North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) staff and management enjoyed some downtime the past few months before opening their 2020 season, a 9 month odyssey that will take them to over 125 fairs and events, attended by over 15 million people. These fairs include 13 of the top 50 fairs in North America.
Although the winter months provide a bit of respite from the busy fair season, NAME's management team has been busy planning for 2020 and is proud to announce the signing of many new contracts and extensions that extend their presence at a number of major events.
South Carolina State Fair
In October, NAME signed a record-breaking new six-year agreement with the fair, the longest that General Manager Nancy Smith and her team have ever signed. In partnership with the South Carolina State Fair, NAME has seen immense growth in attendance over the last few years. One of the reasons for success in 2019 was the premier of the company's new 150' tall luxury Celebration Wheel to commemorate the fair's 150th anniversary. Working with the fair to make the anniversary as memorable as possible was certainly a highlight of 2019 event and the company looks forward to collaborating on many more exciting projects over the next 6 years.
Nancy Smith, said, “The South Carolina State Fair is pleased to announce our contract renewal with North American Midway Entertainment. We have enjoyed a long and prosperous relationship with NAME for years and look forward to the future. NAME continues to bring quality rides and entertainment to the South Carolina State Fair, something our patrons look very forward to each year. The addition of NAME's “150 Celebration Wheel” to the South Carolina State Fair's ride lineup in 2019 was welcome and exciting news. NAME continues its commitment to our industry to “make the best better”.
Miami Dade County Fair
Shortly before Christmas, North American Midway inked a new deal with the Miami Dade County Fair that extends their long-term partnership though to the end of 2024. NAME provides nearly 100 rides at they set a new midway revenue record in 2019. Danny Huston, NAME's CEO, commented upon the execution of the new contract, “The sky's the limit with this progressive and forward-thinking fair. We are so excited about the further prospects in Miami and working with this fine group of professionals.”
Eddie Cora, Miami Dade County Fair & Exposition stated, “The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition is looking forward to working with North American Midway for another five years. Over the years the two organizations have formed a very strong partnership centered on constantly improving the guest experience. The mutual understanding and commitment to our guests is what has made our organization successful and we look forward to improving our fair, enhancing the guest experience and increasing our attendance for the life of this contract.”
The Calgary Stampede
Further north, the Calgary Stampede signed a contract with NAME's International Unit which will provide the Stampede midway services through to the end of the 2024 exhibition. This contract extends a long time partnership with the Stampede, which they say is so much more than a signature on a piece of paper. Tony Diaz, North American Midway President and General Manager said, “Our relationship with the Stampede is one that finds us collaborating to provide the best customer experience with regard to attractions, customer service, quality employees and safety, which has led NAME and the Stampede to raise the bar year after year, leading to midway records and outstanding growth.” NAME plans to premier the new Super Gondola Wheel at the Stampede in 2020.
St Joseph County Fair, South Bend, IN and Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Elkhart, IN
The Mid-America Unit have also been busy. Late in 2019, they signed two 10 year contracts with the St. Joseph County Fair in South Bend, IN and a 10 year term with the Elkhart County 4-H fair in Elkhart, IN. Both of these fairs have been on the North American Midway slate of events for over 30 years. This move supports NAME's long term stability vision for with the Mid-America unit.
Westerner Days, Red Deer, Alberta and The Greater Gulf State Fair, Mobile Alabama
Finally, NAME recently sealed contracts in Red Deer at Westerner Days and at the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, Alabama. The Red Deer contract runs through 2024 and the Greater Gulf State Fair arrangement is through 2025. NAME is committed to their fairs' continued success and future growth, regardless of the size of the event. Red Deer is located between Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta and runs for 5-days, boasting an attendance that exceeds the population of the city of Red Deer. Westerner Days posts increases year after year due to their progressive programming.
The Greater Gulf State Fair, about 2,400 miles away from Red Deer, is headed by CEO Josh Woods who has increased attendance by drawing from all regions of the Gulf Coast.
Huston is very proud of these new contract signings, pointing out that contracts with both large scale and mid size events paves the road for NAME to lead the industry with new capital, midway amenities, innovative customer service mandates, and staff, further growing their national audience by providing a quality product for every event size. With these new contract extension NAME's future looks bright.
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