Barham Award

Barham Award

The prestigious Barham Award, presented in remembrance of Hot Dog on a Stick Founder Dave Barham, recognizes innovation, quality, and leadership in the field of service.

Congratulations to

WZ Productions, LLC

WFA's 2018 Barham Award Recipient!

Out at the Fair ® (OATF) is a family-friendly, all-day festival celebrating the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual community (LGBTQ+), originating at the San Diego County Fair; it is one of the Fair’s most successful and fastest-growing events, and the first of its kind in the Fair industry. OATF is a registered trademark of WZ Productions, LLC, which created and produces the event for the Fair.


	In five short years, OATF has: Gone from a simple Facebook check-in to one of the most important LGBTQ+ events in San Diego County Reached a new demographic and brought together entertainers, community organizations, and fairgoers that previously had not participated in the Fair Increased revenue: as one example, average spending in the Paddock (where most OATF activities take place) was $24,572 per day during the 2017 Fair; for OATF, it was $47,173, exceeding the average by 92% Established the Fair as an inclusive, “gay-friendly” event, where all fairgoers can feel welcome and safe; it also positioned the Del Mar Fairgrounds as an “LGBTQ+ ally” in the community Become a multi-Fair event: the California State Fair held its first OATF on July 30, and the New Mexico State Fair held theirs on September 16. Both Fairs have indicated interest in growing the event in 2018


	WZP’s primary goal for Out at the Fair has always been to provide a family-friendly, fun space, where the entire LGBTQ+ community feels welcome, safe, and included. Another important goal is to let the entire community know that the Fairgrounds and the Fair are "gay friendly" LGBTQ+ allies, not just during Out at the Fair, but yearround. Other goals include to reach a previously untapped demographic, increase attendance, increase revenue, and offer new types of entertainment.

Long before we knew that WZP would be this year's Barham Award Winner, WFA's Fair Share podcast went to the San Diego County Fair and sat with WZP Owner William Zakrajshek and SDCF's Multicultural Marketing Specialist Luis Valdivia to discuss Out at the Fair's success in Del Mar. The result? You get to hear firsthand their challenges, wins, and most importantly, how you can connect with resources in your community to ensure everyone feels welcome, safe, and included while enjoying your fairgrounds. Subscribe on iTunes Listen on Android

WZ Productions, LLC will be recognized for this achievement during the Industry Awards Dinner at the WFA Convention & Trade Show in Anaheim.

6:30 - 9:00 pm

Friday, January 5, 2018

Industry Awards Dinner

Platinum Ballroom

Ticket required

Contact the WFA Office for details

WFA Barham Award Recipients

2018 - WZ Productions, LLC - William Zakrajshek
2017 - Stilt Circus - Star Child
2016 - Brander Enterprises, Inc. - Rich & Teresa Brander
2015 - Ovations Fanfare, LP - Charlie Neary & Nick Nicora
2014 - Helm & Sons Amusements - David & Debby Helm • Saffire Events - Kendra Wright
2013 - Let's Pretend Entertainment - Elisa Hays • Pacific Animal Productions - Karl Majewski
2012 - Ken McMeans Presents - Ken McMeans • Chapman Fashion International - Nancy Chapman
2011 - Rocket's K-9 Comets Frisbee Dog Stars - Rocket & Ashley Hoskins
2010 - Lori's Concessions - Lori Southerlend • Tommy G Productions - Tommy Giodone • CB's Cupcake - Connie Barham
2009 - Chicken Charlies - Charlie Boghosian • Doo Wah Riders - Ken Liebenson
2008 - Theater-16, Inc. - Ernie & Mary Lee Guderjahn
2007 - Kobert Animal Productions - Nancy & Gil Reigler
2006 - Owen Trailers, Inc. - Ross & Angela Owen • Big Bubba's Bad BBQ - Roger Sharp
2005 - Pristine Systems - Jeff & Jo Thornberry
2004 - Happy Day Pony Ride - Ron & Lucy Boeger • Diversified Amusements - Tom & Betty LaMotta
2003 - Chuckwagon Concessions - Chuck & Irene Dugan
2002 - Flying U Rodeo - Cotton & Karin Rosser • Holland Racing Promotions - Dutch & Fran Holland
2001 - Reno's Fish & Pasta - Reno & Elain Pignotti • Vita-Mix Corporation - John Barnard
2000 - Ray Cammack Shows - Guy & Charlene Leavitt
1999 - Touch of Mink / Dermac Labs, Inc. • Have Trunk, Will Travel - Gary & Kari Johnson
1998 - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls - Eldon & Janis Dale
1997 - Great American Petting Zoo - David & Dianne Linderman • Orange Julius - Ben & Rivie Kirk
1996 - Mackinac Island Fudge - John & Barbara Marzolino