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International Historical and Fantasy Faire Association (IHFFA)

Formally formed in April of 2014 as a trade association for primarily the Renaissance Faire Industry but also covers the historical re-enactment community, fantasy faires, and comicons. The primary mission of this trade association for the growth and development of these industries and to provide support benefits for participants in the community and help our membership prosper.

In June of 2013 the idea for this organization started to be formed. It had been a thought in the mind of co-founder Joe Hamburger who wanted to find ways to help the small business owners increase their profits and make more money. It became more of a concern as he learned how many people in the industry didn't have health coverage of any kind, and saw an industry of people living a life based upon passions and skills, but with very little revenue or income to speak of. Then one day the spark, the key to this whole endeavor grew and came to life based upon a dream that co-founder James Martin. James showed up at the home of Joe and he told the tale of a dream he had that found the two of them at a convention in Las Vegas. This was the key that Joe had been looking for. He was pushed by James and later Courtney Scarbourgh, Jessica Heflin, and Elizabeth Baker joined the push to create this organization for the benefit of a whole industry. In April of 2014 the International Historical and Fantasy Faire Assocation received their official paperwork as a 501(c)8 organization.

The key to this association is found in the website which acts as a virtual convention center. It is a place where industry resources, informaiton is held, a comprehensive listing of all faires in the United States, and soon the world will be found. It is and always will be free to set up a profile page. Benefits are provided to members.