2009 Alabama Fairs - Alabama Department of Agriculture and ...
2009 Alabama Fairs - Alabama Department of Agriculture and ...
2009 Alabama Fairs - Alabama Department of Agriculture and ...
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<strong>2009</strong><br />
<strong>Alabama</strong> <strong>Fairs</strong><br />
Presented by<br />
The Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Alabama</strong><br />
<strong>Fairs</strong> & The <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Agriculture</strong> <strong>and</strong> Industries
Partnering for the<br />
future <strong>of</strong> <strong>Alabama</strong>’s<br />
T R A D I T I O N S . . .<br />
TThee BBiig PPiccturee....<br />
The <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Agriculture</strong> <strong>and</strong> Industries<br />
has worked as partners<br />
with the fairs in <strong>Alabama</strong> to promote<br />
<strong>and</strong> celebrate the importance <strong>of</strong> agriculture<br />
in our region. The county fairs are<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the greatest tourist attractions in our<br />
state with a combined attendance <strong>of</strong> over<br />
1.1 million.<br />
Through an enabling act passed by the<br />
1969 Legislature, the <strong>Alabama</strong> <strong>Department</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Agricultural Center Board is co-sponsor<br />
<strong>of</strong> the fairs <strong>of</strong> <strong>Alabama</strong> <strong>and</strong> pays a portion<br />
<strong>of</strong> the premiums, prizes, <strong>and</strong> awards given
y <strong>Alabama</strong> fairs. In<br />
2008, approximately<br />
41,000 agricultural<br />
exhibits that include<br />
livestock, FFA, FHA, 4-H,<br />
FCCLA, Field <strong>and</strong> Garden,<br />
horticulture, <strong>and</strong> more<br />
were exhibited throughout<br />
our county fairs <strong>and</strong> over<br />
$296,000 was paid in<br />
premiums to those who<br />
exhibited. On behalf <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Agriculture</strong> <strong>and</strong> Industries<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Association <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Alabama</strong> <strong>Fairs</strong>, we would<br />
like to take this<br />
opportunity to invite you<br />
<strong>and</strong> your family to attend<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the 24 agricultural fairs in our state.<br />
We encourage you to explore some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
agricultural traditions <strong>of</strong> the past while<br />
learning the importance <strong>of</strong> agricultural<br />
today <strong>and</strong> in our future.<br />
I love the animals!<br />
Do you remember the doll<br />
Just my speed!<br />
We ate our way through...<br />
Kids loved it!
<strong>2009</strong> Date List<br />
SEPTEMBER<br />
Etowah County Fair .......................September 1 - 5, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 301 Griffin Street,<br />
Attalla, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35954<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 561,<br />
Attalla, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35954<br />
Phone: (256) 538-2815<br />
President/Fair Manager: Bobby Kline<br />
P. O. Box 699, Attalla, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35954<br />
Phone: (256) 538-0538<br />
Lawrence County Fair...................September 8 - 12, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 250 School Street, Moulton, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35650<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 454, Moulton, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35650<br />
Phone: (256) 974-0544<br />
President/Fair Manager: Max S<strong>and</strong>ers<br />
P. O. Box 632, Moulton, <strong>Alabama</strong>, 35650<br />
Phone: (256) 974-0544 • Email: GAUSLAENDER@aol.com<br />
Carnival: Kissel Entertainment, LLC<br />
Northwest <strong>Alabama</strong> Fair ..............September 15 - 19, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 1901 Airport Road N, Jasper, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35501<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 791, Jasper, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35502<br />
Phone: (205) 387-8950<br />
President/Fair Manager: Gerald Grace<br />
Mailing Address: 90 Grace Circle, Jasper, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35504<br />
Phone: (205) 483-6997 • Email: ggrace4040@aol.com<br />
Carnival: Kissel Entertainment, LLC<br />
Jackson County Fair ...................September 21 - 26, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 220 Cecil Street, Scottsboro, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35768<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1337, Scottsboro, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35768<br />
Phone: (256) 599-0093<br />
Website: www.jacksoncountyfairscottsboro.org<br />
Email janestump@jchh.net<br />
President/Fair Manager: Richard “Rick” Bolin<br />
810 Veterans Drive, Scottsboro, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35768<br />
Phone: (256) 599-0093 • Email: rbolin@scottsboro.org<br />
Carnival: Kissel Entertainment, LLC<br />
Shelby County Fair.....................September 21 - 26, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 1 Argo Road, Columbiana, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35051<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 338, Columbiana, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35051<br />
Phone: (205) 669-7806 • Web site:www.alshelbycountyfair.com<br />
President/Fair Manager: John Jones<br />
P.O. Box 635, Columbiana, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35051<br />
Phone: (205) 669-7806 • Email: jone5950@bellsouth.net<br />
Carnival: North American Midway Entertainment
<strong>2009</strong> Date List<br />
Cullman County Fair...................September 21 - 26, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 1501 Sportsman Lake Rd., Cullman, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35055<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 562, Cullman, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35056<br />
Phone: (256) 734-0661<br />
Website: www.cullmancountyfair.org<br />
President/Fair Manager: Jerry Bonner<br />
Phone: (256) 734-2268<br />
Email: isbonner@joimail.com<br />
Carnival: North American Midway<br />
Entertainment<br />
Marshall County Fair.....................<br />
................September 22 - 26 <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 1441 US Hwy 431 Boaz, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35957<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 665, Boaz, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35957<br />
Phone: (256) 593-9470<br />
President/Fair Manager: Robert Graham<br />
1507 Blanche Drive, Boaz, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35957<br />
Phone: (256) 593-2494 • Email: speedygraham@bellsouth.net<br />
Carnival: James Gang Amusement<br />
Blount County Fair .....................September 22 - 26, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 500 New Street, Oneonta, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35121<br />
Mailing Address: 500 New Street, Oneonta, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35121<br />
Phone: (205) 274-8839 • Fax: (205) 274-8839 (same)<br />
Email: agrbus@otelco.net<br />
Website: www.blountcountyfair.com<br />
President/Fair Manager: Michele Lee<br />
Carnival: Interstate Amusements<br />
North <strong>Alabama</strong> State Fair.............September 22 - 27, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 65 Sports Plex Drive, Muscle Shoals, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35661<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2736, Muscle Shoals, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35662<br />
Phone: (256) 383-3247<br />
Website: www.northalabamastatefair.org<br />
President/Fair Manager: Ken Patterson<br />
Phone: (256) 383-3247<br />
Email:nasfair@bellsouth.net<br />
Carnival: Wade Shows, Inc.<br />
Dekalb County Fair............September 22 - October 3, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 18th Street N. E., Fort Payne, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35967<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 680776, Fort Payne, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35968<br />
Phone: (256) 845-9745<br />
Website: www.dekalbcountyvfwfair.com<br />
Email: dekalbcountyvfw@bellsouth.net<br />
President/Fair Manager: Charles Stephens<br />
C/O Dixie Machine, P. O. Box 680962, Fort Payne, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35967<br />
Phone: (256) 845-4752 • Email: charles@dixiemachineshop.com
<strong>2009</strong> Date List<br />
Tennessee Valley Exposition ...............<br />
...........September 24 - October 3, <strong>2009</strong><br />
(Morgan County)<br />
Fairground Location: 1021 Modaus Rd. SW,<br />
Decatur, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35603<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 314,<br />
Decatur, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35601<br />
Phone: (256) 353- 3976<br />
Website: www. morgancounty-fair.com<br />
President/Fair Manager: Sonny Wright<br />
2630 Pointe Mallard Drive, Decatur, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35603<br />
Phone: (256) 353-0186 • Email: sonnywright@aol.com<br />
Carnival: Interstate Amusements<br />
Chilton County Fair............September 28 - October 3, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 600 Airport Road, Clanton, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35045<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1056, Clanton, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35046<br />
Phone: (205) 280-3763<br />
Fair Director: Melinda McCullough<br />
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1184, Clanton, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35046<br />
Phone: (205) 280-7363<br />
Carnival: Kissel Entertainment, LLC<br />
Autauga County Fair ..........September 29 - October 3, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: Mac Gray Park, Prattville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36067<br />
Mailing Address: 206 Stewart Street, Prattville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36067<br />
Phone: (334) 365-8944<br />
President/Fair Manager: Gene Hall<br />
206 Stewart Street, Prattville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36067<br />
Phone: (334) 365-8944<br />
Email: ghvhw@charter.net<br />
Carnival: Dixiel<strong>and</strong> Carnivals, Co.<br />
Baldwin County Fair ..........September 29 - October 3, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 19477 Fairground Road, Robertsdale, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36567<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1491, Robertsdale, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36567<br />
Phone: (251) 947-3247<br />
Website: www.baldwinfair.com<br />
President/Fair Manager: A.B. Hankins<br />
P. O. Box 1491, Robertsdale, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36567<br />
Phone: (251) 947-3247<br />
Email: bcfair.com<br />
Carnival: Myers International Midways
<strong>2009</strong> Date List<br />
Butler County Fair .............September 30 - October 3, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: Hwy #10 West, Greenville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36037<br />
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 133, Greenville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36037<br />
Phone: (334) 371-2000<br />
President/Fair Manager: Eddie Pope<br />
606 E. Commerce, Greenville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36037<br />
Phone: (334) 382-6977<br />
Carnival: Archway Amusements<br />
OCTOBER<br />
Central <strong>Alabama</strong> Fair .......................October 5 - 10, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 2401 Dallas Avenue, Selma, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36701<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 163, Selma, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36701<br />
Phone: (334) 872-6717<br />
President/Fair Manager: Ed Greene<br />
108 Cone Drive, Selma, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36701<br />
Phone: (334) 872-4672 • Email: ed@hhpclaw.com<br />
Carnival: Archway Amusements<br />
Lee County Fair..............................October 6 - 10, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: Hwy. 431 North, Opelika, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36801<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 892, Opelika, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36803<br />
Phone: (334) 749-9680<br />
President/Fair Manager: Jim Sadler<br />
Phone: (334) 749-9680 • Email: hjsadler@charter.net<br />
Carnival: James Gang Amusements<br />
Pike County Fair .............................October 6 - 10, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 3700 Hwy 231 South, Troy, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36081<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 865, Troy, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36081<br />
Phone: (334) 566-3273<br />
President/Fair Manager: James Henderson<br />
1724 Elm Street, Troy, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36081<br />
Phone: (334) 566-0268<br />
Carnival: Terry’s Rides<br />
<strong>Alabama</strong> National Fair......................October 9 - 18, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 1555 Federal Dr., Montgomery, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36107<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 3304, Montgomery, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36109<br />
Phone: (334) 272-6831<br />
E-mail: anf@alnationalfair.org<br />
Website: www.alnationalfair.org<br />
President/Fair Manager: R<strong>and</strong>y Stephenson<br />
Phone: (334) 272-6831<br />
Email: rwsfair@yahoo.com<br />
Carnival: Wade Shows, Inc.
<strong>2009</strong> Date List<br />
Monroe County Fair ........................October 13 -17, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 26 Drewery Rd., Monroeville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36460<br />
Mailing Address: 340 Hidden Creek Lane, Monroeville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36460<br />
Phone: (251) 575-4782<br />
Email: Lindyjay@frontiernet.net<br />
President/Fair Manager: Tom Lomenick<br />
Phone: (251) 575-4782<br />
Email: Lomenick@Irby.com<br />
Carnival: James Gang Amusements<br />
Fayette County Fair........................October 20 - 24, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location:650 McConnell Loop, Fayette, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35555<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 517, Fayette, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35555<br />
Phone: (205) 932-3417<br />
President/Fair Manager: Dennis LeBlanc<br />
6489 County Road 100, Fayette, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35555<br />
Phone: (205) 270-1246<br />
Email: dennis@froglevel.net<br />
Carnival: Archway Amusements<br />
Greater Gulf State Fair ........October 23 - November 1, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36608<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 8307, Mobile, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36689<br />
Phone: (251) 344-4573<br />
Website: www.mobilefair.com<br />
President/Fair Manager: Billie Blackwell<br />
P. O. Box 8307, Mobile, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36689<br />
Phone: (251) 344-4573<br />
Email: bblackwell@mobilefair.com<br />
Carnival: North American Midway Entertainment<br />
Covington County Fair .........October 26 - November 1, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: Hwy 55 South, Andalusia, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36420<br />
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 523, Andalusia, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36420<br />
Phone: (334) 222-0613<br />
Web Site: www.kiwanisccf.org<br />
President/Fair Manager: David Bryant<br />
P. O. Box 777, Andalusia, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36420<br />
Phone: (334) 804-7480<br />
Email: bryantappraisals@centrytel.net<br />
Carnival: James Gang Amusements
<strong>2009</strong> Date List<br />
National Peanut Festival......October 30 - November 8, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Fairground Location: 5622 U. S. Hwy 231 South, Dothan, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36301<br />
Mailing Address: 5622 Hwy 231 South, Dothan, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36301<br />
Phone: (334) 793-4323<br />
Web Site: www.nationalpeanutfestival.com<br />
President/Fair Manager: George Jeffcoat<br />
5622 Hwy 231 South, Dothan, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36301<br />
Phone: (334) 793-4323<br />
Carnival: Reith<strong>of</strong>fer Shows
<strong>2009</strong> Associate<br />
Members<br />
ALABAMA BLUES BROTHERS<br />
205 Rithas Way, Huntsville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35811<br />
Justin Crisler.....................................................(256) 479-2669<br />
Web site: www.The<strong>Alabama</strong>BluesBrothers.com<br />
Email: <strong>Alabama</strong>blues@wmconnect.com<br />
ARCHWAY AMUSEMENTS<br />
5396 Highway 64-67, Imperial, Missouri 63052<br />
Theresa Noerper ..........(314) 378-8698<br />
Tmnep@aol.com<br />
ARTISTS AND ATTRACTIONS<br />
P. O. Box 98, Lillington,<br />
North Carolina 27546<br />
Bobby McLamb............(919) 845-8378<br />
artists<strong>and</strong>a@aol.com<br />
BEAR MOUNTAIN<br />
1410 G. Avenue #K, Plano, Texas 75074<br />
James C. Hall ....................................................(972) 286-0713<br />
CHATTANOOGA TENT COMPANY<br />
1110 Oak Street, P. O. Box 3098, Chattanooga, TN 37404<br />
Mike Holl<strong>and</strong> .....................................................(423) 266-6744<br />
www.mike@chattanoogatent.com<br />
CHB ENTERTAINMENT<br />
1263 South 4th Street, Coolidge, Arizona 85228<br />
Jay Valez<br />
valex-jay@yahoo.com<br />
CIRCLE C. PETTING FARM & RACING PIGS<br />
2837 St. James Church Road, Newton, North Caroliana 28658<br />
Dennis Cook/Brent Cook ...................................(828) 464-7354<br />
Circleczebra@bellsouth.net ...............................(828) 291-2681<br />
DIXIELAND CARNIVAL CO.<br />
P. O. Box 2487, Phenix City,<br />
<strong>Alabama</strong> 36868<br />
Billy Tucker ............(706) 573-4074<br />
Stacy Tucker ..........(706) 573-4075<br />
www.dixiel<strong>and</strong>carnival.com<br />
trbillyt@aol.com
<strong>2009</strong> Associate<br />
Members<br />
E.G. STAATS & CO., INC<br />
P. O. Box 678., Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641<br />
www.staatsawards.com.......................................800-553-1853<br />
info@staatsawards.com<br />
HAAS AND WILKERSON INSURANCE<br />
4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, Kansas 66205-2507<br />
Joe James ...........................................................800-821-7703<br />
www.hwins.com<br />
joejames@hwins.com<br />
JAMES GANG AMUSEMENTS<br />
17356 James Gang Rd, Andalusia, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36420<br />
Rodney James ..................................................(334) 222-4846<br />
rwjames32@gmail.com<br />
JAYSON PROMOTIONS<br />
P. O. Box 1189, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075<br />
Jimmy Jay ................................................. 615-822-1100<br />
patjaysonpro@comcast.net<br />
jimmy-jay@comcast.net<br />
KISSEL ENTERTAINMENT,LLC<br />
17606 US Highway 31 North<br />
P. O. Box 2340<br />
Clanton, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35046-2340<br />
Russ <strong>and</strong> Tammy Kissel<br />
(205) 280-8595<br />
kisselentertainment@yahoo.com<br />
K & K INSURANCE<br />
1712 Magnavox Way, Fort Wayne Indiana 46804<br />
1-866-554-4636 ext. 5762<br />
KK eventsattractions@k<strong>and</strong>kinsurance.com<br />
www.k<strong>and</strong>kinsurance.com<br />
MODERN MIDWAYS<br />
10420 SW 115 Street, Miami, Florida 31769<br />
(800) 851-7463<br />
Brian Morrissey .......................................Bmorri9495@aol.com<br />
MYERS INTERNATIONAL<br />
P. O. Box 1929, Gibsonton, Florida 33534<br />
Gloria Myers......................................................(813) 677-2787<br />
www.myersmidways.com<br />
Gloria@myersmidways.com
<strong>2009</strong> Associate<br />
Members<br />
NATCHEZ TRACE<br />
P. O. Box 2163, Decatur, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35602<br />
David Woodard .................................................(256) 318-7050<br />
www.thenatcheztraceb<strong>and</strong>.com<br />
natchez@charter.net<br />
NORTH AMERICAN MIDWAY ENTERTAINMENT<br />
576 Highl<strong>and</strong> Colony Parkway, Ridgel<strong>and</strong>, Mississippi 39157<br />
Danny Huston ...................................................(601) 371-1203<br />
www.northamericanmidways.com<br />
drh468@aol.com<br />
PAULETTE’S FOOD SERVICE<br />
3596 Clover Lake, Pinckneyville, Illinois 62274<br />
Paulette <strong>and</strong> Norman.........................................(618) 713-1729<br />
pfs1982@live.com<br />
REGALIA MFG. CO<br />
P. O. Box 4448, Rock Isl<strong>and</strong>, Illinois 61204-4448<br />
Cindy Diamond....................................................800-798-7471<br />
cindy@regaliamfg.com<br />
www.regaliamfg.com<br />
REITHOFFER SHOWS<br />
9022 Wiggins Rd, Gibsonton, Florida 33534<br />
Richard H. Reith<strong>of</strong>fer.........................................(813) 477-2147<br />
www.reith<strong>of</strong>fershows.com<br />
rsiblue@aol.com<br />
SAMS CLUB CLUB 8106<br />
1080 Eastern Boulevard<br />
Montgomery, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36117<br />
Ronnie Goolsby ........(334) 652-2658<br />
Rwgools.s08106.us@samsclub.com<br />
Wynne Harrison<br />
wrharri.s08106.us@samsclub.com<br />
www.samsclub.com<br />
SONSHINE AMUSEMENT<br />
P. O. Box 548, Odenville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35120<br />
Darrell & Tammy Jones.....................................(205) 913-3614<br />
Eddy & Ashley Noerper .....................................(205) 999-3811<br />
ashleynoerper@yahoo.coM
<strong>2009</strong> Associate<br />
Members<br />
STONEY ROBERTS DEMOLITION DERBY<br />
P. O. Box 1069 , Harriman, Tennessee 37748<br />
Frank Roberts....................................................(865) 882-8998<br />
Stoney_Roberts@msn.com<br />
www.stoneyroberts.com<br />
T & N ACRES ZOO<br />
55 Copel<strong>and</strong> Road, Clevel<strong>and</strong>, Tennessee 35049<br />
Nan Fallin ..........................................................(205) 681-8844<br />
tnacres@yahoo.com<br />
TONE TONE THE CLOWN<br />
108 LaSalle Court, Prattville, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36067<br />
Anthony Taylor ..................................................(334) 467-1129<br />
TUCKER PECAN COMPANY<br />
350 North McDonough Street<br />
Montgomery, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36104<br />
David Little ....................800-239-6540<br />
www.tuckerpecan.com<br />
VARIETY ATTRACTIONS INC<br />
P. O. Box 3330<br />
Zanesville, Ohio 43702-3330<br />
George M<strong>of</strong>fett ..................................................(740) 453-0394<br />
info@varietyattractions.com<br />
www.varietyattractions.com<br />
W.G. WADE SHOWS, INC.<br />
16958 US 41 South, Springhill, Florida 34610<br />
Frank Zaitshik....................................................(734) 266-1668<br />
Wadeshows1@aol.com
<strong>Agriculture</strong> in<br />
A L A B A M A<br />
W<br />
RON SPARKS<br />
e are living in unertain<br />
economic<br />
times <strong>and</strong> the<br />
fear <strong>of</strong> what the future<br />
might bring can either cripple<br />
people or make them<br />
stronger. Farmers face uncertain<br />
times <strong>and</strong> conditions,<br />
more <strong>of</strong>ten than most<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essions, but continue to<br />
press on <strong>and</strong> work hard to<br />
produce the food <strong>and</strong> fiber<br />
to feed <strong>and</strong> clothe our nation.<br />
I have no doubt that farmers will continue to face the<br />
challenges before them with even more determination.<br />
Even amidst these uncertain economic times, there is<br />
good news for <strong>Alabama</strong> agriculture, which is made clear<br />
by the results <strong>of</strong> the 2007 Ag Census. Consistently, the<br />
number <strong>of</strong> family farms has gone down by 500 - 1,000<br />
each year; however, the 2007 census shows an 8%<br />
increase in the number <strong>of</strong> family farms in the state from<br />
45,126 to 48,753, a significant increase. These numbers<br />
show, that in spite <strong>of</strong> difficult financial circumstances, there<br />
have become an increasing number <strong>of</strong> families who have<br />
shown an interest in one <strong>of</strong> the most honorable<br />
businesses, the family farm. Farming is still <strong>Alabama</strong>’s #1<br />
industry with poultry, cattle <strong>and</strong> calves, <strong>and</strong> greenhouse,<br />
sod <strong>and</strong> nursery products serving as our top three farm<br />
commodities.<br />
<strong>Alabama</strong> agriculture has experienced tough years in the<br />
past, but our farmers are resilient <strong>and</strong> ready to rise above<br />
undesirable conditions. Here at the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> Industries, we are committed to serve the farmers<br />
<strong>and</strong> consumers <strong>of</strong> this state.<br />
Every fall, as we celebrate our bountiful harvest,<br />
<strong>Alabama</strong>’s fairs <strong>and</strong> livestock exhibitions are our state’s<br />
best entertainment for the entire family. <strong>Fairs</strong> provide good<br />
clean fun, are educational <strong>and</strong> highlight the important role<br />
<strong>of</strong> agriculture in <strong>Alabama</strong>. Best wishes to all that help<br />
coordinate these events!<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Ron Sparks<br />
<strong>Alabama</strong> Commissioner <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong> & Industries
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fairs</strong><br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
PRESIDENT, ED. W. GREENE<br />
108 Cone Drive, Selma, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36701<br />
Home: (334) 872-4672 • Cell: (334) 412-5930<br />
Email: Ed@hhpclaw.com<br />
VICE PRESIDENT, A.B. SONNY HANKINS<br />
P.O. Box 1491, Robertsdale, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36567<br />
Work: (251) 947-3247 • Cell: (251) 747-2082<br />
Email: abmhankins@gulftel.com • Email: bcfair@gulftel.com<br />
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT, CHARLES LAMAR<br />
216 Maryellen Drive, Muscle Shoals, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35661<br />
Home: (256) 314-1901 • Cell: (256) 762-2203<br />
SECRETARY / TREASURER, RANDY STEPHENSON<br />
P.O. Box 3304, Montgomery, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36109<br />
Work: (334) 272-6831<br />
Email: rwsfair@yahoo.com • Email: anf@alnationalfair.org<br />
DISTRICT 1 DIRECTOR, ROBERT GRAHAM<br />
1507 Blanche Drive, Boaz, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35957<br />
Home: (256) 974-0544 • Cell: (256) 566-0909<br />
Email: speedygraham@bellsouth.net<br />
DISTRICT 2 DIRECTOR, MARTHA MITCHELL<br />
704 2nd Avenue NE, Fayette, <strong>Alabama</strong> 35555<br />
Home: (205) 932-6317<br />
DISTRICT 3 DIRECTOR, JIMMY DICKEY<br />
P.O. Box 3304, Montgomery, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36109<br />
Work: (334) 272-6831<br />
Email: jdickeyfair@yahoo.com • Email: anf@alnationalfair.org<br />
DISTRICT 4 DIRECTOR, JOHN USSERY<br />
13349 E State Hwy 52 Hartford, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36344<br />
Home: (334) 588-5288 • Cell: (334) 714-0993<br />
Email: jbussery@centurytel.net<br />
SHOWMAN DIRECTOR, STACY TUCKER<br />
Dixiel<strong>and</strong> Carnival, Co.<br />
P. O. Box 2487, Phenix City, <strong>Alabama</strong> 36868<br />
Cell: (706) 573-4075<br />
Email: Trbillyt@aol.com<br />
MERIT AWARDS COMMITTEE<br />
JACK COLLIER (334) 793-9280<br />
ED MOORE (334) 566-6572<br />
J.C. BERGIN (256) 247-3608<br />
ED WESSON (334) 242-5597<br />
Coordinator
<strong>Alabama</strong> National Fair,<br />
Montgomery County<br />
Autauga County Fair<br />
Baldwin County Fair<br />
Blount County Fair<br />
Butler County Fair -<br />
Central County Fair,<br />
Dallas County<br />
Covington County Fair<br />
Cullman County Fair<br />
Dekalb County Fair<br />
Etowah County Fair<br />
Fayette County Fair<br />
Greater <strong>Alabama</strong><br />
Fair & Festival,<br />
Jefferson County<br />
Greater Gulf State Fair,<br />
Mobile County<br />
Jackson County Fair<br />
Lawrence County Fair<br />
Lee County Fair<br />
Marshall County Fair<br />
Monroe County Fair<br />
National Peanut<br />
Festival,<br />
Houston County<br />
North <strong>Alabama</strong> State<br />
Fair, Colbert County<br />
Northwest <strong>Alabama</strong><br />
Fair, Walker County<br />
Pike County Fair<br />
Tennessee Valley<br />
Exposition,<br />
Morgan County
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