated to the Stampede Rodeo, the Rangeland Derby,
Randy and Fran Crone get their official Calgary Stampede brand as they arrived at the airport.
and the Grandstand Show Barnburner. Each of these featured events was amazing on its own, and the group was extremely fortunate to be able to attend all three, learning from the profes- sionalism and experience of the Stampede teams. The show is able to incorporate popular music and entertainment, while balancing history and tradition in a way that impressed each of those visiting with the Florida Federa- tion of Fairs. Of course that was just a sample of the
Touring all the agricultural exhibits at the Calgary Stampede was one of the high- lights of the trip.
numerous Calgary Stampede events. From livestock displays and educational opportuni- ties for youth, to the Downtown Attractions and amazing entertainers, there was most definitely something there everyone. Wheth- er their fair hosts 5,000 or 500,000, everyone on the trip was able to bring home
a was list of
new ideas and possibilities. The experience more
than
worth the time and travel costs and the Florida Federation of Fairs would
The gracious hospitality of the Calgary Stampede Board extended to the downtown festivities. Pictured left to right: Lisa Hinton, Florida Fed- eration of Fairs; Rick Vymlatil, South Florida Fair; Bob Thompson, President and Chairman of the Board, Bill Gray and Dave Sibbald, Elected Officers of the Board, Dana Peers, Director Liaison for various committees (Director on the Board) Miranda Muir, Osceola County Fair; and Denise Vymlatil, South Florida Fair.
like
to thank the Cal- gary Stampede for hosting the group. CEO, Vern Kimball and Ex- ecutive Assistant Sandi Bourque worked to help plan the group’s schedule, while Director, Dana Peers served as a gracious host during the trip. Additionally, every member of the Calgary Stam- pede’s, Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteer Contingency took the time to answer numerous questions, give directions and sug- gestions, and went out of their way to ensure the group had every- thing they needed. It was the wonderful group spirit, positive atti-
The Florida group also enjoyed a day as “tourists” visiting Banff and Lake Louise. What a beautiful day!
tudes, and pride for the organization that will ultimately be the best trip memory. The Calgary Stampede is proof positive that when you come together as a team, amazing things can happen.
More photographs on page 16 15
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