The Annual Convention of the MFCF, Midwest Showman's Association and the MN State Fair is January 15-18, 2026.
Home > CONVENTION > MFCF Awards > Associate of the Year Award

Associate of the Year Award

(Previously Meritorious Award)

The Associate of the Year Award is presented by the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs to recognize an associate member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, service, and partnership with county fairs across Minnesota and/or the Minnesota Fairs Convention.

This award honors a business or individual associate whose commitment, professionalism, and contributions have significantly enhanced the fair experience for fairgoers, exhibitors, and fair organizations. The recipient exemplifies the strong relationships and cooperative spirit that make the partnership between fairs and their associate members vital to the success of Minnesota’s fair industry.


Qualifications:
Nominees for the Associate of the Year Award should meet the following criteria:

  • Active Involvement: Has been an active associate member of the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs and regularly participates in the annual convention or fair-related events.

  • Outstanding Support: Demonstrated exceptional service, reliability, or innovation in providing goods, services, or entertainment that enhance the quality of county fairs.

  • Partnership and Collaboration: Shown a cooperative attitude and willingness to work closely with fair boards, managers, and volunteers to ensure successful events.

  • Positive Representation: Promotes professionalism, fairness, and the mission of county fairs through their actions and relationships.

  • Commitment to Excellence: Consistently goes above and beyond in supporting and improving Minnesota county fairs through their work, service, or sponsorship.


Selection Process:
Nominations may be submitted by any county fair, MFCF district, Associate Member, or other member of the Federation. The recipient will be selected by the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs Nominations Committee and recognized at the annual convention.


Know someone who stands out and meets these requirements? Fill out the nomination form for them to be considered for Associate of the Year.

Nominations close December 1st.

Associate of the Year Nomination Form

Associate Being Nominated

Qualifications

Supporting Document:
Additional Supporting Document:

Person Nominating Potential Awardee

Previous Awardees

Jeremy and Samantha Solem - Solem Concessions
Matt Ribar - Duke's Poutine
Robert Holms - Spectrum Weather & Speciality Insurance
Horizon Talent Agency - Pamela Bradford
William and Lisa Purdy - Amusement Attractions
Dale Merriam - Merriam's Midway
Todd Armstrong Shows / Thomas Carnival
Gopher State Expositions
Sue Edwards & Annette Olsen
Don & Sandy Buffington
Eric Bretl
Elite H2O
Greg and Gail Hughes
Tom Thumb Donuts: Orin Gaul, Robert Everett, Thomas Pettenbur
John Magel, Sr.
Carol & Cyril Schmitz & Don Oechsle
Tim Stevens
Brian Carlson
Art & Shirley Forcier
Richard Taulelle
Mary Wagner
Sherwin Linton
Mike Featherston
Brad Schroder
Erin Sellner Ward
Brad Ribar
Doug Hanson
Joan Saltel
Bobby Baker
Gary Berg
Joe Yahr - Carnival
Vern Prokosch - Regalia
K & K Insurance
If you have names of previous Associate of the Year/Meritorious Award winners along with the year they won the award or any additions or corrections, please send them to mfcf.zach@gmail.com.
Back to
Top