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        <title>NAME Blog</title>
        <description></description>
        <link>http://namidway.com/</link>
        <lastBuildDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 20:15:15 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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            <title>18 Days at The Ex</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/144-18-days-at-the-ex</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The 135th edition of the Canadian National Exhibition came to a close on Labor Day, September 3rd, 2012 after 18 days of hot and steamy Southern Ontario Weather. This fine Toronto tradition sits on 197 acres on the Lakeshore of Lake Ontario and draws in excess of 1.2 Million visitors annually.The Canadian National Exhibition, better known as “The Ex” is headed by long time N.A.M.E friends, David Bednar and Virginia Ludy. The Ex featured a plethora of attractions that included; The Farm, a casino, professional soccer matches, a world class ice show, Super Dogs and The Canadian International Airshow. N.A.M.E offered 61 rides, games and food. Included in the ride line up was the 2012 Nitro Roller Coaster and a new Sky Ride that lined Princes’ Boulevard. The Sky Ride hung 40 feet above the ground at its highest point and offered a bird’s eye view of the entire exhibition ground. N.A.M.E and The Ex officials were thrilled when the Sky Ride closed its inaugural year ranking number one in ride performance. NAME’s International Unit is headed by Tony Diaz and John Anderson. With the inception of N.A.M.E in 2005, revenues at The Ex have increased by a striking 40%. This continued growth is testament to the hard work and steadfast partnership between The Ex officials and N.A.M.E. 









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            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 02:29:58 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Indiana State Fair</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/143-indiana-state-fair</link>
            <description><![CDATA[

Despite unpredictable weather, Indiana State Fair officials said attendance for this year's fair wasn't far off from their goal.The annual fair's 17-day stint ended Sunday with attendance of about 800,000 through Saturday and final day numbers that may fall short of their goal- but not by too much. The goal was 875,000 people, equal to the fair's five-year attendance average.More concerts and a greater diversity of groups were offered this year on the Fair Free Stage and the Dupont Food Pavilion. Any-day entrance tickets were given to fair goers that went to concerts at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Super Dog Show, Pioneer Village, and Motorcycle racing were big hits.North American Midway Entertainment had a combination of 47 major and kiddie rides on the midway. The Vertigo made its debut with N.A.M.E at the Indiana State Fair with the Crazy Mouse, White Water Flume and the Drop Tower being crowd favorites. N.A.M.E closed the event with a record Saturday and up 4% overall.In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and N.A.M.E  teamed up to offer deep-fried Samoa Girl Scout Cookies.The treat featured a Samoa cookie coated in sweet batter and fried to a golden brown with a gooey center. A check for nearly $8,000 was presented to Deborah Hearn Smith, CEO on behalf of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.Cindy Hoye, Executive Director did an exceptional job and we look forward to many more great years at the Indiana State Fair!Deborah Hearn Smith, CEO at Girl Scouts Central Indiana and Danny Huston, Co-CEO of N.A.M.E

 

















 ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 02:03:51 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>State Fairs Kick Off!</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/142-state-fairs-kick-off</link>
            <description></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:02:09 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Elkhart County 4-H Fair Goers Welcome The Rain</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/141-elkhart-county-4-h-fair-goers-welcome-the-rain</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Elkhart County 4-H Fair Goers Welcome The Rain

It is said to be one of the largest county fairs in the nation, and the Elkhart County 4-H Fair keeps getting bigger. They've expanded the grounds by more than 200 acres this year.  All of it was in use the first Sunday as tens of thousands of people showed up for a day of free admission. 

 

Even though the fair already has a reputation for being one of the biggest in the nation everyone was on board with growing and having the space to welcome more attendees. With the expansion came a redesigning of the main gate, North American Midway added a new ride and the fair added more vendor space.

 

The hot, humid, rainy week did not stop fair goers and organizers believe the weather may have played a role. In fact, the weather may have helped. People were walking out into the rain smiling more in appreciation than viewing it as a hindrance. More than 244,000 people walked through the gates this year. That is a four percent increase. Way to go Elkhart County 4-H Fair!

 ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:57:32 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Lake County Fair &amp;amp; NAME Host Special Abilities Day Drawing 1,100 Guests</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/140-lake-county-fair-a-name-host-special-abilities-day-drawing-1100-guests</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Lake County Fair &amp; NAME Host Special Abilities Day Drawing 1,100 GuestsSponsored by the Lake County fair board and North American Midway Entertainment invitations were extended to enjoy a day at the 160th Lake County Fair and was answered Wednesday by about 1,100 children and adults with special needs, their service providers and families.The Special Abilities Day at the fair which dates back to the 1980s allowed those who registered to enjoy the carnival rides for free from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each of the 1,100 participants wore a wristband that sported yellow smiley faces.The same smiley faces were placed on 32 of the Midway’s 37 carnival rides, signaling guests that those with special needs could safely board the attractions. It was a great reason to smile!



 

 From left: Barb Kraft, Jeff and Patti Blomsness, Ken Kraft the Fair President.

 ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:44:07 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Full Steam Ahead - A Partnership Continued</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/139-full-steam-ahead-a-partnership-continued</link>
            <description><![CDATA[We are pleased to announce a continued partnership with the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. North American Midway Entertainment and Northern Wisconsin State Fair have a terrific relationship and we look ahead to the future of working with the Northern Wisconsin State Fair through 2015. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:26:59 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>New Midway + New Dates = Success!</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/38-uncategorized/138-new-midway--new-dates--success</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Sometimes when you meet someone for the first time, things can be a little tense, not quite sure how each personality is going to mesh, and then there are those really nice moments when it all seems so natural, a perfect fit and you feel as though you’ve known them your whole life.  One might describe our new budding relationship with the Marion County Fair this way.

“It has really been a delight working with NAME during the Fair, and we look forward to continue to make improvements in the years to come,” says Cathy Clark, president of the Marion County Fair. 

During this year’s fair, over 650 youth and their families involved in the BBBSCI program, along with their mentors, participated in the 11th Annual Summer Fest at the fair.  A partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, the Marion County Fair, teamed up with their new Midway provider, North American Midway Entertainment. Their goal was to hopefully make their annual Fest the best ever with free rides, fair admission, parking, and a great lunch.  North American Midway Entertainment is proud to help sponsor this great mentoring program for the youth in Central Indiana.

Thank you to all the Fair Board Members and Directors for their hospitality during the sweltering heat of up to 102 degrees on a few days during the Fair.  We anticipate and look forward to bright Fairs ahead.

 ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:14:09 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Deep-fried Girl Scout Cookies coming to State Fair</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/52-just-for-your-entertainment/137-deep-fried-girl-scout-cookies-coming-to-state-fair</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Deep-fried Girl Scout Cookies coming to State FairIn celebration of its 100th anniversary, Girls Scouts of Central Indiana along with NAME will offer deep-fried Girl Scout Cookies at the fair. Girl Scout Cookies (http://www.fox59.com/topic/lifestyle-leisure/foods-beverages/girl-scout-cookies-PRDFOOD00000013.topic) are coming to the midway--with a twist that's all too appropriate for the Indiana State Fair. The Girl Scouts will partner with North America Midway Entertainment to make deep-fried Girl Scout Cookies a reality for fairgoers. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the treat features a Samoa cookie coated in sweet batter and fried to a golden brown with a gooey center. The deep-fried delight will cost $5, with all proceeds going to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:31:32 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>ASTRO Unit Celebrates 40 Years </title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/38-uncategorized/136-astro-unit-celebrates-40-years-</link>
            <description><![CDATA[It all began in 1973, when Stephen Thebault with Bernard Braun purchased Graefen Amusement and Sheldon Winter Quarters. Dennis Konkey and Willie Wiggins stayed on board after the purchase and have been here ever since. The ride lineup consisted of fourteen rides from the Tilt-A-Whirl, Ferris wheel, to the Trabant. Each ride costs $0.25-$0.50. Ride specials included $1.00 for kiddie rides (for a total of five rides), $0.25 for all rides, and $0.10 for coupon nights.

 ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:52:12 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Rain Doesn’t Stop The 49th Birmingham Village Fair </title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/38-uncategorized/135-rain-doesnt-stop-the-49th-birmingham-village-fair-</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Despite steady rain at the start of the 2012 Birmingham Village Fair  the event was a huge success.  “We got off to a slow start Thursday and Friday because of the weather, but had terrific attendance both Saturday and Sunday,” said Joe Bauman, president of the 

Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber. “As always, Danny Huston and his team from North American Midway Entertainment did a fabulous job with the carnival, as did both the City of Birmingham and the Birmingham Police in ensuring a safe and successful event.”

Now in its 49th year, the fair serves as the largest annual fund-raiser for the chamber, which uses part of the proceeds to benefit 19 local charities. From 2008 through 2011, the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber made donations totaling $63,000 to more than 20 local nonprofits with proceeds from the Village Fair. Among the groups that receive significant funding over the years include the Birmingham Rotary Club, the Birmingham Optimist Club, the Birmingham YMCA, the Birmingham Youth Assistance, and the Cultural Club of Birmingham.

 ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:40:25 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Leader Dog for the Blind Find Lions Club To Be &amp;quot;Top Dog&amp;quot;</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/38-uncategorized/132-leader-dog-for-the-blind-find-lions-club-to-be-qtop-dogq</link>
            <description><![CDATA[It's the 35th year of the Rochester Hills Lions Club Spring Carnival which is one of the club's main fund-raisers for the Leader Dogs for the (http://rochester.patch.com/listings/leader-dogs-for-the-blind) Blind (http://rochester.patch.com/listings/leader-dogs-for-the-blind). 2011was a record year for the event making Rochester Hills Lions Club the Leader Dogs For The Blind’s 5th largest donating club in the state of Michigan. The Rochester Hills chapter was also included in the Leader Dogs' top 20 donating clubs, out of 5,000 Lions clubs worldwide.

Keith Kennedy, carnival chairman joined the Lions Club in 1974 and has held that title for 34 years. Mr. Kennedy raves about NAME and is pleased with the entire NAME staff and rides saying that the "Lions Club had kissed a lot of toads before finding NAME.” NAME has been the carnival provider for the last 30 years. Keith Kennedy contributes the Spring Carnival for putting the Rochester Hills Lions Club chapter on the donation map.

The Lions Club motto is "We Serve". Helen Keller challenged the Lions Club in one of her speaking engagements and told them to be "Knights for the Blind.”  The Lions Clubs worldwide took that challenge and have continued to do so since 1925.

 ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:13:53 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>NAME International Academy Ask For Your Support</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/131-name-international-academy-ask-for-your-support</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The NAME International Academy (formerly the Conklin International Academy) has reached a turning point in its vast history. We have a new name, a proud supporting sponsor – North American Midway Entertainment, a new logo, and have ordered a new school. The new school is where we need your help.
We have come to a crossroads. The present school trailer that we utilize has come to the end of its useful life. For the past three years, we have been pouring an enormous amount of our financial resources to keep the school structurally sound, but a recent inspection of our trailer has determined that it is no longer road-worthy. We are in the process of purchasing a new school from the good people at Recreation by Design. So herein lies our situation. We cannot look to NAME nor the employees of NAME for further support in the purchase of the new trailer, as these generous people already give of their time and financial support in the day- to- day operation of the school. Asking these people for more is just out of the question. For that reason, we are reaching outside our usual support group to meet the financial challenge of building a new school trailer. You can make a huge difference! We hope that you will consider our appeal as part of your philanthropic donations for 2012.
We are offering 4 levels of participation: In return for your generous support in appreciation, we will proudly display your name or corporation on the side of the new trailer for the life of the new school trailer.
- Friend of the School - name posted on a mural $25
- Silver Sponsor - name posted on a 6" x 12" brick $100
- Gold Sponsor - name on brick outside of the school on a 1 foot x 2 foot brick $500
- Platinum Sponsor - name displayed on a 2 foot x 3 foot brick $1,000
The useful life of the school we suspect will be well in excess of 10 years, and it will be highly visible as it annually travels the 12,000 miles of highway to over 12 major fairs and festivals across North America. This sponsorship program is running from May 15th to July 15th , 2012, so we ask that you act now.
Join the conversation at FACEBOOK @ NAME International Academy School
Please feel free to contact us theschool@namidway.com (mailto:theschool@namidway.com)
In advance, we thank you so much for your consideration, The NAME International Academy]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 19:30:14 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>The Right Mix - Wisconsin Dells</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/130-the-right-mix</link>
            <description><![CDATA[NAME was represented by Jeff Blomsness, Terry and Linda Foreman, Tom Thebault and Pat Repp at the Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells January 7-11. This year Terry and Pat were asked to participate as moderators on one of the break-out sessions dealing with "the right mix" of rides, food and games on the Midway. Over 75 people attended the two sessions focusing on the relationships between fairs and their midway providers. They were given lots of "beer and cheese" for their efforts!
In addition, Dave Adams, a fair board member from the Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn and his family were recently featured on the cover of the Corn Fact Book magazine. The have a farm in Lake Geneva, are members of the national Corn Farmers Coalition and truly represent the great work ethic of the Wisconsin family farm operation. Congratulations Dave, Sherry and Andy Adams and continued success. We appreciate what you do!]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 19:20:56 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>NAME and Marion County Fair Team Up</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/127-name-and-marion-county-fair-team-up</link>
            <description><![CDATA[North American Midway Entertainment and company CEO Danny Huston are thrilled to announce a 4 year agreement to provide the midway and outdoor amusement attractions at the Marion County Fair.
The Marion County Fair, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, has a vast and rich history that spans over 80 years of operations and service to the community. The Fair mandates to preserve agricultural heritage while celebrating and promoting positive family values, cultivating and promoting cultural understanding through showcasing 4-H and youth development opportunities that results in a vibrant, cohesive community. NAME is proud to be a part of this outstanding American tradition and welcomes the Marion County Fair to its family of Fairs and Festivals.
The Marion County Fair runs June 22-30, 2012.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:57:25 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>IAFE - Networking and Fun for Everyone!</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/49-education/126-iafe-networking-and-fun-for-everyone</link>
            <description><![CDATA["We bring joy to peoples lives!"  That insightful yet simple quote is from Doug Lofstrom, Vice-President for the Orange County Fair &amp; Event Center during the workshop Guest Hospitality Experience Programs, co-hosted with Jim Laurendeau, Director of Programming at the Calgary Stampede, a leader in guest hospitality. This was but one of the many educational workshops available to the attendees. North American Midway Entertainment took the opportunity to attend a few of these to learn what, when, and how we can make the industry better, safer, and maybe even, more fun!  The amusement industry is unique in that it loves to share its secrets with others in the same field. Our goal is the same – making our guests happy.
North American Midway Entertainment is a proud sponsor of the IAFE and this year sponsored the Competitive Exhibits Award, which was presented by Jeff Blomsness, Co-CEO. Jeff, in association with the OABA, was the presenter for the Keynote Speaker, Joel Manby, during the Wednesday General Session. Manby, CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment is a motivational speaker and was featured on the CBS television show, "Undercover Boss."
Congratulations to all of our Fairs and to the contest winners…The Big E, Kansas State Fair, Walworth County Fair, Dubuque County Fair, Kentucky State Fair, Westerner Days Fair and Exposition, Indiana State Fair and the South Carolina State Fair. Top notch!]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:53:31 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Diaz Takes Home the Hardware</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/125-diaz-takes-home-the-hardware</link>
            <description><![CDATA[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!]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:48:55 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Terry Foreman- Named Fair Honorary Marshal 2011</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/51-industry-legends/124-terry-foreman-named-fair-honorary-marshal-2011</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Our very own Terry Foreman was named Honorary Fair Marshal of both the Waukesha County Fair and Walworth County Fair this summer.In Elkhorn, Honorary Fair Marshals Terry Foreman, Nancy Ashard, and Charlie and Mary Miller arrived in a World War II amphibious vehicle used by Wisconsin Duck Tours, before doing the honors of commencing the 162nd fair.Terry was also recognized at the beginning of the Waukesha County Executive Fair Marshal’s Annual Junior Livestock Auction for his involvement with the fair.Terry grew up in the Milwaukee area and worked as the small business agent for the University of Wisconsin-Extension in Waukesha County from 1980-85. At that time, the Waukesha County Fair was run out of the Extension Office and Terry had become the fair’s commercial coordinator.  It was through this position he began his long-term friendship and working relationship with Mike Williams, owner of Farrow Amusements, now known as North American Midway Entertainment, which continues to provide the Fair with exceptional midway rides, games and entertainment.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:31:19 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Our “Hometown Hero” Returns</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/54-helping-our-communities/123-our-hometown-hero-returns</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The team of employees and management welcomed Robert Blomsness home from his service with appreciation and the utmost pride. Robert grew up around the family midway business, however, for the last 6 years, he has been serving our country with the U.S. Navy and for the last 4 years been a part of the elite Seal Team 7.After graduating from Colorado State University in 2005, Robert joined the Navy.  “I made my decision to join (the Navy) after 9/11,” says Robert. He has spent a lot of his time in training and preparing for his three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2010, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal award for his brave service. His 6-year commitment will end on September 12, 2011.When asked his immediate plans, he smiles, ‘Mel (my wife) and I are going to travel the world and enjoy our freedom.’  Well deserved, don’t you think?The team at North American Midway Entertainment were honored to have him at the Kentucky State Fair this year.  It’s hard to know what to say or how to thank someone who performs such a great service for all, but we are all extremely proud of him and his accomplishments.We all wish Robert and Mel the best with their future endeavors and travels!]]></description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:30:21 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>The American Dairy Association of Indiana turns 80!</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/121-the-american-dairy-association-of-indiana-turns-80</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The ADA of Indiana celebrated its 80th birthday this year at the Indiana State Fair and there was a big unveiling inside the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion – a giant cheese birthday cake.  The artwork used over 1420 pounds of Indiana-produced cheese and was sculpted by only one of three cheese sculptors in the world, Sarah Kaufmann, aka, “the Cheese Lady.”“The big 80 itself weighs 200 pounds. It's just a big symbol of how proud we are of Indiana Dairy Heritage and nutrition Education," said cheese artist Sarah Kaufman.  The American Dairy Association of Indiana and the state’s dairy farm families sponsor the sculpture.Social Media was all-aflutter at this year’s fair.  The Indiana State Fair App was back debuting QR (Quick Response) codes that could be scanned by smartphones users, which would take them to different mobile pages that detailed discounts, daily highlights and other daily Fair information.  The app featured event listings, an interactive fair map, midway ride prices and locations of popular food vendors along with parking, restrooms and ATM’s, the app was downloaded over 6700 times to assist users at the Indiana State Fair.  The Indiana State Fair was also on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Foursquare and a Blog to read behind-the-scenes fair stories.  A remarkable feat, the Indiana State Fair was trending nationally in the top ten.  After the tragic accident, social media was used to keep people up-to-date on everything regarding the fair, concerts; it also was used to set up a Remembrance Fund for the families affected by the tragedy.  Please go to www.cicf.org (http://www.cicf.org/) to donate.What is a Hoosier?  Ask any Indiana resident and they will say ‘that’s me’.  They might also tell you that a Hoosier has heart and soul and that they stand by one another and come together during times of turmoil.The entire North American Midway Entertainment team wishes to express their heartfelt condolences to those who are hurting in Indiana from the tragic accident.  We are praying for their healing and keeping them in our hearts.
– Danny Huston, CEO North American Midway Entertainment.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:29:08 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Saskatoon Ex celebrates 125th in record breaking style</title>
            <link>http://namidway.com/blog/48-state-fair-fun/120-saskatoon-ex-celebrates-125th-in-record-breaking-style</link>
            <description><![CDATA[To commemorate the 125th anniversary, the team at the Saskatoon Ex spoiled fairgoers with countless acts of entertainment including one of North America’s most successful country stars taking the stage on opening night. Reba packed the grounds with fans and sang in celebration on a perfect summer night in Saskatoon.A new record of 216856 fairgoers enjoyed the 125th Saskatoon Prairieland Exhibition.  Director of Events, Carl Schlosser commented, “It’s almost like the entire population of Saskatoon attended this year. The number one factor to such a great turn-out was the great weather we had over the six days.”North American Midway set a new ride revenue record.  The pre-sale “Superpass” revenues were up a remarkable 15% from 2010.  Superpasses are sold in advance at local Safeway and Mac’s convenience stores.In addition to a wide variety of value days, the event management did an exceptional job planning family entertainment. Headline acts in addition to Reba included Fefe Dobson, Alyssa Reid, Shawn Desman, Down with Webster, Marianas Trench and Creedence Clearwater Revisited. For the children, Bob the Builder, Freddy Fusion and Thomas the Train. Family favorites included the West Coast Lumberjack Show, Great Reptiles of the World, Human Cannonball, Ken Jen Racing Pigs, Bendy Em, Hypnotist, Superdogs, Professional Chuckwagon Races, Acrobats of Hebei, Youth Talent Search, Strong Man and the ever-popular Demo Derby.North American Midway Entertainment thanks the team at the Saskatoon Exhibition, the Hauser family and team at West Coast Amusements for being great partners.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:28:25 GMT</pubDate>
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