The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – Walla Walla County is right on track with their timeline for selecting a new Fairgrounds Manager. Interim Fairgrounds Manager Perry Dozier will hand over the reins to newly selected manager William "Bill" Ogg, of Greeley, Colo., on April 17.

Commissioner Todd Kimball, who took the lead to fill the vacancy. said he is impressed with Ogg's experience.

"Bill's references read like a "Who's Who" of the fair world, and after his interviews, we felt he lived up to every one of the glowing recommendations we received," Kimball said in a news release. "With his extensive experience in event operations generally and fair, concert, rodeo, trade show, convention, and food and beverage management specifically, as well as strategic planning, facility and event planning and promotion, he is an excellent fit for the position and will help keep the fairgrounds facility and Fair and Frontier Days event moving onward and upward.

"He's very excited about this position and coming to Walla Walla," Kimball continued. "Another deciding factor in his selection is his demonstrated positive working relationships in multiple key industry professional associations, such as IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions), PRCA (Professional Cowboys Association), NICA (National Independent Concessionaires Association) and others. We're excited and looking forward to working with him."

Ogg has served as Regional Marketing and Sales Representative for Norfolk Iron and Metal of Greeley, Colo. since Oct. 2012. But he worked in the fair industry for over 30 years prior to that. Most recently, he oversaw the Greeley Independence Stampede, which is recognized as the "World's Largest Fourth-of-July Rodeo and Western Celebration." Prior to that, he was general manager of the Montana ExpoPark, in Great Falls, Mont. and was general manager for the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Dozier stepped in as Interim Fairgrounds Manager in January, after finishing his final term as Walla Walla County Commissioner on Dec. 31. The position had been empty since October 2016, when former interim fairgrounds manager Daryl Hopson resigned. Dozier was expected to manage fairground duties for approximately three months, while the county conducted an extensive search for a permanent fairgrounds manager.

According to the release, Ogg will receive a salary of $75,000 per year.

"I'm ready to jump in and get to work on the final planning for the 151st event and other activities to be held on the grounds. I'm really looking forward to meeting and working with all those who are so dedicated to the fairgrounds, and Patti and I are eager to become active members of the community," Ogg said in the news release.