Thank you to everyone who attended the Arkansas Fair Managers Early Bird Reception and events on Thursday evening Your presence, participation, and enthusiasm helped make this gathering a tremendous success. It was a pleasure to reconnect with longtime friends and welcome new faces as we shared ideas, experiences, and conversations that strengthen fairs across Arkansas. Events like these remind us how valuable collaboration and community are in supporting agriculture, youth p

The Arkansas Fair Managers Association (AFMA) gathered once again in Hot Springs from December 11–13, 2025, for its annual convention. This year’s theme, “Country Christmas at the AFMA,” set a festive tone at the Hot Springs Convention Center as fair managers, associate members, and industry partners from across the Natural State met to celebrate the 2025 season and prepare for the year ahead. Equipping Our Leaders: Licenses, Certifications, and Verifiers The 2025 Convention

One of the most exciting highlights of this year’s AFMA Convention was our annual Scholarship Auction — and once again, our fair family showed up in a big way. Through generous bidding, donated items, and lots of good-natured competition, we were able to raise funds that will directly support students pursuing their education and future careers in agriculture, fair management, and related fields. The scholarship program is one of the most meaningful things we do together as a

The AFMA Board would like to welcome our two new AFMA Board members, Hazelle Whited from Sharp County and Tracy Henderson from Lonoke County. Hazelle will fulfill a vacated three-year term and Tracy will fulfill a vacated one-year term. Scharidi Barber and Karen Baker were both re-elected to five-year terms. Mrs. Pam Lloyd was appointed as Director Emeritus, a well-deserved honor. Congratulations to these ladies!

We couldn’t be prouder of our AFMA Junior Ambassadors who joined us at this year’s convention. These outstanding young leaders from across Arkansas spent several days right alongside us — learning, lending a hand, asking great questions, and soaking in what it truly means to be part of the fair family. Throughout the week, they participated in leadership sessions, helped with convention activities, and visited with fair managers and board members from every corner of the stat

We also honored a few deserving people for their dedication and service to the Fair Industry at our annual Awards Banquet. Those honored were: Hall of Fame: Becky Featherston Associate Hall of Fame: Kim Maple Charles Smith Memorial: Alan Quattlebaum Work Horse Award: Michael Michael Mary Louise Fiser Family Award Carson & Rhonda McGee Lloyd Dunaway Award: Keith Pullen Visitation Award: Steve Jernigan Travel Trophy: White County Associates Remembrance Award: Pam Casper