Fair manager outlines her goals

This year the Wahkiakum County Fair will celebrate its 100th year. It is a new century that brings a new manager. Sarah Lawrence, a native of Oregon took over the position on April 1.

Prior to being in Wahkiakum County, Lawrence studied advertising and communications abroad in London. She worked as an account director for a global advertising agency, working mostly with government accounts listed on the stock exchange.

Lawrence, 33, worked in the public sector in not for profit charities, which is what she said she really liked to do. She was in the equivalent of the Department of Education called the Learning and Skills Council.

With this year’s fair being the centennial celebration, Lawrence would really like to see more community involvement and because the fair is non profit, she would really like to go the extra step to have it recognized as a charity.

Waiting for government approval will be great, she said, because the federal government and state won’t have to be relied on for funding. It will help to attract sponsors as well.

The goal Lawrence has set for herself is to get organization and structure into the fair. Because of the high turnover rate in the position, it has been difficult to make things run like clockwork, but nonetheless it is a new venture.

“It’s starting afresh and making it my own,” she said.

This year, Lawrence said, she hopes to make it so the fair is the true reflection of the future. She said she wants bigger sponsors, more activities and more flexibility for participants and attendees.

Visitors to the fair should expect a few surprises this year. For instance, Lawrence has arranged for an official English trained blacksmith to be on hand to do demonstrations this year.

“That should be a nice draw for the kids and adults,” she said.

Lawrence said she wants to bring the fair into the 21st century, but keep the things that make it “a quaint county fair.” However, this year will be a mix of new food, new friends and new fun.

With a degree in communications, internships in London and working in PR, Lawrence said she believes she has the skills to be the best fair manager she possibly can be. She wants people to know she is very easy going and welcomes any input from the public.

“As a newcomer, I am really keen to hear from people in the community on different ideas and ways they feel we can improve the fair,” she said.

Lawrence said she would love for people to volunteer. She said she has been instructed not touch the flower pots surrounding the fair property and hopes that the ladies that take care of the pots will make contact with her soon. “I really want to get everything beautiful in the fairgrounds.”

Fair dates are August 21-23.