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.

WFA Announces 2023 Barham Award Recipients

2023 Barham Award Recipients

Davey Helm
Owner, Helm and Sons Amusements

Davey Helm of Helm & Sons Amusements is being recognized for his innovations in operations and marketing. Helm & Sons Amusements is a first-class mobile amusement business. Under Davey’s leadership Helm & Sons has added attractions in the form of circus entertainment, Bubba Bear and the Badland Band, the Land of Dinosaurs, and other attractions amidst all of the traditional midway rides, food and games, adding immense value to the guest experience. Davey shattered the traditional midway mold with the addition of a DJ and live music on the midway, has an incredible grasp on marketing to the next generation, manages a highly engaged social media network, and entertains thousands on and off Fairgrounds each year. Helm, Jr. has been a leader in the fair industry in spearheading the production of several events on the West Coast in an effort to generate revenue for fairgrounds, fellow food concessionaires, commercial vendors, and entertainment. Helm, Jr. is a longtime WFA member, Convention Trade Show Exhibitor, and proud sponsor of the Western Fairs Association Convention.

Milo Franks
Owner, Milo and Son Enterprises

Milo Franks has been in the fair industry as a food vendor for over 53 years.He started in the early 1970’s selling “Freeze Kup”,and has sold almost every food since. Franks ultimately settled on his niche of corn dogs and pizza.

Franks business career is a summary of innovations. He has created Milo’s Corndog Batter from collaboration and experimentation with a chemist. He was the first to build and use outside counters, initially implemented at the California State Fair; the first in creating visitor flash with 360 degree LED signage; and the first to design and build a double-decker pizza trailer that is the only one of its kind. Franks support of fairs is unwavering. Franks has served as a member of the Western Fairs Association since 1995, and served as part of the WFA Convention team leading the transportation team, to transport the WFA Headquarters from Sacramento, CA to the annual convention satellite office.