March 21, 2012

For more information contact: Greg Stewart 509-248-7160

For Immediate Release

CENTRAL WASHINGTON FAIR ASSOCIATION REPORTS GOOD YEAR TO MEMBERS AT ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Central Washington Fair Association was held on Monday, March 19 and during the meeting members of the Fair Association learned that 2011 was a very good year, highlighted by a great 10-day Fair, and some $7 million in upgrades to the grounds and buildings at State Fair Park. Last year over 301,500 people attended the annual 10-day Fair in late September and overall some 600,000 visitors came to State Fair Park throughout the year for events such as sporting events, consumer shows and entertainment events. People coming into Yakima for the Fair and other events at State Fair Park during the year equate to some 30,000 room nights and result in an estimated $70 million economic impact to the region. The Central Washington Fair Association is a non-profit organization and all profits made during the year are turned around and put back into maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds at State Fair Park. The Fair Association board of directors operates the Central Washington State Fair and State Fair Park under a long-term lease with Yakima County who owns the property and buildings, including the Yakima Valley SunDome. During the meeting Fair board chairman, Jake Jundt reported that along with the $2 million in upgrades to the electrical and communication systems throughout the grounds that were completed in 2010, another $5 million in upgrades to roofs, windows, insulation, heating and air conditioning, along with painting and other improvements were done in 2011 to several of the barns, the historic Agricultural Building, Pioneer Hall and the Modern Living Building Now that the buildings are complete, they have become more usable during all times of the year, and will be available for organizations, groups, families and others to rent for all kinds of occasions. The improvements completed in 2010 and 2011 are being paid for by a grant from the Economic Development Association and monies from the recently extended hotel/motel tax. During the annual meeting members of the Fair Association re-elected Jake Jundt as chairman of the board. Trent Marquis was re-elected vice chairman of the board, Linda Lowe was re-elected as board secretary, David Hargreaves was re-elected treasurer, and Greg Stewart was re-elected as president and general manager. Stewart reported that plans are well underway for the 119th edition of the annual Central Washington State Fair, to be held September 21rd through 30th. Several popular attractions including Barnville-the giant petting zoo will return to the Fair this year, but fairgoers will see new exhibits too, including Toy-topia, a huge exhibit filling Pioneer Hall on the history of toys. Stewart said they are currently in negotiations with several big name entertainers to perform at the Budweiser Stage during the Fair and those names and dates will be announced later this spring. For more information about events at State Fair Park or the Central Washington State Fair go to www.fairfun.com. # # #