Fair Share Western Fairs Association

This episode is a bit fun, as we recorded it this summer during the San Diego County Fair, well before we knew that WZ Productions, LLC was going to be our 2018 Barham Award winner. William Zakrajshek is the founder of Out at the Fair, a family-friendly, all-day festival celebrating the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual community (LGBTQ+). The event originated at the San Diego County Fair and has now grown to include events at the California State Fair and the New Mexico State Fair. Joining Will in this interview is San Diego County Fair’s Multicultural Marketing Specialist, Luis Valdivia. Luis shared with us how he came across Will’s original ‘Unofficial Gay Day at the Fair’ through Facebook and what the event has meant for the San Diego County Fair as well as the San Diego LGBTQ+ community. Finally, Will and Luis will share how you can connect with resources in your community to ensure everyone feels welcome, safe, and included while enjoying your fairgrounds.

The Minnesota State Fair sees almost 2 million people over its 12-day run and brings in $47 million in food gross. As License Administration Manager for the Minnesota State Fair, Dennis Larson manages the existing food contracts and determines what new foods will come to the fair each year. So whether you're wondering how milk & cookies are their top-selling item or want an insiders view on how concessionaires are selected at one of the world's largest fairs, join us for our food-themed Thanksgiving episode of the Fair Share podcast.

Sit down with 2017 Hall of Fame inductee Jon Baker as he shares the greatest lesson he's learned throughout his 30 years in fair management.