Welcome to the
Heartland Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events
About HAFFE
The Heartland Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events (HAFFE) was founded in 2019 with the goal of assisting regional fairs, festivals, events and associates by sharing information, ideas and practices that assist in promoting events and growing attendance. HAFFE also helps to connect those looking for talent with quality entertainment for events. ANY fair, festival, event, or individual from the Dakotas or surrounding region is eligible for membership, with associate membership open to any appropriate support business or organization.
The Start of Associations of Member Fairs
Fair organizers realized many years ago that working together to share information and learn from each other was an important way to improve their events. Associations of member fairs were started in both North and South Dakota, along with surrounding states. Annual meetings and conventions brought people together from all over the state to share ideas, learn from experts, and find ways to improve the industry for everyone. In later years, the North Dakota and South Dakota associations started working together to put on the Dakota Fairs Convention. This allowed them to increase attendance and bring in better education. The states took turns hosting the event, with North Dakota putting on the event in even years and South Dakota putting on the event in odd years.
The Beginning of HAFFE
The Heartland Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events (HAFFE) was founded in 2019. HAFFE began as a merging of the North and South Dakota fair associations, with a goal of becoming a regional association. ANY fair, festival, event, or individual from the Dakotas or the surrounding region is eligible for membership, with associate membership open to any appropriate support business or organization.
The purpose of HAFFE is to provide support for sharing information, ideas, methods, practices, and regulations. These factors can all affect management of, and contribute to, the unique requirements of fairs, festivals, and events. We will accomplish this through hosting of an annual convention, newsletters, correspondence, and openly sharing ideas across a wide range of support services. The goal is to help members maintain or improve their events as the industry and society continues to change.
HAFFE Board Members
We pay tribute to those who have given much to the fair industries in North and South Dakota. Below you will find those were honored by the respective North and South Dakota Fair Associations prior to merging to form the Heartland Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events.
Award Nomination Forms
Download the 'Associate of the Year' form Download the 'Event Person of the Year' Award form Download the 'Hall of Fame' Award form
Online 'Associate of the Year' Award form Online 'Event Person of the Year' Award form Online 'Hall of Fame' Award form
Event Person of the Year
Associate of the Year
Hall of Fame
IAFE Heritage Award Winners
Brian Carlson
Neil Fleming - Pembina County and North Dakota State Fair
Edwin Schmidt - McLean County Fair
Charles 'Chuck' Meikle - Stutsman County Fair and North Dakota State Fair
Contact Us
Heartland Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events
PO Box 181
West Fargo, ND 58078
Phone:701-866-4907
Email: secretary@heartlandassociationffe.com