Every fair has those volunteers that for many years have been a huge part of the success of their fair. The MAFE board has approved this award to honor our state's outstanding long term volunteers. Fairs couldn't last without volunteers and the special people that do it year after year need a special award to say thank you. We hope that every fair board will fill out an entry form for the Annual MAFE Heritage Award.
The Heritage Award is used to recognize those individuals who have had a significant influence for their fair, but have not been involved at the zone, regional, state, or national level.
Eligibility
1. Minimum of 10 years of event service to the Fair or Exhibition as a volunteer or management.
2. Receives less than $1,000 annually in compensation from the Fair or Exhibition.
Application Process
1. Nominations shall be submitted by November 3, 2025 via Jotform
2. Nomination will consist of:
Official nomination form, a 750 word or less essay about the nominee submitted by a Fair or Exhibition representative, a 50 word or less paragraph of why this person should receive the Heritage Award (may be used for award script at convention), 2 letters of support from other fair board, exhibition members or the community, a quality head/shoulders photo.
Questions? Contact Cinda Karlik at 989.323.0759 or karlikc@michigan.gov
MAFE 140th Annual Convention - January 8-10, 2026
Held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids MI