But all this activity was preamble to the leadership games that would begin with contests among children, then adults.
They conclude with contests in California and five other states on June 2.
"We wanted to provide them with interesting contests, offers and premiums which no one else has."
Ford has vast experience with contests to establish sales leadership.
Soon, there were local champions in every settlement, with contests between them on a regional level.
The show has evolved, with new contests and characters each season.
The primary schedule is front-loaded this year with early contests.
Campaigns rarely approach the limit in states with later contests.
It is held with street parties, dances, contests and jaripeos.
The competition starts with local contests across the United States.