National Independent Concessionaires Association / NICA

09/06/2026

🇺🇸 The NICA Office is Closed for Labor Day! 🇺🇸

The NICA Office will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026 in observance of Labor Day. We will be open during normal business hours again on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. If you need to reach us over the Holiday Weekend, leave a message via phone at (813) 438-8926 or by replying to this email and we will contact you as soon as possible. Have a safe, successful, and fun holiday! "Together We Can!"

09/01/2026

⏰ The Season Moves Fast. Take Time to Work ON Your Business.

When was the last time you stepped away from the stand, the route, or the day-to-day operation to focus on the bigger picture?

At our upcoming 5th Annual NICA Marketplace "Together!" event, you'll spend the week connecting with Industry peers, exploring new products and services, discussing real-world challenges, and gathering ideas that can help your business grow.

🎪 Learn from experienced Fair and Concessionaire leaders.
🤝 Build relationships with people who understand your business.
💡 Discover solutions you can put to work immediately.
🎰 Enjoy the energy and excitement of Las Vegas with your Fair Family.

Join us November 8–11, 2026, at the Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas.

🎟️ Early Bird Registration is just $149 through September 15th. Register and reserve your hotel room for $85 today at www.nicainc.org/marketplace

Your next great idea, partnership, or opportunity could be waiting at NICA Marketplace.

09/01/2026

View the August 31, 2026 NICA Now! for our latest announcements, upcoming events, benefits, Industry-related headlines, and market updates: https://mailchi.mp/e822d5b424f1/august-31-2026-nica-now

08/30/2026

☀️ We have two NICA Summer Gatherings coming up this week!

🎡 If you’re at the Nebraska or Minnesota State Fairs, come join your fellow Concessionaires, Fair partners, and NICA friends for food, refreshments, Industry updates, great conversation, and more!

📍 Monday, August 31 • 2 PM
Nebraska State Fair – The Beach Bar
Join the Midwest Council for NICA’s first-ever Summer Gathering at the Nebraska State Fair! Meet NICA and Fair Leadership, learn more about NICA, and enjoy door prizes, food, refreshments, and fellowship.

📍 Tuesday, September 1 • 7 PM
Minnesota State Fair – The Hangar
Keep the fun going Tuesday evening with the Midwest Council at The Hangar! Hear greetings from Minnesota State Fair and NICA Leadership, catch up on Industry and labor legislation news, and enjoy door prizes, tasty food and beverages, and plenty of great dialogue.

🎟️ At both Gatherings, you’ll have a chance to win a FREE NICA Membership or NICA Marketplace Registration!

Bring a friend and come make some connections—we hope to see you there! 🤝🎉

08/28/2026

🎈 Join NICA Tonight at the Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Festival! 🎈

If you’re at the Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Festival at West Boggs Park, in Loogootee, IN, stick around after closing for a NICA After Hours Reception hosted by Director Trent Wilkes, CCE at Wilkes Concessions’ Beer & Wine Garden!

🍻 This is the perfect chance to unwind after the day, connect with fellow Concessionaires and Industry friends, and enjoy some time together!

📅 Tonight — August 28th
⏰ After Closing • Approximately 10:30 PM
📍 Wilkes Concessions Beer & Wine Garden • West Boggs Park, Indiana

We hope to see you there! 🎈🍻

08/27/2026

2026 NICA Foundation Scholarship Recipients Have Been Selected - https://mailchi.mp/0711542c563a/2026-nica-foundation-scholarship-recipients-have-been-selected

08/27/2026

🍑 Happy National Peach Day! 🍑

Sweet, juicy, and a taste of Summer, peaches are a perfect fit for the Fairgrounds! From Peach Cobbler and Peach Pie to Peach Ice Cream, Lemonade, Funnel Cakes, and other creative treats, there are plenty of ways to put this classic fruit on the menu.

How do you serve up peaches at your Concession Stand? 🍑🎡

08/26/2026

🎡 Join Us at the Oregon State Fair!

NICA’s next Summer Gathering is happening tomorrow, Thursday, August 27th at 7 PM at the Oregon State Fair's Cantina in Salem, OR!

Come connect with fellow Concessionaires and Fair friends, hear greetings from NICA and Oregon State Fair Leadership, learn more about NICA, and enjoy Door Prizes, a 50/50 Drawing, great conversation, and more! See the flyer for more details.

08/25/2026

🍌🍨 It’s National Banana Split Day! 🍨🍌

There’s always room for a classic—especially when it comes loaded with Bananas, Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Whipped Cream, Nuts, Cherries, and all your favorite toppings! 😋

Whether you serve up a traditional Banana Split or put your own Fair Food twist on this sweet treat, today is the perfect excuse to celebrate!

🍌 Concessionaires, do you serve Banana Splits at your stand? What toppings make yours stand out? Share your creations with us in the comments! 👇

08/24/2026

Utah State Fair and other events across the country are having scam emails go out in their name. Know the signs! See below for tips from the Fair and be careful out there.

⚠️ SCAM ALERT: UTAH STATE FAIR VENDORS & CONCESSIONAIRES ⚠️

We have been made aware of a scam targeting current and prospective Utah State Fair food vendors and concessionaires.
Individuals are cold calling businesses and offering last-minute vendor or concession space at the Utah State Fair, then requesting payment. They are also sending fraudulent invoices and using an email address designed to appear affiliated with the Fair.
These communications are NOT from the Utah State Fair.
Please remember:
• Utah State Fair vendor and concession space is coordinated directly through our official Fair staff.
• We will never use a Gmail address to conduct official vendor business or request payment.
• Be cautious of anyone contacting you unexpectedly and asking for immediate payment for Fair space.
• If you receive a suspicious call, email, invoice, or payment request, do not send payment and contact us directly to verify it.
The fraudulent email address currently being used is:
[email protected]
Please note the extra “r” in “fairr.”
If you have been contacted by someone using this email address or offering unauthorized Utah State Fair space, please let our team know.
When in doubt, verify with us before you pay.
Please share this information with other food vendors, concessionaires, and businesses who may be approached.