Winding down the 2015 season for Carnivals, Fairs and Exposition, I


am hearing and reading that the majority of fairs in the US and Canada had great runs, as our guests continue to seek low cost, high value enter- tainment. All eyes are on the Fairs and Festivals in the South Southeast this win-


ter as hopefully they give us a spectacular finish to this record breaking family entertainment season. Fairs continue to bring exciting leisure value, showcasing agriculture education and entertaining hundreds of millions of families with the best, low cost value for their budgets. I challenge you to not loose sight of your Mission and continue to provide the best, family entertainment for America's fairgoers for their budget. This past September, I chaired the Florida Fair Rides Advisory Com-


mittee meeting, along with State Agricultural inspection representatives, Alan Harrison and Michelle Faulk. Members of this State amusement ride safety committee are appointed by Adam Putnam, our State Com- missioner of Agriculture and represent theme parks, family entertain- ment centers, water parks, fairs and carnivals. The State gave their annu- al report on amusement ride safety and new attractions springing-up in Florida and their annual, ride safety inspections. I have chaired this Committee for the past six years, as requested by


Commissioner Putnam. Our industry appointees attending this meeting included Charles Pesano (Florida State Fair), Martha Leverock (Jacksonville Ag Fair), Bill Castigliola (Amusements of America), Mi- chael Wood (Wood Entertainments) and Jerry Smithson (independent insurance consultant). Charles Panacek (Belle City Amusements) had a family medical emergency and was not able to attend. Guests included Jay Strates (Strates Shows) and your newest Federation fair member Shelby Lowe, president of the Southeast Florida Market Fair, in Lake Park, Florida. Others attending from Florida's attraction and theme park industry were representatives from Disney, Fun Spot Amusement Parks, Sea World and Andretti Speedway attractions, whose representatives are also appointed by the Commissioner. The Agenda included ASTM standards update on Zip Lines, 2015


Legislative Session update, Rule-making discussion on "transport" and the 2014-2015 inspection statistics by the Bureau.


Florida Agriculture and Wildlife Expo…. From the Perspective of a Board Member of a New Fair… It has truly been an interesting experience


building an Expo from the ground up! The steps needed, both on the county and state level deal- ing with State Statute 616 was daunting. The FDACS was extremely helpful and "walked" us through the worst of the needed information. The help from our local cattlemen as well as the steady stream of knowledgeable volunteers warmed our hearts. And so-- the first Florida Agriculture and


Wildlife Expo will open November 5th and run through November 8th. We will showcase Flori- da's vast agriculture landscape from bees to cat- tle, swine, poultry and rabbits. Also planned is a major youth horseshow along with a showcase of horse breeds, their origins and uses. Caners, our local cannery, soap makers as well as a quilt show and art show are also planned. Our farm families, landscapers and nurserymen are also involved. Programs for children such as bow hunting


demos and spot fishing are also planned as well as a showcase of Florida's fishing & hunting. The FAWE's slogan is' "Life from the Land


and the Sea." Education is our goal. Our board of directors believe every Floridian should know what goes INTO what goes ON TO their plates. We hope to see you at our Expo. Nell Ohff, CFE


38


MEMBERGET-A-MEMBER FAIRCRACKER-FALL 2015


OABA Update-by Bob Johnson, OABA President & CEO This state inspection report is our annual re-


port card regarding ride inspections, stop opera- tion orders, total inspection deficiencies and number of permits issued. The report showed that a total of 8,723 rides were inspected, down from 9,304 rides inspected for the prior fiscal year; there were a 122 stop operation orders issues, down from 130 ordered in the prior year. mostly due to 91 mechanical/structural issues and some 28,024 deficiencies, the highest ever since the state began monitoring inspection deficiencies, an increase of 3,834 from the prior fiscal year. Many of these we're attributed to rides, not being ready for inspection or waiting for replacement parts, then they were inspected and permitted, while the state inspector was still on the property. The State issued 1,744 ride permits, an increase of 88 over the prior year. Our State's Bureau of Fair Rides inspection is doing an outstanding job


to protect the amusement riding public. Both Alan Harrison and Michelle Faulk, state officials, who oversee this important state ride inspection program are doing their very best to work with amusement ride owners to ensure safety is top of mind! Our next meeting is sched- uled for February 3, at the State Fair in Tampa, at 10 AM. This meeting is open to the public. I hope to see many of you at the IAFE's convention and trade show


next month in Las Vegas. Thanks for your membership in the OABA and, as usual, if you have


any questions regarding your carnival or amusement rides, please don't hesitate to contact me. A blessed and Happy Thanksgiving to all!


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48