"First things first, but not necessarily in that order." ~ Dr. Who
Fairs Year-round Information	F.Y.I. Volume 7, Issue 11 May 23, 1997

Encore Presentation

F.Y.I. has received a number of requests for copies of this safety article that originally ran in 1996. With that in mind, and the fact that fair season is upon us and California has been scorched by unseasonably hot weather, we thought it would be helpful to run it again.

We're Having a Heatwave

It's a given: High temperatures and high humidity affect everyone exposed, indoors and out. Safety Administrator Tom Allen provided F.Y.I. with a list of symptoms that signal the early stages of heat strain:

• Visible sweating is stage one of heatstroke, and a clear sign that person is in poor physical condition. Just saying, "Oh, I always sweat a lot," is like ignoring the low oil warning light on your car's dashboard. Ignore it too long, your engine stops running.
• Increased heart rate is common under strenuous work conditions, even when it's cool out. But, if you feel a pounding pulse during moderate work in hot weather, slow down, go to a cooler spot and take a break.
• Clumsiness and/or confusion can be early warning signs too, and are definitely a bad combination when mixed with heavy or dangerous machinery.
• Feeling "funny" is another sign of heat strain, which often brings flu-like symptoms. Pay attention to light-headedness, nausea, fever, chills, clammy or shaking hands, or an unsteady gait.
• Unexplained irritability in people whose tempers don't usually flare is also a strong warning that person is losing to heat strain. Whenever possible, try to avoid scheduling jobs requiring physical activity during hot weather. If you can't, schedule work in the early morning when temperatures are at their lowest. If your fair is subject to high temperatures, consider modified schedules. And don't forget staff and volunteers in places such as the livestock office, ticket booths, information stations; or security personnel.

If you, or one of your associates has any of the above mentioned symptoms:

• Stop working!
• Go to a cool spot (out of direct sunlight) and rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids including water, or sports drinks such as Gatorade and All Sport with electrolyte replacements. Although a cold soda tastes good on a hot day, it’s not a good substitute for the drinks mentioned above.

Questions? Give Tom Allen a call at 916/263-6186.

Western Fairs Association’s sponsorship development program kicked off its first year with an impressive 225 percent increase in sponsorship dollars at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair, February 14-17.

Heading up the program is WFA’s Resource Development Director Tawny Tesconi, formerly CEO of the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee. Working with fair management and directors, Tesconi leads them through a comprehensive four-phase learning plan: Phase I focuses on a planning session and the development of a list of potential sponsors. Phase II is the actual solicitation, and Phase III, the implementation of the sponsorship program during the fair. Phase IV focuses on reviewing the execution of the sponsorship, and providing information to the sponsors to show the effectiveness of their sponsorship.

The first of nine test fairs to benefit from the program is the Cloverdale Citrus Fair. In partnership with fair CEO Gary McDonald, Tawny helped raise more than $5,000 in cash, a 225 percent increase over last year’s $1,300. Given more time, Tawny says, she feels they could’ve raised more.

Potential sponsors such as PepsiCo., Eastman Kodak and The Home Depot are looking for markets that reflect the everyday consumer, Tawny explained. With the fairs’ grassroots connections to their communities, they’re an ideal match. Sponsors are also looking for multi-property businesses for product sampling and promotional programs. While one fair can’t provide different cities or target markets, the industry as a whole, can. “Rather than viewing your neighbor fair as competition for sponsor dollars, we should see them as a potential partner for pursuing corporate sponsorships.”

In addition to the Cloverdale Citrus Fair, this year’s program participants are: Contra Costa County Fair, El Dorado County Fair, Merced County Fair, Mother Lode Fair, Redwood Empire Fair, Sonoma-Marin Fair, San Benito County Fair and Yolo County Fair.

Even if your fair isn’t one of this year’s test sites, Tawny invites you to give her a call at 209/736-2922 with any sponsorship questions you may have. She’s also written a helpful workbook, available at no charge.

No time to shop for items your fair needs? Many of them could be available at great savings through CFSA’s Government Surplus Program. Simply give Graeme Stewart, program buyer, a call. In the meantime, here’s a short list of items currently in the South Sacramento warehouse:

• Small salad bar - measures 20" wide x 54" long, electrical hook-up capability.
• New! Heavy-duty white metal boxes - measuring 21" long x 12" wide x 5" deep, they make perfect first-aid boxes.
• Digital volt meter - made by the Fluke Company.
• Two-door metal storage lockers - four shelves for storage.
• Rolling stair ladders - choose from two sizes: medium (two available), and tall (one available).

For more information on these and other great buys, or if you’d like to arrange a tour of the South Sacramento surplus warehouse or accompany the buyer on a visit to a surplus yard, call Graeme Stewart at 916/765-3673.

Please Note: CFSA’s Surplus Purchasing Program is only authorized to obtain surplus property for California’s fairs.

Mark your calendar for the Del Mar Fair in June and these important WFA meetings to be held on the fairgrounds. Locations are yet to be determined.

Wednesday, June 25
10:00 a.m. - Noon Cost Control Task Force
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Professional Development Committee Meeting
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Service Member Board Meeting

Thursday, June 26
10:00 a.m. - Noon Industry Standards Committee
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. WFA Service Member Meeting?

F.Y.I. invites and encourages all fairs to contribute articles and article ideas for the Fair Exchange column. We’ll even write the article for you. For details, call Melissa Thurber at 916/263-6178 or Joan Bartosik at 916/663-9256.
To add F.Y.I. to your press release mailing list, send or fax releases to:

1776 Tribute Road, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95815
Attn: Melissa Thurber
Fax: 916/646-1238