OABA Update- by Bob Johnson, OABA President and CEO
What Will the New Year Bring? As many of our members attended their State Fairs association conventions, many are
still busy in their winters quarters planning and refurbishing equipment for the 2015 amusement season. Some have already started their 2015 seasons, operating in Florida and Texas. My trav-
els in January took me to Ohio, Reno (Western Fairs) and Pennsylvania Fair meetings, while Al DeRusha, on our staff traveled to Texas and Illinois to visit Fairs and see our members. At the Ohio Fairs meeting, I had the pleasure of presenting OABA's recognition to Bates Bros. Amusements' Eric and
Geary Bates and their families in Columbus. Over 600 people attended a luncheon to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2015. Another great family in our industry celebrating three generations of providing safe, quality entertainment each season. Entering 2015, your OABA is Celebrating 50 Years of serving our members and protecting the mobile amusement in- dustry for generations to come. Our Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration took place at the Annual Member Meeting in Tampa, February 6, at the Sheraton Tampa East Hotel. Our new Chairman in 2105 is Michael Wood, owner of Wood Entertainment from San Antonio, Texas. Michael is a frequent independent ride owner in this State, operating at several Fairs, including the South Florida Fair and the State Fair in Tampa, including Miami’s Christmas celebration. Michael also serves on this State’s Advisory Board, as appointed by Commissioner Putnam, to work with State regulators and inspec- tors to ensure the highest level of amusement ride safety for our guests. OABA’s Hall of Fame and Historical Committee, chaired by First Vice Chair Tom Gaylin, has been busy working on
presentations for this meeting of our Hall of Fame and Pioneer Award recipients. By the way, in case you haven't heard, two OABA Trustees – Jean Clair and John Hanschen – were inducted into the OABA Hall of Fame. Both Jerry Barber and Dan Dudley received the OABA's coveted Pioneer Award. Great honors for these industry leaders. Gaylin has been busy coordinating the OABA's section in the International Independent Showmen's Museum in River-
view, Florida, with opened on Wednesday, February 5th. This section of the museum will feature history of the OABA and the industry leaders who have been inducted in our Hall of Fame and who have been recognized as industry Pio- neers. The OABA staff – Al DeRusha, Dee Dee Alford, Brenda Ruiz and News Ambassador Tom Powell – look forward to an- other exciting year for members and the mobile amusement industry and for the Fair industry.
Zach Panacek of Belle City Amusements accepting the OABA Circle of Excellence Award at the Gibsonton Trade Show!
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Butch and Kathy Ivory with Famous Gabby’s visit with Don Frenkel at the Pensacola Interstate Fair
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