Fair Game 243 - Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn, Sonoma County Fair

Fair Game 243 - Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn, Sonoma County Fair

Today we sit down to chat with the COO of the Sonoma County Fair, Kaitlyn Findley-Thorn. We talk the pandemic, Kaitlyn’s law degree (bet you didn’t see that coming), and the future of the fair industry. The Sonoma County Fair runs every summer in Santa Rosa, CA just north of the Bay Area.

Fair Game 242 - Dustin Coufal, Heart O'Texas Fair

Fair Game 242 - Dustin Coufal, Heart O'Texas Fair

Today’s guest is a veteran in the fair industry. In 2020 his fair modified their event in a manner which cancelled the traditional fair but still operated their rodeo and livestock shows. Dustin Coufal is the Vice President of the fair division at the Heart O’ Texas Fair in Waco, TX.

Fair Game 241 - Karen Nicklas, The Great Frederick Fair

Fair Game 241 - Karen Nicklas, The Great Frederick Fair

Today I’m joined by Karen Nicklas, the general manager for The Great Frederick Fair in Frederick, Maryland. Karen was named the GM of the fair at the end of 2019. Her first year was full of hope and excitement until March of 2020 rolled around. She shares the heartbreak of cancelling and fights back tears at the thought of what might have been.

Fair Game 240 - Jennifer Giesike, Washington Town & Country Fair

Fair Game 240 - Jennifer Giesike, Washington Town & Country Fair

Jennifer Giesike wears many hats. She iis the general manager for the Washington Town & Country Fair in Washington, Missouri as well as their Chamber of Commerce CEO. She was recently announced as the 2nd vice chair of the IAFE board where she will serve on the executive board in planning IAFE events through 2023. She also cuts grass like nobody’s business. Find out more on that on today’s episode.

Fair Game 239 - Alexcia Jordan, North Idaho State Fair

Fair Game 239 - Alexcia Jordan, North Idaho State Fair

Alexcia Jordan is the General Manager of the North Idaho State Fair in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She has a pedigree in this industry having been raised through 4H and FFA, not to mention her mother was the fair manager for the Bonner County Fair for 16 years. We talk about the pandemic, the value our fairs bring to the community and her hopes for a successful 2021 fair.

Fair Game 237 - Chris Shivers, Texas Association of Fairs & Events

Fair Game 237 - Chris Shivers, Texas Association of Fairs & Events

On the podcast today we welcome Chris Shivers. Chris is the executive director fo the Texas Association of Fairs & Events. The organization is responsible for promoting & advocating for agriculture education through the state and county fairs throughout Texas. We had a good conversation about the impact of Covid across Texas, the frustration of seeing so many events cancel and the bright spots in an otherwise dark 2020.

Fair Game 236 - Mark Sparks, Triangle Talent

Fair Game 236 - Mark Sparks, Triangle Talent

Mark Sparks is the Vice President of Triangle Talent. Mark and I looked back on the creation of Conjurer Fortune Machine in Triangle Talent’s trade show booth in 2011. Mark shares his thoughts on entertainment booking moving forward in the pandemic, plus, how are entertainers responding to cancellations? All that and more.