The Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) 85thConvention, was held in partnership with the host Western Fair District in London, Ontario from November 16th to 19th, 2011.

Over 250 delegates from over 100 fairs from across Canada gathered to attend seminars, network and discover new ideas. North American Midway Entertainment was represented by Danny and Diane Huston, Tony and Daphne Diaz, Bea and Beth Negus and Scooter Korek.

The CAFE National Awards Program objectives are to recognize fairs and exhibitions and individuals through leadership, innovation and positive results. The CAFE encourages all categories of members to enter nominations for the National Awards because you all do such great work throughout the year! These awards are presented to members each year at the Annual C.A.F.E. Convention. In the category of "Service Member of the Year" the award recognizes the member who is deemed to have made the most significant overall contribution to the industry over the past year. The years honor deservingly went to our very own Tony Diaz, the President of the International Unit. Tony heads up NAME presentation and product in Canada by attending 8 major fairs and exhibitions. In 2011 NAME’s family of Canadian fairs set all time ride revenue records in 7 of those 8 events, an outstanding achievement in its own right. Since the inception of NAME in 2005 NAME has increased fair revenues by 42% under Tony’s leadership.

The Roll of Honour is the most prestigious C.A.F.E. award that recognizes distinguished service to the Canadian Fair Industry. The award deservingly was accepted by our friend from the Calgary Stampede - Jim Hobart. Jim is hanging up his cowboy hat for the last time with the Stampede on December 31st of this year. Jim has been a valuable asset not only to the Calgary Stampede but moreover to the fair industry in general since 1993. We at NAME wish Jim all the best with his retirement and some deserved time off to spend at the hockey rink trying to put the puck in the net and some time with his family. We will miss our man in Washington.

The Canadian Youth Talent Competition (CYTC) is an annual event presented by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions since 1991. It celebrates the performing arts talents of Canada's youth. Young Canadians between 13 and 21, representing thirteen zones from across Canada, perform their way from the local fair to the provincial zone level and then on to the National Finals. North American Midway Entertainment is the proud major sponsor of the competition. Some past winners of this now great Canadian institution have included; Jim Creeggan – Barenaked Ladies, Alanis Morissette – Singer / Songwriter; Paul Brandt - Singer / Songwriter, Michael Bublé - Singer / Songwriter. The National Youth Talent Finals is proud of its short heritage and is dedicated to the gifted youth of Canada who exhibit extraordinary talent and give those youths an opportunity to showcase their talent on a National scale.

On Friday evening after the National Youth Talent Shows, Tony and Danny hosted 50 of our friends from fairs across Canada to dinner at Michaels on the Thames restaurant in London. The dining room was filled with laughter and impromptu serenades from Jack the proprietor of the restaurant. Fantastic food, palatable sprits, recycling stories and great camaraderie topped off a fantastic evening.

Hats off to the good folks in London and those involved with the CAFE for a great convention!