Greg Chiecko, President and CEO of the OABA, and Blake Huston, 2025 chairman of the OABA and vice president of NAME, pose under the midway arch at The Big E in West Springfield, Mass.

OUTDOOR AMUSEMENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION JAMBOREE SETS FUNDRAISING RECORD AT EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION

West Springfield, Mass. – The Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) Jamboree, an annual fundraiser that brings together leaders from the fair and carnival industries, took place at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield, Mass., during The Big E 2025. Eastern States Exposition is proud to serve as the host site for this important event—and as the year-round home of the OABA, headquartered in the Hampden County Building on the Exposition grounds. Through this partnership, ESE proudly supports the association’s mission and the broader advancement of the outdoor amusement industry.

“The OABA Jamboree at The Big E is one of the association’s signature fundraising and networking events,” said Blake Huston, vice president of North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) and chairman of the OABA. “The Jamboree brings together concession owners, showmen, suppliers, fair partners and supporters of the amusement industry for an evening of camaraderie and celebration.”

Each year, the event attracts more than 400 guests, including representatives from NAME—the event’s sponsor—and the OABA, along with leadership from ESE, concessionaires and exhibitors, many of whom were onsite producing this year’s installment of The Big E.

The OABA’s auction featured numerous collectible and limited-edition items donated by generous supporters. Highlights included ESE’s donation of the No. 1 signed and numbered print of The Big E’s 2025 commemorative poster, illustrated by Los Angeles–based artist Ashley Dreyfus, as well as prized memorabilia from the carnival industry—among them an Eli Ferris wheel seat, a vintage Conklin Shows flag, a custom-built Whac-A-Mole-style arcade game and an autographed, framed photo of Hulk Hogan. The auction raised nearly $100,000, setting an all-time fundraising record for the event.

“This is such a fun event where all staff, leadership and partners come together for a great evening,” said Huston. “100% of proceeds go back to the OABA to support scholarships, education and lobbying efforts for the industry.”

Huston extended his gratitude to major contributors, including Perry Ristick of Penny Royalty Concessions; Justin Peperak of NAME; Gary and Lauri Magyoran of Fishbone PBG; the Collmer family of Meatball Factory; Ian Garden of Big Top Trio; Emily and Lindsey Lombard of Koas Concessions; Jarrett Starr of NAME; Bobby Miles of Bob’s Space Racers; Beth Gray of NAME; and Eastern States Exposition. He also expressed appreciation to those who provided for the buffet, including Performance Food Group, Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips, Meester Mike’s, New York Style Pizza, The Big Kahuna and The Big E Bakery.

“The Jamboree represents the spirit of showmen helping showmen,” explained Huston. “It’s a gathering where business meets fellowship, where tradition is honored and where the future of the midway is supported through collective generosity.”

Like the industry that the OABA aims to support and protect, the jamboree is a tremendous amount of fun for all guests and serves the organization’s mission. Proceeds fund scholarships, safety programs and leadership development for the next generation of showmen, as well as lobbying efforts for the CARE and RIDE Acts for foreign labor when members of the organization travel to appeal before Congress.

ESE is proud to support our partners at NAME and the OABA. To learn more about the OABA’s legislative and educational efforts or find out how you can contribute to their mission, head to OABA.org.