Carnival & Fair News

An increase in attendees, trade show exhibitors and solidarity regarding maintaining fair funding by the state legislature marked the 114th annual convention of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF). This proactive stance, optimistic 2025 outlook, and renewed vigor seemed sparked by the largest annual outdoor event in the state, the Illinois State Fair – a recipient of a $85.3 million capital investment – which in 2024 shattered attendance records.

“Overall, 2024 was a very good year for Illinois fairs,” said David Hake, manager of the Washington County Fair, who is serving the second of his two year term as IAAF president, “Some fairs had record attendance, not just the state fair. I think last year everybody was staying a little closer to home with their vacations. There's many factors drawing people to fairs. Most of our fairs did better if not even with the year before. Parts of southern Illinois were hit with some torrential rains and they had to revamp. There were several fairs that got downpours of rain.”

Assessing 2024

Dealing with Mother Nature's shifting moods is part of the game, but the attitude has definitely become more proactive in the Land of Lincoln. Some fairs, such as Hake's event, have begun adding grandstand entertainment again on weeknights. “We draw more people than we would otherwise,” said Hake. “Other fairs have taken similar steps. You have to take your time, Rome wasn't built in a day. Fairs have become better at talking to business owners, getting sponsorships, thinking outside the box. Fairs have changed their sponsorship programs, offering a lot more with meals, grandstand tickets and little perks. If you get that businessman coming, he'll have his employees come and their families.”

This forward looking demeanor was evident in this year's convention theme. “Rockin' It Forward.” Why was this inspiring tagline selected? “We're moving ahead, moving forward. We did many changes as an organization and our fairs are changing.”

The 2025 convention “went quite well,” said Hake. More than 400 fair professionals attended and 105 member fairs were represented; 73 fairs participated in the County Fair Queen pageant, an annual convention highlight. In addition, the IAFF also updated all communications – it was the first year “we sent out no printed mail, everything was done by email,” said Hake – and other aspects of the convention, such as scanable badges with lanyards. “We changed a lot of things, technical small things, but they made a difference. We may be catching up, but change is good.”

Most notably – as well as indicative of surging fair network – trade show exhibitors more than doubled – 81 booths, up from a mere 31 last year. “Our trade show was up by a considerable number by booths. We did some changes to the floor and that pretty much worked out.”

Any noticeable trends on the floor? “We had more online ticketing companies than ever before. We also had some carnivals that haven't been here since COVID. We had more acts in the showcase. There were more new and smaller acts, strolling acts than we've seen before.”

Seminar and Round-Table Discussion Topics Included: What Did Your Fair Do Differently in 2024; Looking to the Future; Volunteers of All Ages; Recruitment – More for Your Buck; Promoting Your Fair; and Agricultural Education and Community Involvement. “It's at the convention where you pick up new ideas, and can talk with your peers face-to-face. It's a networking and an educational opportunity.”

Keynote Speaker was Mike Bradley of MHB Productions, a fairs and events management consulting business. He has represented the IAFE and their Speakers Bureau for more than 20 years. “Mike was a very uplifting speaker,” said Hake.

Maintaining Funding

While the IAAF doesn't have a lobbyist per-say, the organization is active in the legislature with many political leaders advocating for their fairs. In addition to the state fair receiving massive funding, local and county fairs do receive funds for premium awards and matching grants for infrastructure improvements. “We've been able to hold on to that funding for the last several years. We've haven't lost funding and have been able to maintain the status quo.”

The emerging bird flu epidemic was also a matter of concern. “We're watching it closely, it may be affecting dairy cows so that's a worry. We know all the poultry and duck exhibitors are worried because there's been news of flocks being destroyed. We have more commercial dairy farmers and beef exhibitors at fairs, that's been growing faster. Also we have the diehards showing rabbits, they're keeping a tradition alive that for some families go back 75 years.”

While the bird flu epidemic is an evolving issue, the Illinois fairs also discussed the workforce challenges carnival companies are facing in 2025. “If these carnival companies can't get these workers, we're all in trouble. A carnival makes a fair. If you don't have a midway you can still have a fair, but it's very difficult.”