Western Fairs Association

08/10/2026

WFA Board Chair Robin Hauck has been busy making the rounds this fair season, with her latest stop at the Del Norte County Fair!

Robin joined Kim Hatfield-Floyd and the Del Norte team for a great few days celebrating the people who make the Del Norte County Fair so special. Highlights included recognizing Chris Conkle with a 40-Year Legacy Vendor Award at Wednesday night’s Vendor Appreciation Social and joining Opening Ceremonies, where 2017 WFA Hall of Fame recipient Randy Hatfield received a Legacy Award.

Robin also caught up with WFA friends and familiar faces throughout the fair, including James Reid of Dangerously Fun Juggling and Ernie Guderjahn of Captain Billy’s 5-String Banjo, a 2012 WFA Hall of Fame recipient.

Thank you, Kim, for the hospitality, and thank you, Robin, for continuing to show up for our members and celebrate the people behind the fairs. Congratulations to the entire Del Norte County Fair team on a great fair!

08/07/2026

WFA Members please give a big congratulations to Courtny Hinds on her new role at NICA! 🎉🤝

🎉 NICA Announces Courtny Hinds as Next Executive Director!

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 Manager of the Wyoming State Fair & Event Complex, Courtny brings extensive experience in Association Leadership, Fair Management, Strategic Planning, Financial Stewardship, and Member Engagement. As a Second Generation Concessionaire, she also understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing NICA Members.

Courtny is uniquely positioned to lead NICA into its next chapter as the only professional in the Industry to hold all three premier designations: Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Concessionaire Executive (CCE), and Certified Fair Executive (CFE)—representing leadership across Associations, Concessions, and the Fair Industry.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as NICA’s next Executive Director,” Courtny shared. “I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our Members, Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Partners as we continue to strengthen the Association, advocate for our Industry, and invest in the Next Generation of Leaders.”

Courtny succeeds Rey O’Day, who has served as Executive Director since 2019 following nearly two decades of leadership and service to NICA. Under Rey’s leadership, the Association has experienced tremendous growth, including the creation of the NICA Foundation and NICA Marketplace, expansion of Regional Councils, implementation of Strategic Planning Goals, and development of numerous new Member Benefit Programs and National Purchasing Contracts.

“Now it is my privilege to pass that torch to Courtny,” Rey shared. “I have every confidence in her Leadership, her passion for our Industry, and her commitment to our Members.”

Please join us in welcoming Courtny to this new role and thanking Rey for her extraordinary Leadership and continued service to NICA! We look forward to sharing more throughout the transition as NICA prepares for this exciting next chapter.

Together We Can—and Together We Will! 🎡🤝

08/05/2026

Another fair, another opportunity to connect with our incredible members!

WFA Board Chair Robin Hauck recently visited the Amador County Fair, where she spent time with CEO Rich Hoffman, Jamie Lubenko, Board President, and many WFA members. During her visit, Robin also connected with Retro Concessions dba Suds & Floats and Red & White Concessions, where she caught up with Dean and Liesel Williams, recipients of the 2026 Barham Award.

Robin has been busy traveling throughout the West, making a point to visit WFA members in their communities, strengthen relationships, and experience the fairs and businesses that make our industry so special.

Thank you, Robin, for your leadership, your dedication to our members, and for representing WFA so well wherever you go!

07/31/2026

WFA President & CEO Sarah Cummings spent the day at the OC Fair with her executive assistant, connecting with OCFair CEO James Canfield, COO Michael Searle, and WFA members throughout the fairgrounds.

A highlight of the visit was joining James, Michael, members of the OC Fair Board, local elected officials, and community dignitaries for dinner. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fair’s impact, and recognize the important role fairs continue to play in serving their communities.

The visit also included walking the grounds, visiting with WFA members, enjoying ice cream from Fruit Caboose, licorice ropes from Timbos and a few rides courtesy of RCS, and taking in some monster truck action!

Congratulations to James, Michael and the entire OC Fair team on another outstanding fair. Thank you for your hospitality!

07/30/2026

Garth Brooks reflects on his early days at the Colorado State Fair.

Thank you, Garth, for your support of County and State Fairs!!

When Brooks brings the Blame It All On My Roots Tour to Ball Arena for two nights on Sept. 4 and 5, he'll return to a place that has shaped some of his favorite career memories — from playing Denver's beloved Grizzly Rose and the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, to setting attendance records at Empo...

07/20/2026

2026 Oregon Fairs Association & Western Fairs Association Day at the Oregon State Fair, Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Join us for a day of connection, collaboration, and celebration at the Oregon State Fair!

Spend the day networking with fair industry professionals from across the region, sharing ideas, exploring new opportunities, and strengthening the partnerships that make our associations successful.

The day includes:

🌟A hosted lunch at Noon Location: Picnic Grove, East of Sunnyville (Kiddie Carnival)
🎡Time to explore the Oregon State Fair grounds and exhibits
📲Networking opportunities
🤠An evening concert featuring Clint Black

Be sure to RSVP at our website by August 3rd:
https://www.westernfairs.org/p/attend/member-mixer

07/15/2026

🎡😍💍 congrats to the newlyweds from all of us at WFA! Our Members over at Butler Amusements know how to celebrate important life moments in between the hard work.

"Just magical" — those were the words Karla Anderson used to describe her wedding day this week at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

07/14/2026

2026 WFA Feature Fair Tour will be at The Big E in Springfield, MA!

🎡Tour Dates: September 23 & 24, 2026

The Western Fairs Association Feature Fair Tour is your opportunity to recharge ideas and connections by getting an insider’s look at a cutting-edge fair! Join fellow WFA members as you dive into what makes a fair truly standout, connect with the host fair’s team, and enjoy unforgettable entertainment as you unwind and recharge as honored guests.

Join the Journey to The Big E!

The Western Fairs Association team will be traveling September 22, ready to kick off The Big E bright and early on September 23, with a return on September 25.

✈️ We’d love to have you join our group travel plans from Sacramento International Airport (SMF)!
Arrival Date: September 22
Departure Date: September 25

🎟️ Register today at: https://www.westernfairs.org/p/attend/featurefairtour

07/03/2026

Another fantastic visit to the Alameda County Fair!

WFA President & CEO Sarah Cummings and her Executive Assistant began the day at the Vendor Breakfast, where they enjoyed connecting with so many WFA members. A sincere thank you to CEO Jerome Hoban, along with Angel Moore, Tiffany Loushin, Jenn Stafford and team for the warm hospitality, and including WFA in your annual vendor breakfast. The Fair’s continued commitment to supporting WFA members throughout the Fair is admirable and appreciated.

Thank you as well to Susie Calhun for the wonderful tour of the fairgrounds. From the beautiful grounds improvements and destination stations to the exhibits, agriculture, and entertainment areas, every detail reflects a team committed to creating an exceptional guest experience. We especially loved the pianos placed throughout the grounds, where fairgoers created a magical soundtrack to the day.

We were also impressed by the Fair’s Kids Camp Program, which provides a fun, engaging experience for the children of fair staff and partners during the Fair—a wonderful example of investing in the people who make our industry thrive.

Thank you to the entire Alameda County Fair team for another outstanding visit. We always appreciate the opportunity to connect with our members and celebrate the innovation, and community that make fairs so special. Way to go ACF!!

07/02/2026

🎆 Holiday Office Closure 🇺🇸

The Western Fairs Association office will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

We hope you enjoy a safe and memorable holiday weekend filled with family, friends, and traditions that make summer at the fair so special. We’ll be back in the office and ready to assist you on Monday.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at WFA! ❤️🤍💙