June 2014
Bright, Shiny
Fun!
H Managing Risks in F&B Departments H Circle of Excellence Program Improved H Establishing Cell Phone and Texting Policies H Clarification of Health Insurance Rules
H Don’t Let the Fun Slip Away H Open Letter from Allied Specialty Insurance H Fifth World Circus Day Gains American Circus Support
Contents The Official Publication of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association
Features Managing Risks in F&B Departments OABA’s Excellence Committee Improves the Quality Assessment Audit Program for 2014 Don’t Let the Fun Slip Away From Allied Specialty Insurance What’s Your Policy Regarding the Use of Cell Phones or Texting by Ride Operators or Attendants? Confused About Health Insurance Rules in 2014?
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June 2014
ASSOCIATION 4 FROM THE OABA CHAIR
20, 24 PHOTO GALLERY
Networking at Spring Meetings
The OABA catches members in action.
5 MEET YOUR NEW DIRECTOR
14 15 17
Holly Swartz
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS 25 REGULATORY UPDATE
6 ASSOCIATION BUZZ
State and Federal Legislation and Regulations
How’s Your Employee Training Program Going?
27 DOT REGULATORY NEWS
8 AS THE WHEEL TURNS
18 19
29 ARNOLD SAFETY CONSULTING
Who, what and where are people making news? Here’s the scoop.
DOT Doctor Registry
10 ON THE EARIE
CIRCUS MEMBERS 30 FROM THE CENTER RING
Tom Powell reports on the industry’s shows, fairs, colorful show folks and amusing events.
Rodney Huey follows circuses around the country.
20 SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS Jammin’ Jamborees and Contribution Fund Drawing Winners
Facebook www.facebook.com/oabainfo
32 FIFTH WORLD CIRCUS DAY CELEBRATION GAINS AMERICAN CIRCUS SUPPORT
Twitter @oabainfo
Read with Smartphone Bar Code Scanner
All advertisements appearing in this ShowTime publication are paid by the advertiser and the OABA reserves the right to refuse any advertising. The ads are provided on an “as is” basis and do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the OABA. In addition, the OABA does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the information, products, or services of any corporation, organization, or person contributing to this publication.
ShowTime
OABA OFFICERS
OABA TRUSTEES
EDITOR Dee Dee Alford 407.681.9444 H deedeea@oaba.org
CHAIR Chris Lopez 1ST VICE CHAIR Michael Wood 2ND VICE CHAIR Thomas J. Gaylin, III 3RD VICE CHAIR E. J. Dean TRUSTEE 2013 Mike Featherston TRUSTEE 2012 Jeanne McDonagh TRUSTEE 2011 Bill Johnson TREASURER Larry Yaffe PRESIDENT Bob Johnson
GRAPHIC DESIGN Avic-Versi Creative Jen Burge H 817.602.7254 H avicversi@att.net
OABA DIRECTORS
PUBLISHER|MANAGING EDITOR Robert Johnson 407.681.9444 H bobj@oaba.org
ADVERTISING SALES Kim Weeks 612.501.4600 H kimw@oaba.org ASSOCIATION OFFICE Outdoor Amusement Business Assn., Inc. 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045A Winter Park, FL 32792 407.681.9444 H fax 407.681.9445 © Outdoor Amusement Business Assn. 2014
Michael Brajevich Joe Burum Tony Cassata Brad Dallman Andy Deggeller Michael Doolan Bob Hauser Blake Huston
Stacey Jamieson Mitchell Kaliff Melissa Kibby Michael Lauther Ron Morris Ben Pickett Debbie Powers Rick Reithoffer
Lorelei Schoendienst Joseph Skerbeck Mary Chris Smith Greg Stewart Jay Strates Holly Swartz Amber Swedgan Rob Vivona
Dominic Vivona, Jr.-2010 Wayne McCary-2009 Andy Schoendienst-2008 John Hanschen-2007 Guy Leavitt-2006 Ron Burback-2005 Don Deggeller-2004 James E. Strates-2003 * Jackie Swika-2002 Danny Huston-2001 Jeff Blomsness-2000 Sam Johnston-1999 Buddy Merten-1998 * Richard Janas-1997 Jean Clair-1996 James Murphy-1995 Dominic Vivona-1994 * Bill Dillard, Sr.-1993 Tom Atkins-1992 * Red Wood-1991 Billy Burr-1990 * Deceased
Bob Coleman, Sr.-1989 * Milt F. Kaufman-1988 * Andy Andersen-1987 * John Vivona-1986 * Mike Farino-1985 James H. Drew, III-1984 Gerald L. Murphy-1983 * John A. Campi-1982 * Buster L. Brown-1981 * Hub Luehrs-1980 * Lloyd J. Hilligoss-1979 * Hal F. Eifort-1978 * Alfred H. Kunz-1977 * P.E. Reithoffer, Jr.-1976 * Bernard P. Thomas-1975 E. James Strates-1974 * Rod Link-1973 * C.J. Sedlmayr-1972 * John Portemont-1971 * William T. Collins-1966-70 * W.G. Wade-1965
ASSOCIATION H MESSAGE FROM THE OABA CHAIR
Networking at Spring Meetings Chris Lopez
A
many other fair managers and staff. Once again, this gave us big thank you to Jim Tucker and all IAFE members another opportunity to host a luncheon for the WFA visitors and and managers that participated in their spring provide “behind the scenes” tours. management meeting recently Tucson AZ, at the Many great questions and information was shared over that Pima County Fair. These meetings bring fair executives from week. By the time it was all over Friday afternoon, I am confiall over the United States, Canada and Mexico. Greg Stewart, an dent not only about the participants of the week’s activities, OABA director, recently attended the OABA’s spring board meetbut also the Pima County Fair staff ing in Phoenix then came back to were VERY relieved to see the last Tucson for these meetings. And tour bus leaving safely back to yes, Greg had the best tan among “The week of networking, idea hotels and eventually to Tucson all of the fair management! International Airport. These meetings gave the Pima sharing and industry planning is The week of networking, idea County Fair an opportunity to exactly the purpose of these annual sharing and industry planning is show off all the great improvemeetings, and if each of us returns exactly the purpose of these anments and future plans that CEO nual meetings, and if each of us Jon Baker, their board and staff with at least one new idea, it really returns with at least one new idea, have done with the fairgrounds does prove to be beneficial.” it really does prove to be benefiover the past ten years. I know cial and worth the cost of the trip. first hand that all their hard work To follow up on OABA’s spring board meetings, you’ll be has impacted the attendance and overall revenue to enable very happy to know that all our Committee Action Plans have them to keep improving their fairgrounds and marketing been submitted and your board is hard at work on those programs. My company, RCS, has been partners with the Pima plans! The Circle of Excellence program, along with our County Fair for 36 years. membership and education committees and HR and foreign The RCS family hosted a reception in our office complex labor committees appear to have the most work in front of with approximately 160 folks who enjoyed the great weather, them. These committees were chaired by OABA Directors networked, then had a chance to tour not only the carnival opJay Strates, Amber Swedgan, First Vice Chair Michael Wood erations but lots of behind the scenes tours including mainteand Director Mick Brajevich. Once these plans are finalized, nance, livestock, administration buildings, etc. I know that our OABA membership will be very pleased with IAFE was not the only group that the fair had the pleasure of the improvements we are making to better serve you, our hosting. WFA and AFA both had multiple-day events during that members. Thanks again to all the OABA board members for week, being named the featured fair of 2014, dignitaries such as your hard work. WFA President Stephen Chambers, madam Chair Pat Kress and
Even after 70 years, we still get a rush from helping our customers through the ups and downs of the amusement business. Haas & Wilkerson offers the most comprehensive and cost-effective specialty programs available to operations like yours. Perhaps that’s why so many clients want us by their side year after year. To find out more, call us today. 800.821.7703 • www.hwins.com Independent agent representing ACE Westchester Specialty Group Programs Division. Most insurance products are underwritten by insurers within the ACE Group of Insurance Companies.
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Lobbying Congress for relief and industry support on the H-2B program, along with current DOL litigation, continues to be the “elephant in the room.” Both Committee Co-Chairs Michael Wood and Mick Brajevich and our lobbyists John Meredith and Joan Galvin continue to lobby on issues that pertain to the mobile amusement industry. I hope that all of your businesses and families remain safe and out of harm’s way given the recent tornado and severe storms that are hitting the southeast. Hopefully none of our members were affected by these natural disasters. Wishing all miles of great fortune and blue skies! H
CALENDAR July 26–29 IAVM 89th Annual Conference Portland Convention Center Portland, OR
September 17–21 CFA 2014 National Convention Dubuque, IA
October 15–18 F24 Meeting - Amusement Rides and Devices Valley Ho Hotel, Scottsdale, AZ
Meet Your New OABA Director –
Holly Swartz
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olly is Vice President of Hitch–Hiker Manufacturing with her husband Jeff. They own and manufacture some of the mobile amusement industry’s self contained, premier food concession trailers in New Middletown, Ohio. She graduated from Lakeview High in Cortland, Ohio in 1986 and later attended and graduated from Youngstown State University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. In 1994, Jeff Swartz introduced her to the amusement industry where she worked part time in the company’s office while attending college and then part time while working as a healthcare therapist. In 1998 Holly and Jeff married and she joined his recently-purchased business from Fred and Rhoda Swartz. She has been helping Jeff grow their family business, managing the office and handling public relations and sales for their company. She is a member of the OABA, SLA, GOSA, IAAPA, IISA, NICA, NATM (trailer manufacturers). Holly and Jeff have two young children, Jessica (13) and Jared (10), who are the joys of their lives. Holly believes she has much to give back to this industry that’s been good to her family and believes the industry has a bright future. Being an OABA board member, she says, gives her a voice of the members and empowers all to make a difference. She believes in the OABA’s mission and serving on the board is a worthwhile commitment and endeavor. Holly believes that in order to be an effective board member, she must fulfill the requirements of an ambassador, advocate and fundraiser. Holly supports the programs that the OABA’s board deems important and that further generations of family businesses in the mobile amusement industry. H
Gull Wing Industries Working with the Carnival Industry since 1989 Contact us at:
www.gull-wing.com
October 17–19 IAFE Institute of Fair Management Summit Sheraton Dallas, Dallas, TX
Pack-Man 175 kw or 250 kw Quiet Power Tractor or Trailer Mounted
October 23–25 Washington State Fairs Association Annual Convention Red Lion Hotel, Pasco, WA
GFlex 400 Amp
309 N.E. 1st Street P.O. Box 128 Alta, IA 51002 Toll Free: 800-838-1482 Fax: 712-200-1936 JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H ASSOCIATION BUZZ
How’s Your Employee Training Program Going? Bob Johnson, OABA President
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e know that most people in this industry rely On another subject… on the litigation front, with regards on hands-on, on-the-job training of their fullto DOL/ DHS and USCIS, our federal government is making it time and seasonal employees. Most are aware extremely more challenging and costly to hire seasonal workof the great training programs offered by AIMS and NAARSO, ers from other countries under the H-2B visa program. Our as well as the Pennsylvania and the Northwest Showman’s federal court in the Third District has turned down our appeal Safety Seminar, which was featured in last for help with decisions that we believe are month’s ShowTime. more political than good, sound legal deciAt the recent OABA spring board meetsions. As I write this article, more litigaHiring, training ing in Phoenix, our Education Committee, tion is being discussed on behalf of many and retention of a along with the Safety Committee, discussed carnivals and circuses that are in desperbetter ways to get the OABA’s great training ate need of their reliable foreign guest reliable workforce is a programs and materials in the hands of our workers. There is a new challenge we continual challenge for members who need them. They discussed discovered last February, called a “security many companies. putting them on a secure, OABA YouTube check” by the Vermont USCIS office, which site and making them downloadable in the no one can get an answer as to why... not member’s only section of the OABA’s webeven our federal legislative friends. site. The goal is to get them in the hands Meanwhile, the OABA and our of members who need them and when they need lobbyists continue to reach out them, while putting safety “top-ofto our agriculture friends at both mind” with our member carnivals the state and federal levels for and others. assistance on our concerns and Hiring, training and retention issues, as well as our friends in of a reliable workforce is a conCongress, especially those on tinual challenge for many comthe Judiciary Committees, who panies. This industry’s seasonal will be considering immigration business, mobility of its workforce reform, which we believe will and working, in some cases, five to address lesser-skilled workseven days a week plus weekends ers in both the H-2A and H-2B and holidays, makes it even more visa programs. challenging for the mobile amuseAs always, safe travels and ment industry. wishing all lots of sunshine! H
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H OABA ShowTime Magazine | JUNE 2014
ASSOCIATION H AS THE WHEEL TURNS
Making News...
IN MEMORIAM
Oran Neck Passes Away
OABA Member Hazel M. Staley Passes Away Survived by her husband, Mehrle E. Staley, Jr., Hazel devoted most of her life to the fair and carnival business. She was Secretary, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Agricultural Center and Fair for 38 years, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Fairs for 12 years, member of the International Association of Agricultural Fairs and Expositions, Secretary Treasurer for Zone 2 Fairs, and was the Secretary Treasurer of the Maryland Association of Fairs and Shows. Hazel judged at many fairs and taught judging school in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. She received her Certified Fair Executive degree in IAFE. Hazel liked to help young people and enjoyed traveling; she visited 48 states, only missing Hawaii and Alaska. Many who knew Hazel will attest to her wonderful social skills, especially the fried chicken dinners at her home, her outstanding pies, and especially the red velvet cakes that she used to lure keynote speakers at her state association meetings.
State Fair of Texas Names Glieber President
Oran W. Neck, Jr., 70, entered into the glory of his eternal life on April 9, 2014 at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville surrounded by his loving family. Oran was a native and lifetime resident of Brownsville. He attended St. Joseph’s Academy graduating at the age of 15. Oran then went on to Texas Southmost College and Texas Tech University. Oran was a proud veteran having served our country in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, Oran continued his career in federal government by serving as an agent with the U. S. Border Patrol stationed in Brownsville. Oran then joined the U. S. Customs Service where he served as a sky marshal in Honolulu, HI and Tucson, AZ; District Patrol Director in Nogales; Deputy Asst. Regional Commissioner in New Orleans; Asst. Regional Commissioner (Enforcement-New Orleans); and lastly as the Resident Agent in Charge in Brownsville. Oran had a stellar career with Customs; under his supervision countless high-profile crimes were solved and numerous criminal organizations were dismantled. After retiring from the federal government in 1992, Oran and Mickey spent some time traveling and fishing in Arroyo City before deciding to start a concession business. Their company, Ormic Concessions, Inc., is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, selling Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream and a variety of delicious treats from “Mickey’s Grill” at major fairs and carnivals across the United States. Oran was also an influential member of Charro Days Fiesta, Inc. and served as president for several years before being elected as an honorary life director.
The State Fair of Texas’ board of directors has named Mitchell Glieber as the organization’s new president. Glieber replaces Errol McKoy, who announced his retirement during the opening of the 2013 State Fair. Glieber joined the fair in 1999, responsible for developing sponsorships, marketing and promotional programs. He helped the organization more than triple its sponsorship revenue. He also served as sales manager for the Dallas Mavericks’ marketing team for almost 10 years. The Dallas-native and SMU graduate is the son of the late national CBS sportscaster Frank Glieber, who died in 1985. McKoy served the state fair more than 25 years and plans to travel and spend time with his family during his retirement. He retires with a total of more than 53 years in the amusement park industry. The state fair will open September 26 and run through October 19 with the theme “Deep in the Heart of Texans.” Last year, fairgoers spent a total of $37.19 million on food and rides, which came close to beating the all-time record of $37.3 million set in 2010.
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Jeffery Pugh Passes Away Jeffery D. Pugh, age 60, passed away April 10, 2014 at Fairfield Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was in the outdoor amusement business his entire life and was a member of Victory Hill Church, Carroll, Ohio. He will be missed for his enthusiasm and joy for good food, his love and soft heart for animals, his skillful hands and love of life, his hard work ethic and love of his family. He was an inspiration to those who saw him fight with courage and not a complaint against a terrible disease. No oyster was safe with Jeff around. Jeff is survived by his wife of 39 years, Beverly; children, Jeffery, Matthew (Tracy) Alissa Clark (Mark); grandchildren, Marissa and Christopher, Kolson, Kylan, Addicyn Cox-Pugh; brothers and sisters Robert Pugh (Debby), Deborah Woodman (Pietro), Tom Pugh (Debbie), Diane Huston (Danny); nieces, nephews and special sister-in-law Judy Bresler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Richard Pugh. H
SUBMISSION H AS THE WHEEL TURNS Announcements or suggestions can be emailed to oaba@oaba.org
ASSOCIATION H ON THE EARIE
On The Earie Tom Powell, OABA News Ambassador
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uicy’s Concessions, owned by Brett and Kimberly Enright, with its 100-foot, 27-ton retrofitted tractor-trailer named the Outlaw Grill has started off this season by being the No. 1 food grosser at both the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where Joel Cowley is president and CEO, and Miami-Dade County Fair, where Bob Hohenstein is president and chief executive officer. Juicy’s currently holds the Guinness Book World Record for the largest hamburger commercially available, weighing 700 pounds, a record it set at the Alameda County Fair in 2011. At this year’s March 13–30 Miami Fair, Juicy’s set another record with a 125.5 pound hot dog that was 100 feet long. Part of the weight was an eightpound bun, five pounds of mustard, five pounds of ketchup, eight pounds of relish, and five pounds of sliced onions. The hot dog was cut into pieces and sold to benefit local charities and the Youth Fair Charity Fund. “It’s a win-win promotion for everybody, generating all kinds of media attention,” said Enright. “I knew that our guests would be absolutely amazed when they saw the Outlaw Grill. It is massive and something we have never had as part of our fair,” said Hohenstein. “Besides having a lot of fun with them creating the world’s largest commercially available hot dog, we raised a lot of funds for good causes. As Brett says, the media attention something like that generates is priceless.” Besides Houston and Miami, early dates for Juicy’s included the Florida State Fair, Daytona 500 NASCAR race, the Long Beach Grand Prix, and motorcycle races in Austin, Texas. Considering Juicy’s the largest concession operation in the U.S., Enright confidently declared that he will again be No. 1 at the San Diego County Fair, scheduled for June 7–July 6. Enright has been in the business since he was 14 and worked with his grandfather at the DeKalb County Fair, Sandwich,
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Illinois with a small stand called Brett’s Blue Ribbon Foods. Juicy’s will be appearing for the first time this year at the Calgary Stampede July 4–13, and the Indiana State Fair July 31–August 17. On Enright’s wish list to play are the North Carolina State Fair and Eastern States Exposition (Big E). The Enrights have four children – Zac, Vendola, Carson, whom Brett said is a championship golfer, and Melanie. While he said prices for turkey legs have gone through the roof, he sells them for $11.75. Enright had kind words for NICA which he said helps with pricing of several products, and Ray Cammack Shows which played Houston. “That’s the best carnival in the country,” he stated. The Outlaw Grill is the world’s largest mobile outdoor grill capable of cooking 1,000 foods simultaneously. The cooking area is 22-feet long and six-feet wide. Enright points out that the 777-pound hamburger is available on the menu for $5,000, but it must be ordered 48 hours in advance. The 63rd annual Miami fair had attendance of 589,888, and the ride gross for North American Midway Entertainment was up by seven percent over last year. Patty Dee, director of concessions, said the food gross was $7.8 million and the games gross was $1.6 million. The rest of the top 10 in the food category included Michael Kramer with roasted corn; Lou Pacifico, the Meatball Factory, corn dogs; Bill Lordy and Traycie Brewer, the Elephant Ear Bakery; Charles’ Ivory, Gabby’s Kitchen, barbecue; Tim O’Brien, O’Brien’s Food Services, turkey legs; Mike Zdebia, Jr., wings; Michael Lis, French fries; Sam Coffman, Coffman Concessions, elephant ears; and Brad Duchow, sandwiches. In the games category, Paul Lombard, T&A Concessions, was No. 1, 2 and 8, with basketball games. Jason Floyd was third with Shoot Out the Star Untouchables; Joey Fowler came in fourth with a balloon dart,
and Jeremy Solem was fifth with a Scooby Toss. Tony Diaz, who ran the midway operation for NAME, was sixth with a Top Glo, and Candy Anderson, seventh, with her bottle-up that is usually on top of the leader board at the Minnesota State Fair. William Thornberry was ninth with a center balloon water pop, and tenth with a ball/ wacky wire, were Dave and Monica Potopas of Potopas Concessions. Lombard said Miami is always a good fair for him and he felt fantastic about having the top stand this year. “You can’t do it without good help and we’ve had some of the same people coming back for 10 to 15 years.” His wife, Buni, whose parents were the late Bob Negus and Bea Negus of NAME, booked her Buni’s Bakery Stand in Miami featuring cinnamon rolls. The T&A comes from the names of their first two of four children, Tyler and Ashley. Paul said twins Lindsey and Emily help out during the summer months. Paul stays with his games for the remainder of NAME’s route, with his next booking being the Red River Exhibition in Winnipeg June 13–22. He stays for the entire Canadian route with the NAME unit run by Tony Diaz, Wayne Kunz and John Anderson. Dates also include the Calgary Stampede, Queen City Ex in Regina, and Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto. He then stays with name at The Big E, South Carolina State Fair, and Greater Gulf State Fair. In the meantime, Buni takes her food stand to the Iowa State Fair, Minnesota State Fair, Tulsa State Fair, and National Peanut Festival, booking independently. Kramer, who had been No. 1 in Miami for several years, said he was okay with being dethroned. “I was happy with our results. We had another very good fair.” Speaking of Enright, Kramer pointed out, “He had a beautiful operation and he offered high ticket items like turkey legs. We did something a little different this year also, which worked very well. Besides the ears, we sold 10-ounce cups of corn. Since
Booking two of their Gold Food Concessions stands at Mule Days in Columbia, TN, from left, are Larry and Suzi Smith, their daughter, Tina, and Richard Wampler.
Johnny Hobbs, owner of John A’s Restaurant and Bar in Nashville, is flanked by Hillman Snyder, Jr., left, and his wife, Janie, at the Mule Days Celebration.
Seen during the Gibtown trade show, from left, are Pal Fontana, Strates Shows; Rene Piche, independent food concessionaire, and Bob Dills, Uni-Glide.
Ready for another season are Terry and Kathy Swyear of Swyear Amusements, New Athens, IL.
Bea Negus, NAME, is caught in the middle with her daughter, Buni Negus Lombard, right, and Christine Powell, left, at the Gibtown trade show.
Jamie and Catherine Metts had a food stand at Mule Days. They were formerly partnered in the Snyder and Metts Amusements carnival.
From left are E. J. Dean, Dean and Flynn Amusements; Mitchell Kaliff, Kaliff Insurance, and Mike Featherston, GoldStar Amusements. Dean and Kaliff are OABA directors. Featherston was OABA chairman in 2013.
Relaxing during the Gibtown trade show are Dale and Alicia Merriam, Merriam’s Midway Shows. Dale is current president of the Showmen’s League of America.
From left are Rob Vivona, Amusements of America; Jean Clair, Luehrs’ Ideal Rides; Debbie Powers, Powers Great American Midways, and Michael Wood, independent ride operator who is OABA’s first vice chair. Clair was OABA chair in 1996, and Vivona and Powers are OABA directors.
From left are Ben Pickett and Guy Leavitt, Ray Cammack Shows; Joe Skerbeck, Skerbeck Brothers Shows, and Melissa Kibby, Crabtree Amusements. Leavitt was OABA chair in 2006. Pickett, Skerbeck and Kibby are all OABA directors.
that also included sour cream, Parmesan cheese, chili powder and lime wedges, we charged a little more.” Kramer’s Fun Time Foods is based in Tampa, where he also has a food truck, selling corn, lemonade and blooming onions. He was booked at a Rock and Roll Music Festival in Fort Myers, Florida the last week in April. His first of four fairs is Erie County, Hamburg, NY, August 6–17. Kramer then plays the New York State Fair August 21–September 1, and State Fair of Virginia September 26–October 5. “I’ve always had a small fair route. Last year we did six. Next year, I’m looking to booking in California. I figure that if Juicy’s can come to the East Coast, I can go to the West Coast.” Please send news to tomp@oaba.org, or call 615.319.1258. Have all great days, and God Bless! H
JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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H FEATURES
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By Jodi Helmer
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n the restaurants and concession stands at Adventureland Amusement Park in Farmingdale, New York, a simple menu change helped the park protect team members and guests from the dangers of foodborne illnesses. Starting in 2013, the park swapped raw chicken and beef used in popular menu items like chicken tenders and hamburgers for frozen versions. “Putting out a product that is precooked means there is no guesswork involved,” explains Bob Amoruso, general manager of Adventureland and chairman of the IAAPA Food and Beverage Committee. “It’s a safe and economical way to reduce risk.” Minimizing risk in food and beverage (F&B) operations is top of mind for park operators — with good reason. In addition to workplace hazards such as hot cooking oil, sharp knives, and raw food, operators often hire high school students who lack experience in a food service environment to run concessions, creating a high-risk environment. In fact, food and beverage servers working in the United States private sector suffered 26,870 non-fatal injuries and illnesses between 2003 and 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “A lot of people don’t realize the dangers present in F&B operations,” says Kenny Handler, partner and senior consultant for Profitable Food Facilities, a California-based consulting firm that helps theme parks maximize food and beverage revenues. “The restaurants and concessions at amusement parks serve millions of guests; without the proper procedures in place, the potential for problems is huge.”
To prevent potential problems, Adventureland holds daily meetings to reinforce the basic principles of safe equipment operation and food-handling procedures. It’s a time for managers to respond to questions and address concerns. “We want to develop a culture of safety,” Amoruso says. “You can’t manage a restaurant and kiosks from the office. You have to get out into the park, walk through [the food and beverage operations], and reinforce the basic principles.” Regular walkthroughs are also an essential part of the safety protocol at Athol, Idaho-based Silverwood Theme Park. The management team assesses equipment, checks food temperatures and storage practices, and monitors team members for adherence to safety guidelines. The ongoing assessments allow F&B managers to address concerns on the spot, reducing the likelihood of illness and injuries. “Constant vigilance is required to make certain that the environment and equipment are in safe and operational order
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at all times,” says Shawn Munson, director of food and beverage at Silverwood.
Functioning equipment isn’t enough to keep team members and guests safe. “[T]he largest risk I see on a daily basis is the human element,” Munson says. Inexperienced team members face the highest risk of accidents. In 2008, the BLS noted more than 17 percent of injuries and illnesses affected food and beverage workers who were on the job less than three months. Sick and injured workers lost an average of six days on the job. Despite the risks associated with their jobs, Sheena Sanders and Shana Sanders, the food and beverage managers at Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach, Florida, noticed team members weren’t paying attention during training sessions. “We’d have their attention for five minutes,” Shana Sanders says. “After that, we’d see them looking around the room instead of focusing on the information. No one was listening to what we were trying to teach them.” To ensure team members understood information about ServSafe guidelines — the National Association of Restaurants’ food service training program — and other important details of safe operating procedures in park restaurants and concessions, the pair put their staff to the test. Starting in the 2013 season, all F&B staff at the water park were given study packets with information about safety protocols and quizzed on the material. The pop quiz proved successful, especially because there were consequences for failing, including termination. “The kids were nervous about it and really studied and pretty much everyone passed with flying colors,” notes Sheena Sanders. “We felt confident that they read the material and understood it.” There are no pop quizzes at Silverwood, but Munson also realized traditional training wasn’t capturing the attention of new hires. The park adapted its training materials, uploading them to its website to complement on-site training sessions. All of the materials used during orientation to park policies and individual training sessions for team members—includ ing classes, hands-on training, and continuous coaching—can also be accessed online for easy reference. “A key piece of the equation is properly educating your staff from the top down,” Munson says. From creating and maintaining a safe work environment, to establishing policies for operating equipment and food handling, and training staff to put those policies into prac tice, taking a comprehensive approach is essential to ensur ing safety in food and beverage departments. H
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Photo: Whiting’s Foods
Reducing the risk of injuries and illnesses in food and beverage operations is as simple as following these five tips.
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Focus on food prep: The demand for speed at
park concessions puts pressure on food service staff. To reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses, Handler recommends training staff to triple check that items like burgers and chicken tenders are fully cooked.
2
Provide equipment instruction: Food service
staff needs to be trained on proper operation of fryers, grills, and other kitchen tools. Rapids Water Park also educates its staff on basic knife skills and proper safety attire, including gloves and potholders.
3
Post procedures: Post essential information such
as hand-washing reminders and instructions for equipment operations or proper food temperatures in hightraffic areas to reinforce practices that will keep staff and guests safe.
4
Insist on cleanliness: All kitchen equipment and
food prep areas need to be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. But Kenny Handler of Profitable Food Facilities notes no amount of scrubbing will make up for the bad habits of staff. All team members must wash their hands (following proper procedures) and wear gloves as needed.
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Prevent cross-contamination: To reduce the
risk of food-borne illnesses, keep raw meat on the bottom shelves in refrigerators and freezers and use separate cutting boards in food prep areas. Toss all expired foods as well as uneaten foods that were served to guests. Reprinted from the March 2014 edition of Funworld, the official magazine of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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H FEATURES
OABA’s Excellence Committee Improves the Quality Assessment Audit Program for 2014 By Jay Strates, OABA Director and Chairman of the Excellence Committee
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or the past ten seasons the Foundation for the Future Quality Assessment Audit Program has been in place and available to all OABA membership, since it was proposed in March 2002 and implemented in 2004. This was intentional to establish the program and the audit process, but has basically remained the same as the original foundation rather than inconsistent and ever-changing audit criteria, where a reliable program evaluation would never be established. During the past several months a focused task group has been busy evaluating the overall Quality Assessment Audit Program. It was determined this was an appropriate time to assess the program goals and insure members were receiving maximum benefit from the program that is designed to educate OABA membership of best practices that are intended to positively produce change while raising the public perceptions of the mobile amusement industry. During the process of reviewing ten years of accomplishments, it was determined it was possible for the member being audited to have outstanding documented organization policies and procedures, yet there was little management effort expended to insure these policies and procedures were properly administered within their daily operation. The product that was being presented for midway consumption did not reflect the game plan contained in office file cabinets. The opposite was also true where the midway layout and operational practice was above average although the company policies and procedures did not contain basic documents we would all consider necessary to sustain a successful long range business plan. Another anomaly was discovered with the nomenclature for the program. The Foundation for the Future Quality Assessment Audit Program name was recognized by board of directors, members and OABA office staff, it was not the “street name” most members referenced when mentioning the program. The program was better known as the recognition a member received when they were successful at the end of the audit process... Circle of Excellence. The task group who reviewed the ten-year program made recommendations to the OABA’s Excellence Committee, who then reported to the full board of directors at the April 2014 meeting. A new emphasis has been established starting with the 2014 program that will allow for a more complete assessment and evaluation of program participants. The first program change to occur will be very visible to all OABA members. This program beginning with the 2014 season
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H OABA ShowTime Magazine | JUNE 2014
will now officially be known as the Circle of Excellence Quality Assessment Audit Program. It is felt this best depicts the original purpose to recognize organizations who manage by exemplary policies and procedures that benefit employees, patrons and the owner’s investment while exhibiting a midway that is functional and disciplined. The original and all subsequent audit workbooks through 2013 were divided by seven separate categories: Presentation, Amusement Rides, Game Concessions, Food Service, Human Resources/Personnel, and Show Vehicles & Transportation Equipment & Documentation with a total of 33 numbered questions. Starting in 2014, the audit workbook will visibly be different and it will now be divided into four major categories: Documentation (Personnel Policies & Human Resources), Management (Management Policies & Outreach), Presentation & Training with a total of 77 numbered questions. To be recognized as a member of the OABA Circle of Excellence an audit participant must now attain a numerical score of at least 70% in each of the four categories in addition to at least an overall numerical score of 85%. It is felt this scoring procedure will reflect a comprehensive evaluation of the organization that places emphasis on all aspects of their business. It is time to remind OABA members and particularly those who are members of the Circle of Excellence that membership recognitions are valid for a period of five calendar years. After the fifth year, each organization recognized as members of the Circle of Excellence are required to be re-audited to insure the integrity of the program. If your organization was recognized as a result of your 2009 audit to be eligible for membership in the Circle of Excellence, your membership was valid through December 31, 2013. To retain a continuous Circle of Excellence membership, you would be required to once again be audited during the 2014 calendar year. Although most of the Circle of Excellence Quality Assessment Audits are conducted during the second half of each calendar year, an organization who is successful with the 2014 Circle of Excellence Quality Assessment Audit will have membership from January 1, 2014 which allows for continuous membership. Again, the program awards are presented annually and are valid for a period of five calendar years. For details on this program visit the Circle of Excellence section at www.OABA.org. To receive an application and schedule your Quality Assessment Audit, contact Jerry Aldrich, Audit Coordinator at (407) 239-6336 or via email at oaba@amusementconsulting.com. H
FEATURES H
Don’t Let the D
uring the thirty years I ran our family business so many changes have taken place within our industry that if my father were alive, he would simply shake his head in
disbelief. Ride inspections and safety rules, truck and driver regulations, coupon tickets and central ticket boxes, cashless midways, employee uniforms, etc. are all changes that occurred during the last quarter of the last century. Some of these innovations were embraced by our industry and some were resisted, some were imposed by the government and some demanded by our customers, and some were simply good, innovative ideas. Almost all, if not all, of these and other changes have been generally good for the industry. I believe, however, there are hidden dangers, nibbling away, undetected, at the edges of the American carnival. Dangers for which I have no solution, but recognition is surely the first step toward a solution. The first threat is that we have systematically and deliberately reduced our customer base over the last twenty-five or thirty years by narrowing the age band of potential customers. We have focused on the spectacular thrill rides and the teen to
Slip Away twenty-year-olds who ride them. by Dale W. Merriam, PhD What would a 40-50-year-old mother of two teenagers do at a modern carnival? It once was that mothers and grandmothers would play bingo all evening — winning Beacon blankets, lamps and other household items. The men could play the pan game or checker board dart, and win or lose a few dollars. There were also shows, for “the men and the men only” in the backend. Games like the glass pitch entertained both men and women of a wide age range. It would be interesting to know how many Midwest farm kitchens still have glasses and “nappy” dishes in their cupboards from past county fairs. Now, nobody expects or nor suggests that these attractions return, but what has or can take their place. What does the carnival midway have to offer this age group? Customers are scarce. We cannot afford to lose a single one. Another concern is repeat business. Do our customers go home after an evening on the midway feeling like they really had fun? That is the only thing we have to sell, after all. If the customer doesn’t have fun, he will and should feel cheated. Even something as basic as a merry-go-round ride is not as much fun as it once was. If you wonder how that can be — and you should — consider the ride even as recently as thirty years ago. First the child sees the colorful horses, hears the full-throated sounds of the band organ, and envies the laughing children on the ride as they pass within inches of those standing around the ride waiting for their turn. Each rider is tightly clutching his or her ticket in their sticky little hands — cotton candy, you know. They have been told by their JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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parents to give this ticket to the man when he comes around after the ride has started. And then, here he comes, weaving in and out between the jumping horses — often in time with the music — as each child proudly surrenders their ticket as a symbol of their privilege to ride. That “ceremony” was part of the ride experience. With the tickets collected and the allotted time expired, the skilled operator stops the ride in the exact position as when it began. The waiting parent takes a couple of steps straight ahead and retrieves their child. All around the ride the new riders — tightly clutching their ticket — climb aboard a horse. No ticket signs were needed indicating how many coupons were required. If you wanted to ride, buy a ticket. One ticket gave
42-inch fence with pickets set on four-inch centers. A small child cannot see through some of the fence because it is covered with various instructive and warning signs — an entrance sign, exit sign, tickets required sign, rules to ride sign, height limit to ride alone sign, etc. Before the young rider can mount his chosen horse, however, a central ticket booth must be found. Now, how many tickets to buy? Does the merry-go-round take three, or was it four? What is the best deal? Are the tickets good tomorrow? With some number of tickets purchased, the parent and child find the ride entrance and enter the line to ride, hoping when the ride stops they will get on the next ride. When the ride stops, no one in the entrance line moves. The ride operator must first allow all the riders whose
you the privilege of one ride. No exit and entrance signs were required. If the ride was stopped you could get off or on (clutching your ticket, remember?). If the ride was moving you stayed on or off. Consider, now, our little rider has grown up and has children of his or her own to take to the carnival for a merrygo-round experience. On our midway it could be even the same machine — a 1948 Allan Herschell. The children riding can’t be seen quite as well because the entire ride is surrounded by a
ride had just ended to exit. Finally the operator turns to the waiting entrance line and begins to take tickets as each child walks past a giant yardstick to determine if they are taller than 36 inches to ride with a responsible companion or taller than 42 inches to ride alone. There is no kidding around. The sign sternly says, “ You must be 36 inches tall to ride”. By this time, the young rider has been told several times by the parent to be patient, and scrutinized by the ride operator with the intensity of a TSA agent. The ride itself is about the same 1 1/2 minutes in length except something quite unidentifiable seems to be missing. Of course it is. What’s missing is the encounter with the ride operator, and the sense of privilege and satisfaction the child would get when they released their clutched (and sticky) ticket to the operator. When the proper ride time has elapsed, an electric timer shuts the ride down. And, like the man said, “And where she stops nobody knows”. Wherever it has stopped, with enough walking around and around the fence line most of the children will find the exit gate and be united with their parent(s). Now, no one would ever advocate getting rid of the fence, the signage, the central ticketing system, etc., but the question should be asked, “Which ride would have been more fun — the modern, fenced one or the one of thirty years ago?” This is not one problem with one answer. The solution is not simply one unique action or idea. Great strides have been made on carnival midways in recent years with regard to customer comforts, conveniences, marketing and, particularly, safety. No one wants to go back to “old ways”, but let’s not lose sight of our goal. That is, to provide good, safe fun to as many people as we can. H About the author: Dale and his wife, Alicia, were the second generation (now retired) owners of the three-generation, family-owned Midwest carnival, Merriam’s Midway Shows. After a brief career in industry and academics, Dale returned to the business upon his father, Alva Merriam’s, retirement in 1974. Dale served ten years as an OABA director and three years as OABA treasurer. He is a past president of the Midwest Showmen’s Association and is currently the 2014 president of the Showmen’s League of America.
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FEATURES H
From Allied Specialty Insurance With the departure of some employees at Allied Specialty Insurance, many people in our beloved industry may be wondering “How are things at Allied; what is going on?” In one word — GREAT! As many of you know, Allied was founded 30 years ago by Duke Smith, my father-in-law, and managed by my late husband David prior to his passing 10 years ago in 2004. My family and David’s have been a part of our community for many generations. We know, love and are committed to this industry. This is what makes us unique, and it will never change. If you look up the definition of “Allied” you will find words such as joined, united, common cause, connected, agree to work together. These words all support Allied’s uniqueness in our special community. We are “united” with our clients and their continued success in this amazing industry that so few truly understand and appreciate. Allied evolved from the roots of this industry and has been woven into its fabric. Our name “suits” us in our dedication and commitment to this special community we consider family. We want to assure you that Allied is in as strong a position as ever to serve our clients. At this time, we are staying focused on doing just that — serving our clients. This extends to our insurance company, T.H.E. Insurance, with their unparalleled specialized claims management and underwriting capabilities that have been cultivated and perfected over the 30-plus years of serving this specialized industry. This cultivated skill set truly sets our service capabilities apart from other providers. As they say, “It takes one to know one”, and we can proudly say we are “one” of you! Genuinely understanding and appreciating the operations of this industry comes best from having lived it. This is not an industry you learn best any other way. Allied was created and continues to be operated by “children of the carnival industry.” We can say we have “lived it” and are proud of that unique factor that truly sets us apart. This, too, will never change. And so, we are delighted to report that it is business as usual at Allied! Both myself personally and the entire Allied family appreciate all the kind words of support and encouragement so many have given us, and we look forward to many more years of serving and supporting this unique industry we truly know and love. H
Sincerely,
Mary Chris Smith President/Chairman of the Board 727.560.2654 mcsmith@alliedspecialty.com Note from Editor: “Allied Specialty Insurance has been a great supporter and partner with the OABA for several decades. They have strong commitments to the mobile amusement industry from the education of young people to the sponsorship of safety education and other OABA events. We are pleased to have Mary Chris Smith on our Board of Directors and her commitment to this trade association.”
JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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H FEATURES
What’s Your Policy Regarding the Use of Cell Phones or Texting by Ride Operators or Attendants?
R
ecently a local Florida television station did an undercover story regarding the use of cell phones by ride operators while their rides were in operation to the public. A few carnivals were contacted ahead of the news story, and some gave statements that appeared in this nightly news story, with regards to policies forbidding such behavior and disciplinary actions taken with employees for such behavior. We know many shows and independent ride owners have policies and employee disciplinary action for such behavior in the interest of safe operations.
We discussed this at our recent OABA board meeting and there were many good suggestions and one that our Education Committee felt should passed on to you. This idea is in addition to their show policy and disciplinary action, but reaches out to the guests reviewing the ride signage at each amusement ride. Thanks to Fiesta Shows’ E. J. Dean, OABA’s third vice chair, for sending these photos of ride signage alerting their guests to such behavior and asking them to report such behavior to show management. Should you need assistance with a policy or operating/training procedures, please contact the OABA office. Also, should you have another suggestion to limit the use of cell phones with calls or texting by ride operators while rides are being used by the public, please let us know. H
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FEATURES H
Confused About Health Insurance Rules in 2014?
Insurance Programs for Members of Provided by:
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here are different rules for individual/family health insurance policies and small group business health insurance policies in 2014. As the health insurance affinity partner for members of OABA, we would like to provide members with a clarification.
Individual/Family Health Insurance Policies
Health insurance policies were available during the annual open enrollment periods which ended on March 31. However, beginning April 1 through December 31, a special open enrollment period begins which allows members who experience a qualifying event to enroll in a new health insurance plan or make changes to an existing one. Members will have up to 60 days from the date of the qualifying event to apply for coverage. Here are some of the reasons you may qualify for a special enrollment: H Termination of employment H Employer no longer offers health insurance H Exhaustion of COBRA benefits H Move to a different state H Divorce/Legal Separation
Please note that if you missed the open enrollment and don’t qualify for a special enrollment, you can still stay insured by purchasing temporary or short term coverage.
Small Business Health insurance Policies
There are no open enrollment periods for small businesses with two or more employees. In 2014, small businesses with fewer than 25 full time employees making an average of less than $50,000 per year can qualify for a small business health care tax credit. The tax credit is worth up to 50% of the employer’s contribution towards the employee’s premium cost. An example of how the tax credit works is that if you have five employees with wages of $150,000 total or $30,000 per employee, the employer is eligible for a 50% premium tax credit. Therefore, if the monthly small group premium is $2,500 and the employer contributes 50% or $1,250, the employer is eligible for a premium tax credit of $625 per month or $7,500 per year. Any OABA member wanting more information on the special enrollment period for individuals/families or the small business health care tax credit should call Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. at 1-800-349-1039 or e-mail to mmic@mmicinsurance.com. H
JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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OLE FELD EXECUTIV E VICE PRESIDEN
ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Jammin’ Jamborees PROGRAM
Photo Gallery OABA Spring Board Meeting, Phoenix, AZ
2014 OABA Jammin’ Jamboree
OABA Jamborees are fun, exciting and entertaining. They provide an opportunity for everyone on the show to get together and have a great time while doing some good for the OABA.
2014 OABA Jammin’ Jamboree Schedule
Twentieth Century Rides Brownsville, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 5 PBJ Happee Days Shows Marion, AR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 6 Skerbeck Bros. Flushing, MI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 17 West Coast Amusements Red Deer, AB, Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 15 West Coast Amusements Vermilion, AB, Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 23 Rosedale Attractions Upper Marlboro, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 3
2014 Jammin’ Jamboree Totals
Twentieth Century Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,139 TOTAL $8,139
OABA Directors Blake Huston, Michael Lauther, Jay Strates, Amber Swedgan and Trustee Jeanne McDonagh. OABA First Vice Chair Michael Wood visits with Director Greg Stewart, Central Washington State Fair.
Jody Lopez, wife of OABA Chairman Chris Lopez, and Director Mary Chris Smith, Allied Specialty Insurance.
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ALANA FELD EXECUTIV E VICE PRESIDEN
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OABA Trustees Andy Schoendienst and Bill Johnson with Director Ben Pickett, center.
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H OABA ShowTime Magazine | JUNE 2014
ASSOCIATION H PHOTO GALLERY
Guy and Charlene Leavitt, RCS, hosted a reception for the OABA board, staff and friends at their lovely home. OABA President Bob Johnson with Trustees Jean Anne Clair (1996); OABA Chairman Chris Lopez; Jeanne McDonagh (2012); Jeff Blomsness (2000); Guy Leavitt (2006); Andy Schoendienst (2008); Bill Johnson (2011) and Mike Featherston (2013).
OABA Senior Vice President Al DeRusha and his wife, Marlene.
OABA Director Ron Morris with his wife, Arlene.
OABA Director Rick Reithoffer, his wife, Marianne, and Trustee Guy Leavitt. OABA Director Holly Swartz with her husband, Jeff.
OABA Director Mary Chris Smith, Alternate Director Charlene Leavitt, her daughter Joy Pickett and Director Lorelei Schoendienst. JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Contribution Fund 2014 OABA Contribution Fund Program Participants
PROGRAM
• Get Your Contribution Fund Tickets Now • This is deductible as a business expense
OABA Contribution Fund Program
THE OABA’S CONTRIBUTION FUND offers three different plans to meet your show’s contribution to the OABA and in turn rewards the show and concessionaires for these donations.
WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE? You will be given the opportunity to receive cash prizes for your contributions to this program and help the OABA protect the carnival industry.
WHAT IS IT? Fund-raising for the OABA has always been based on the generosity of its members and depends on members to pay their fair share, the theory being that the organization belongs to the members who raise relevant issues and in the belief that they will also underwrite activities. Support and participation of enough members will provide the revenue necessary to continue and improve on membership services.
HOW IS IT HANDLED? This OABA program advises member carnivals to collect funds from all office-owned and independent concessions and rides, side shows and arcades. When the show owner collects the money, they need to give or complete a receipt. The show or concessionaires then send the receipts to the OABA office, which will be eligible for monthly and annual incentive prizes. Please note that it is important to include your phone number on your receipt, as we want to be able to contact you when you win!
WHAT IS THE MONEY USED FOR? The funds collected for this program are earmarked for legal, legislative and lobbying issues. Also, funds are used to continually upgrade member services. CAN’T I JUST CONTRIBUTE? Sure, but then you lose out on the opportunity to participate in winning cash incentives.
SEND IT ALL IN! Funds are solicited and contributed in the name of the OABA. Once money is collected, please send it monthly to the OABA office in form of a check or money order. You may check ShowTime magazine where the contributions and monthly winners in each plan will be published monthly. H
Bronze Plan
Contribution from Concessions & Rides $5.00 per event Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $300 First Prize $3,000 Second Prize $200 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $100 Third Prize $1,000
Silver Plan
Contribution from Concessions & Rides $10.00 per week Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $400 First Prize $4,000 Second Prize $300 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $200 Third Prize $1,000 Bronze and Silver Plans: If the carnival contributions exceed $5,000, 2015 OABA dues are waived for carnival.
Gold Plan
Contribution from Concessions & Rides $5.00 per day Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $500 First Prize $5,000 Second Prize $400 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $300 Third Prize $1,000 Gold Plan: If the carnival contributions exceed $10,000, 2015 OABA dues are waived for carnival.
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H OABA ShowTime Magazine | JUNE 2014
2014 OABA Contribution Fund Ray Cammack Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,895 Powers Great American Midways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,380 Reithoffer Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,880 Strates Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,665 Frazier Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,270 Showmen’s League of America-St. Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Calkins Midways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 NAME/Mid America Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480 A Fantasy Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 TOTAL $30,370
April Drawing Winners BRONZE
SILVER
Jimmy LeBaron Tracy Thomas Reithoffer Shows – Powers Great Blue Unit American $300 Midways $400 Ashley Broetsky Frazier Shows Ray DeFrates $200 NAME – Mid America Shows Mike Bronchik $300 Reithoffer Shows – Blue Unit Cooper Huston $100 NAME – Mid America Shows $200
GOLD
Carrie Morton Ray Cammack Shows $500 Ashley Murray Ray Cammack Shows $400 Jacqueline Bradbury Ray Cammack Shows $300
2014 OABA Contribution Fund Program Participants
BRONZE
Calkins Midways Ava Holtz Julia Holtz Kathy Holtz Frazier Shows 3 G’s Broetsky Equipment Broetsky Foods Andrea Broetsky Ashley Broetsky Bryan Broetsky Cash Broetsky Jan Broetsky Julie Broetsky S.P. Broetsky S.T. Broetsky Frazier Shows Garfield Miller Garry Miller
Ginny Miller Jaxon Scales Adam Schrum AJ Schrum Betsi Schrum Schrum Enterprises Barb Sloan Larry Sloan Dylan Tobias George Tobias Georgie Tobias Reithoffer Shows – Blue Unit Tony Albanese Gary Alberry Mike Bronchik Wesley Burnett Ray & Patty Hrudra Jan Husted Michael Lauther Shelby Lauther
Essay Contest Winners
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he 2013 Essay Contest sponsored by the OABA-Duke Smith Memorial Education Fund resulted in three excellent essays submitted by talented young writers! Macey Kenna, Lauren McDonagh and Shelby Grein each received $250 for their efforts. This month’s featured essay was written by Shelby Grein, age 18.
Can you envision a career in this industry, and what career do you envision?
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s I continue to mature, one question is asked to me on almost a daily basis; what do I want to do with my future? Although I am not 100 percent sure where I see myself in five years, I do know that a career in the outdoor amusement industry is a likely possibility. The options for careers are just about infinite, with a little something for anyone. Many people in my life influence me but the most prominent would be my parents. I believe that it takes a certain type of person to work in this industry and I know I can meet these standards. Options for my future are all around me, but one that is the closest to my heart is working in the amusement industry. Not unlike a football team, it takes many types of people to operate an amusement company. One person cannot operate the games, food, rides and finances. For this reason, everyone in the business plays a very important but unique role. Starting when I was in diapers I watched members of my family do their daily jobs. Around the age of ten, I joined the ranks and added a cute smile to the midway. My first job was the Hi Striker; this gave me quite a few responsibilities and endless fun. As I became older I moved up to working in a concession stand. This meant more than having the privilege of air conditioning; now I really got to show my skills even when I was just barely a teenager and have
continued working in concessions. I think I can say with confidence that my parents have influenced me more than anyone else in my life. In 1992 my parents purchased a few rides which came to be known as Funtime Carnival. Throughout the years their business has grown and I have been there to see all of the different aspects of owning your own carnival. Every week I see that it is not just about funnel cakes when I help my mom with things like payroll and paying bills. In order to own concessions you need to be a well-rounded person. Throughout my life I have always been talkative and easy to communicate with. This is essential because every day you will come in contact with customers. An owner also needs to understand the value of working hard. Luckily my parents instilled this value in me at an early age. Even though I don’t know exactly what I want to do with my future, I know that owning my own concessions could be a good option for me. My parents have shown me what the value of hard work is and I have experienced that firsthand. I have a bright personality which shows when I serve customers but I also know some of the financial aspects as well. The industry has been a large part of my childhood and will continue to be as I grow older. H
Jimmy LeBaron Nicole Popovich Beau Pugh Bob Pugh Rick Reithoffer Mario Rojas Dave Rothstein Shelby Royal Louie Rucubo Paul Smith Richie Stafford John Stoorza Robert Vinson
Cooper Huston Danny Huston Lucy Huston Richard Huston Troy Meadows RANN Sales - Ray DeFrates
Savannah Koehl
GOLD
Emmett Ousey
SILVER
A Fantasy Amusement Co. Jeff Lapin Powers Great American Midways
Amy Balliet Bear Corl Debbie Ruthie Evans Steve Ianni Janas PGAM Ryan Jeremy Thomas Ron Thomas Tracy Thomas Urwin NAME – Mid America Shows Ray DeFrates Amy Huston Blake Huston
Ray Cammack Shows Jim Bradshaw Bradbury Family Bradbury Kids Brian Bradbury Jacqueline Bradbury Matthew Burton Nathan Burton Kincaid Dwyer Ashley Kastl Cameron Kastl
Lopez Concessions Bill Morton Burt Morton Deborah Morton Bobby Ousey Hailey Ousey Kate Ousey Kirsten Ousey M.J. Ousey Mike Ousey Jayce Pacheco Dominic & Kim Palmieri Ethian Perez Andrew Schoendienst, Jr. Steve VanderVorste JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS H REGULATORY UPDATE
Falls after a 2013 carnival
requires that there’s a third-
minimum wage would result
Franchise Association, the
accident that left two teenage
party inspection whether it be
in 1 million lost jobs, citing
American Hotel & Lodging
girls suspended upside down
another government agency
data from the nonpartisan
on a ride.
or insurance company, and
Congressional Budget Office.
Association, the National
TENNESSEE Tennessee has created new rules for ziplines amid concerns of attractions
you can guarantee it’s been looked at, at least twice.”
FEDERAL Minimum Wage
“The Congressional Budget Office has confirmed what economists have been saying
Council of Chain Restaurants, and the National Restaurant Association all had representa-
for decades: Wage hikes cost
tives on the Hill to lobby against
jobs,” Michael Saltsman, EPI’s
an increased minimum wage.
A measure to raise the fed-
ties. “Before we even look
eral minimum wage to $10.10
statement. “Instead of creating
that the States in the higher
at the equipment, we want
per hour was blocked in the
more barriers to entry-level
cost of living areas in the U.S.
to make sure they have the
Senate in May as the debate
employment, Congress should
appropriate insurance cover-
continues to make their case
instead focus on policies such
have taken matters on their
age. We want to make sure
for and against a minimum
as the Earned Income Tax
they have any daily, weekly,
wage increase.
Credit that can actually help
or monthly maintenance
A report from the
research director, said in a
It appears more prevalent
opening in different coun-
those most in need.”
their State’s minimum wage. Be sure to check with your accountant on this as some
that they do on it and then a
Employment Policies Institute,
daily inspection sheet,” said
which the group is pushing
industry trade associations
States have already increased
Amusement Device Inspector
out through a new ad cam-
such as the National Retail
this wage this year and in the
Neal Vojtkofsky. “The state
paign, argued that a $10.10
Federation, the International
future. H
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H OABA ShowTime Magazine | JUNE 2014
Members of the service
own hands and have increased
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS H DOT REGULATORY NEWS
DOT Regulatory News Rulemaking On Entry-
negotiated rulemaking to
posal is developed, it is pub-
edly stated recently that
Level Driver Training
implement this important
lished in the Federal Register
the Administration wants
MAP-21 provision.”
for comment and proceeds
to fund the shortfall in the
like any other rulemaking.
President’s $302 billion, four
In recent testimony before Congress, Federal Motor
Unlike a typical rulemaking,
Carrier Safety Administrator
in which the agency drafts
The FMCSA previously
Anne Ferro stated the agency
the proposed rule and then
withdrew its proposed rule on
year highway and transit program by eliminating the
is considering conducting
publishes the proposal in the
minimum training standards
“last-in, first out, or LIFO”
a negotiated rulemaking on
Federal Register for public
for entry-level CDL drivers.
accounting method used
Minimum Training Require-
comment, in a negotiated
The agency was not able to
by many businesses, and
ments for Entry-Level Com-
rulemaking the agency will
justify the cost of the propos-
changes to tax rules on for-
mercial Vehicle Drivers. On
meet with interested parties,
al with the expected demon-
eign earnings brought back
March 12, 2014, before the
often over several months,
strated safety benefits. There
to the United States.
Highways and Transit Sub-
to discuss and “negotiate”
is no timetable on when the
committee of the U.S. House
the terms of a proposal. The
FMCSA might begin the nego-
$152 billion in traditional rev-
of Representatives Commit-
agency will attempt, usually
tiated rulemaking process.
enue into the Highway Trust
tee on Transportation and
with a facilitator, to develop a
Infrastructure, Administrator
consensus position among the
DOT Official Proposes
fuel taxes and other excise
Ferro said the agency “will
various interests represented,
Funding Highways
taxes, as well as $150 billion
soon engage the services
but the agency has the final
Through LIFO Repeal
from corporate tax reform.
of a convener to assess the
say on the specifics of the
feasibility of conducting a
proposed rule. Once the pro-
The proposal would include
Fund via gasoline and diesel
DOT Undersecretary for Policy Peter Rogoff report-
In addition, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of
JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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DOT Doctor Registry – Important By Eric Arnold, Arnold Safety Consulting
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he most important document in a DOT driver qualification file is the medical examiner’s certificate. Anyone who drives a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 10,001 lbs. or more in interstate commerce is required to have one. These medical examiner certificates are generally good for two years, although they can expire sooner if the doctor detects health issues such as high blood pressure. They can be issued for a period as a short as three months. The FMCSA has issued new rules as to who can conduct these periodic medical examinations. These new rules became effective on May 21, 2014. Prior to May 21, 2014,
Almost certainly, doctors performing DOT physicals will be less plentiful after May 21, 2014. I did a quick unscientific review of a few old medicals I have in my files. I had nine medicals done by nine different doctors. Of the nine doctors, only six of them are listed in the new registry. Therefore, I unscientifically estimate the pool of doctors available to do DOT physicals will shrink by 33 percent. As a practical matter, you should start plotting when your drivers’ medicals expire farther in advance than you do now. It is possible that you may have to wait days, if not weeks, to get in for a DOT physical due to the lack of doctors. Make
any doctor, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or even chiropractors licensed by the state could perform DOT physicals. These individuals may still conduct DOT physicals after May 21, 2014, if, and only if, they are registered with the FMCSA. FMCSA believes there is an epidemic of medically unqualified drivers on the road. One of the ways these unqualified drivers get medically certified is by doctor shopping. A marginally healthy driver goes to a doctor to get his biennial physical. The doctor identifies a physical issue, such as a previous heart condition, recent surgery, high blood pressure, or something else. The doctor refuses to qualify the driver. The driver then simply goes to another doctor and covers up that part of his medical history, or the fact that he was failed by another doctor. A doctor, without knowing a patient, has to rely on the information provided by the patient/driver to a large extent. If the driver is less than forthcoming, he may be able to be certified by the doctor, even though possibly he should not have been. Under the new system, only medicals issued by doctors registered by FMCSA will be recognized. If a driver gets a medical from a non-registered doctor, it will be rejected by the FMCSA. If the driver is a CDL driver, he will have his license suspended by the state. The registered doctors are required to submit the names of all drivers examined to FMCSA on a monthly basis and whether or not they passed the examination. FMCSA will periodically cross-check the names of drivers who failed examinations to determine whether or not they have been subsequently passed by another registered doctor. I presume the FMCSA will follow up in some fashion to determine whether or not these drivers are legitimately physically qualified. What does this mean for an OABA member? Starting on May 21, 2014, all DOT physicals must be done by a doctor registered with FMCSA. You can check their registry on their website. You are able to search the registry by either zip code or name to find a doctor, or find out if your doctor is registered. The URL for the registry is: https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/home.seam
sure you double-check that the doctors conducting your physicals are registered with FMCSA. If they are not, the physical will not be recognized. H
Eric Arnold, President of Arnold Safety Consulting, is a former U.S. Department of Transportation agent, with 24 years regulatory and transportation compliance experience. His column will appear periodically in the ShowTime magazine. As part of your OABA dues, Mr. Arnold is available for free consultations regarding the DOT rules and regulations. JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H CIRCUS MEMBERS
From The Center Ring Connecting & Protecting the Circus Industry! Rodney Huey, RAH PR Strategies OABA Circus Media Consultant
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une officially marks the beginning of summer, and America’s traveling circuses are spreading out across the nation bringing chills, thrills and laughs to countless circus-goers. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s new Legends is fulfilling its Arizona and Nevada commitments en route to California for an early July opening. Built to Amaze is in Mexico this month, returning to New Orleans on the 25th. Super Circus Heroes hop-scotches across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas in June. Big Apple Circus is back in Queens through mid-June, while Cole Bros. Circus plays suburban dates in the greater New York area. Universoul departs NYC for Landover and Baltimore, Maryland, practically crossing paths with Kelly Miller Circus that plays dates in Maryland and Pennsylvania before winding its way to New Jersey and on to Massachusetts. Cirque du Soleil’s new show, Amaluna, written and directed by Tony Award-winning Diane Paulus of Broadway’s Pippin fame, opens in Boston’s Marine Industrial Park on the Waterfront on May 29. Amaluna is “based ever so vaguely” on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and boasts a 70 percent female cast. Meanwhile, Varekai plays Bridgeport and Hartford, CT, Bangor, ME and Manchester, New Hampshire this month. On the West Coast, Circus Vargas is at Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley of California. Not-for-profit circus organizations are also in full swing. St. Louis’ Circus Flora premiered The Pawn on May 29 at Grand Center and is expected to draw up to 30,000 patrons through June 22. A mystic story loosely based on the “rich sights, sounds and mystique of ancient Persia and India,” The Pawn stars clown Adam Kuchler. Young artists with Circus Harmony’s St. Louis Arches will appear as guest performers with Circus Flora. Circus Smirkus, that recently purchased 35 acres and a 135-year-old farmhouse as a new permanent home for Smirkus Camp, opens its 2014 season June 29 with a new production entitled Anchors Away for Atlantis! The highly-regarded youth circus will tour Northeastern states before returning to its Greensboro, Vermont home on August 15. The Circus Arts Conservatory (aka Circus Sarasota) and The Ringling Museum are co-hosting the annual Summer Circus Spectacular 2014 at Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater from June 17 thru August 2. This year’s program features former Ringling clown Chris “Bucky” Allison and juggling maestro Vladimir Kim. Making her debut as Ringmistress is Sailor Circus Academy’s 16-year-old performer Bailey Sloan. The CAC is also offering weekly summer sessions
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through early-August, as is San Francisco’s Circus Center for kids aged 7-14. The Center’s Clown Conservatory will host a two-week workshop for aspiring funsters June 12-23, taught by Dan Griffiths and Danielle Conover. Florida State University’s Flying High Circus opened its summer performance schedule May 29 at Calloway Gardens, marking its 43rd consecutive season appearing at the famed Pine Mountain, Georgia resort. Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus has opened its summer camp program for kids. Gamma Phi student performers were recently honored by a surprise visit from highwire-walking sensation Nik Wallenda, who was in town as the Keynote Speaker for the American Red Cross of the Heartland Evening of Stars. Wallenda is slated to appear at the Genesee County Theme Park in Darien Lake, New York from June 23 through Labor Day. Meanwhile, the Discovery Channel has announced plans for a Wallenda skywalk between undisclosed skyscrapers in Chicago. Winston Simone, Nik’s agent, is rumored to be working on a July walk across the1000-foot deep Tallulah Gorge in Georgia. Discussions are also “in the air” for a walk in celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York; a “permanent or semi-permanent attraction” at Niagara Falls; and Wallenda has made no bones about his desire to walk among the most famous skyscrapers in New York City. The National Film Preservation Foundation in San Francisco and the EYE Filmmuseum of Amsterdam, the Netherlands are bringing popular films of yesteryear back to the viewing public. Among its planned re-release is Mickey’s Circus, a film starring Mickey Rooney as Mickey McGuire, ringmaster of a kid’s circus. Sony has announced the release of a DVD version of the 1966 circus documentary entitled Rings Around the World. Narrated by the 1960s television star Don Ameche, the film features circus greats of the past, including legendary animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams. Check it out and/or order your copy at http://www.dvdtalk.com/ reviews/64485/rings-around-the-world-sony-choice-collection/. A First-Day-of-Issue cancellation ceremony for a circus postage stamp, featuring eight vintage circus posters, was held on May 5 at The Ringling Museum. The iconic and historic poster images were selected from the Tibbals Collection,
and marks the first time that the circus has been memorialized on a U.S. postage commemorative stamp since Ringling elephant King Tusk cancelled a First-Day-of-Issue circus stamp on April 6, 1993 in Washington, DC. Learn about the history of the Miller circus family of Oklahoma in the Winter 2013/14 issue of The Chronicles of Oklahoma. Entitled “D.R. Miller: A Man Who Brought the Circus to Town,” the oral history was authored by Oklahoma Historical Society researchers Juliana Nykolaiszyn and Tanya Finchum, and can be ordered at giftshop@okhistory.org. If blog-reading is your thing, then you can get a “behind the scenes” glimpse of Kelly Miller Circus from The Mudshow Diaries, a blog authored by Valerie Berta Torales; or from Adventures in Aerial Artistry, a blog by KM aerialist Rebecca Ostroff. If you are really into blogs, check out former Kelly Miller clowns Steve Copeland and Ryan Combs’ (now with Circo Hermanos Vazquez) blog at http://www.steveandryan.blogspot.com/. After having its animals unexpectedly banned from performing by the Bronx city council, Universoul and council members reached an agreement that allowed the animals back in the show, much to the delight of New York children. Kudos to Universoul for not caving in to the pressures of the animal rights-backed city fathers. However, in rather disappointing animal news, the Los Angeles Shriner Circus was forced to forego its performing animals this year, marking the first time in 88 years that the LA Shrine Circus performed without animals. What a shame! H
2014 Circus Fund Circus Producers Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 John F. Cuneo, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Kathleen Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Bill Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Alliance of Professional Animal Exhibitors & Owners . . . . . 500 Edward Limbach – in honor of Frank Robie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 National Showmens Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Bari L. & John E. Hart, Jr. – with appreciation to Jan & Bill Biggerstaff for Circus Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 OABA Tampa Circus Unit Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 George A. Hamid Tent 109, CFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Welde’s Big Bear Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Felix Adler-Paul Binder Tent No. 12, CFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Paul Gutheil – in fond memory of Jim Hamid, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Fr. Richard Notter – in honor of Ward Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Stephen A. Partyka – in honor of Wayne McCary . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Wayne Scheiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Robert Faust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Paul Gutheil – in fond memory of Arthur Duchek . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Dan Kroeger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Don Covington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Misc. Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 TOTAL $8,021
To contribute to the Circus Fund, make your check payable and send to: OABA Circus Fund, 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Ste. 1045A, Winter Park, FL 32792 It is important that we maintain this fund so we are able to hire professionals to assist with challenges such as legislation that threaten our members’ businesses. Please consider and make your contributions to this very important resource pool. Feel free to be creative such as matching dollars, innovative fundraisers, endowments and memorials, to name a few. Another option is to designate a percentage or daily amount of your ride operation to be set aside for this important fund.
JUNE 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H CIRCUS MEMBERS
Fifth World Circus Day Celebration Gains American Circus Support “World Circus Day is
gaining momentum each year in the U.S. and is a great reflection of the Federation’s goal to put a spotlight on the culture of the circus as a popular art throughout the world.”
– Wayne McCary,
Vice President of the International Circus Federation and OABA Trustee
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he month-long celebration of the Fifth World Circus Day culminated on Saturday, April 19, and drew the largest support ever from the American circus community. From coastto-coast, more than 30 professional, amateur and youth circuses, museums, and just plain old circus fans joined in the worldwide celebration of circus arts and culture. Professional and amateur circuses that participated by creating a circus-themed event were Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Alain Zerbini Circus, Hamid Circus, Showfolks Circus of Sarasota, Circus Vargas, and the Kent Family Circus among others. Youth circus organizations and schools that created events were Circus Harmony, Circus Juventas, CircEsteem, The Children’s Chariot, and SANCA among others. Circus fans, enthusiasts and museums that celebrated World Circus Day were the Circus Fans Association of America national chapter and multiple tents, World Clown Association, The Ringling Museum, and Circus World Museum Foundation among others. Just goes to show that the universal circus is as popular as ever! H
Editor’s
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hanks to OABA’s Circus Ambassador David Orr for letting us know that Lisa Dufresne, owner of the attraction/show Horses, Horses, Horses, who performs at fairs throughout the northeast and is an OABA Circle of Excellence recipient for her excellence in operations, sold the most “Friesian Horse” pins in 2013. Lisa is a member of the OABA’s Circus Committee and it was her idea to put the Friesian horse on last year’s circus pin, as she owns a beautiful Friesian horse that performs in her show. In March ShowTime, we mistakenly named Monica Welde, who also sells a large number of these collector pins and is a great supporter of the OABA’s Animal Fund and Circus Committee. These proceeds help fund the OABA and our lawyers with challenges by animal activists who want to eliminate exotic performing animals in America’s circuses.
ShowTime
Outdoor Amusement Business Assn. 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045A Winter Park, FL 32792