The Berrien County Youth Fair was awarded several communication awards, including “Best of Show” for the second year in a row, today at the 125th annual Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (MAFE) Convention.

The awards were received at the general session, which was held in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza.

Communication Awards Chairwoman Carol Britten said the purpose of the competition is to “improve the advertising and publicity programs of fairs and events and to provide recognition for those fairs and events doing an outstanding job.”

Criteria for judging the advertising material was based on utilizing a central theme and appropriateness to the activities, audience and media used. The advertising materials were required to be motivational, informative and indicative of creative excellence.

Ribbons and plaques were awarded in three divisions, according to the fair attendance.

BCYF was in the large fairs division, with attendance of more than 100,000.

BCYF took top prize with the “Best of Show” award which was determined by the best use of fair theme or logo throughout all of the eight categories. BCYF Marketing and Sponsorship Coordinator Sandie Lieber said, “I am very proud of all of the hard work the staff and board members put in to be recognized with these awards.”

Lieberg said there are more than 80 fairs and festivals in Michigan. The 2009 fair theme was “A Blue Ribbon Celebration” and a blue ribbon with many fair animals was used for marketing theme.

Awards received by BCYF include:
First Place: Web site Home Page (second year in a row)
First Place: Advertising Specialties and Merchandise (second year in a row)
First Place: Printed Promotional Material: Brochure
First Place: “Any Other” Communication, for Expo Arena marketing pieces
Second Place: Promotional Material: Multi-Page
Third Place: Poster
Fourth Place: Printed Promotional Material: Fair Book
Fifth Place: Newspaper Ad: Black and White or Color
The 2010 Berrien County Youth Fair is Aug.16-21. This year’s theme is “A Treasure Chest of the County’s Best.”