The Berrien County Youth Fair was awarded several communication awards last week at the 126th annual Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (MAFE) Convention. The awards were received at the general session held in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza.

Awards received by BCYF include:

• First place: Advertising Specialties and Merchandise (third year in a row)

• First place: Printed Promotional Material: Brochure (second year in a row)

• First place: “Any Other” Communication, for Expo Arena marketing pieces and fundraisers (second year in a row)

• Third place: Poster

• Fourth place: Website Home Page

• Sixth place: Newspaper Ad: Black and White or Color

• Sixth place: Promotional Material: Multi-Page

Communication Awards Chairperson 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 people.

There are more than 80 fairs and festivals in Michigan. The 2010 fair theme was “A Treasure Chest of the County’s Best” and a treasure chest with its logo in it was used for the marketing theme.

The 2011 Berrien County Youth Fair is Aug. 15-20 and this year’s theme is “Proud of the Past, Poised for the Future.” Upcoming important dates to remember at BCYF include: market beef registration deadline, Feb. 1; market beef weigh-in, Feb. 12; and Bill Engvall tickets go on sale Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.