The International Association of Fairs and Expositions

7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 At the heart of the matter is that each individual fair or show is unique. No two are alike. Each represents their own community, whether that be a village, a county, a region, or a state or province. These fairs and shows will showcase the very best of their community: agriculture, businesses, entertainment, community groups and non- profits, and bring the entire community together in an annual celebration. Additionally, the majority of fairgrounds and show facilities across the globe are more than just the site of the annual fair. The fair organization is likely a proprietor with a separate business, renting out facilities for other events and activities for a vital revenue stream to support the ongoing maintenance and capital improvements needed. Many fairgrounds and showgrounds are the ultimate resource for community emergencies: shelters for people and animals from fire, tornadoes, floods, extreme heat, or cold conditions. The complimentary (or low-cost) use of the fairgrounds for charitable purposes – high school graduation ceremonies, charity walks and runs, food bank distribution centers, etc.– is part of the culture of fairs and shows to be part of and to serve the community. To sum it up, the agricultural fairs and shows are at the very heart of the communities they serve. Providing them the education, information, advocacy, and networking as the IAFE’s mission sets the stage for these vital organizations to remain relevant and to thrive well into the future. We constantly remind ourselves and our members that through the opportunities fairs provide for youth leadership development, for creating an event that brings the community together like no other, that FAIRS CHANGE LIVES. ¹The Agricultural Fair, Wayne Caldwell Neely, AMS Press Inc, NY