Carnival & Fair News

  The Minnesota State Fair recognized 12 outstanding commercial exhibitors, concessions, attractions, and food and beverage vendors with its 2026 Best Awards. State Fair CEO Renee Alexander presented the awards during a ceremony at the Summit Stage at the Bazaar. Recipients were selected from nearly 1,000 businesses and attractions participating in this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together. The 2026 winners included the 230-foot-tall America Wheel honoring America250; Big Dog Corndogs; Thornberry Concessions’ Break a Plate; Cowboy Santa; Faithful Contracting; iPierogi; Prime Pacific Entertainment’s Lady Bugs ride; Origami by Kannika; Peachey’s Baking Company; the Starship ride; The Straub Store; and Strawberries ‘N Creme and Loon Lake Iced Tea. Award recipients were chosen based on customer service, staff professionalism, visual presentation, product or service quality, and overall value provided to fairgoers.   [read more]

  The National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) has announced the selection of Courtny Hinds, CAE, CCE, CFE, as its next Executive Director. Hinds, currently Executive Director and General Manager of the Wyoming State Fair & Event Complex, will begin her new role September 14, 2026, and will work alongside current Executive Director Rey O’Day during a transition period through February 14, 2027. The following is NICA’s official announcement: On behalf of the NICA Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce that Courtny Hinds, CAE, CCE, CFE, has been selected as NICA’s next Executive Director! Courtny will officially begin her role on September 14, 2026, working side by side with current Executive Director Rey O’Day through February 14, 2027. This transition period will provide continuity while allowing for a thoughtful transfer of knowledge, relationships, and strategic priorities. Currently serving as Executive Director and General ...   [read more]

  Robert “Bob” William Commerford, 94, passed away on July 27, 2026. He was born on May 21, 1932, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the late Francis and Helen (née Kudlinski) Commerford. Although the family primarily called Waterbury, Connecticut, home, they also lived for a short time in Newburgh, New York.As a young boy, Bob worked alongside his father at the family's Community Bakery in Waterbury. When he was just twelve years old, his father bought him his first horse, sparking what would become a lifelong love of horses.Bob proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia. Following his military service, he returned home and continued pursuing his interest in horses and the outdoor amusement industry.Bob soon began buying and selling ponies and eventually purchased his first Shetland pony hitch. His career in the outdoor amusement industry began at the Danbury State Fair, where he proudly drove the ...   [read more]