Let's Go to the Fair: A Venue for Tobacco Control

Audience: This workshop will benefit tobacco control professionals who seek to reach tobacco users in their communities through an agricultural fair venue. Key Points: 1. A large number of tobacco users can be reached at a county or state agricultural fair. Over 4 million persons attend one of the more than 50 fairs held each year in NYS. Virtually all US states hold similar agricultural fairs. Our project surveyed more than 1,700 tobacco users over three years at the NYS Fair. 2. Tobacco users who attend fairs are willing to participate in brief surveys, and the majority can be reached after the event. In 2009, tobacco users completed a survey using an interactive touch-screen kiosk while in 2010 and 2011 the survey was interviewer-administered. In 2009 and 2010, eligible participants completed a 6-month follow-up survey. The response rates among participants with a valid phone number were 67% and 80%, respectively. 3. Fairs can be used to provide outreach and promote tobacco cessation resources, advocate for tobacco control issues, and gather data from tobacco users. Educational Experience: The director of the Let’s Go to the Fair project will make a brief presentation which will include an overview of the project’s activities, lessons learned, and practical tips for implementing similar strategies in other communities. The audience will then participate in a group discussion to network and share ideas. Benefits: Innovative strategies are needed for reaching tobacco users. Fairs are held across the country and often bring people together on an annual basis.