Be in the center of the action, volunteer at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo.
Douglas County Fair Board
Welcome to the heart and soul behind the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo—the dedicated folks of the Douglas County Fair Board. As the driving force behind this annual event, our passionate group of volunteers is committed to creating an experience that blends rural heritage, agriculture, western sports, youth & adult exhibits, and quality entertainment.
Throughout the year, the Douglas County Fair Board, in collaboration with the Fairgrounds Staff, works tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the Fair & Rodeo is a success for the community. From marketing and sponsorships to 4-H support, livestock & horse shows, entertainment, and rodeo performances, they’ve got it covered.
The Fair Board is made up of 6 committees:
- Entertainment: From the Attractions, Walk-Around and Musical Entertainment, this committee is all about keeping the Fair & Rodeo vibrant and fun.
- Guest Services: Our unsung heroes! They oversee the volunteer program, ensuring that every smiling face you encounter, from information booth ambassadors to ticket takers, is there to make your fair experience unforgettable.
- Livestock Sale: Turning dreams into reality, this committee oversees the Junior Livestock Sale, where exhibitors, animals, and buyers come together. In 2023, the Livestock Sale reached an impressive total of over $600,000!
- Marketing: This committee takes charge of overall Fair & Rodeo marketing, Marketplace and manages sponsorship opportunities to keep the fair and rodeo growing.
- Rodeo: From Hometown Rodeo to Mutton Bustin’, PRCA events, Xtreme Bulls, Beyond the Dirt, and more—this committee ensures the rodeo experience is exciting.
- Show Management: Overseeing 4-H Shows, including Livestock, Horse, Dog, Cat, Llama, and General Projects, Open Class, Superintendents, Judges, and all competitive classes or shows—this committee ensures the fair is a showcase of talent and skill.
Fair Board Officers
- Dean Elliott, Chairman
- Scott Candelaria, Vice-Chairman
- Wes Jacobs, Treasurer
- Rob Tkach, Secretary
Fair Board Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs
- John Adams, Rodeo Chairman
- Pat Candelaria, Awards Chair; Jr. Livestock Sale Vice-Chair
- Sarah Fischer, Entertainment Chair
- Jennifer Foss, Marketing & Sponsorships Vice-Chair
- Debbie Mills, Marketing & Sponsorships Chair
- Dr. Phil Riesselman, Jr. Livestock Sale Chairman
- Hayden Schmidt, Show Management Chairman
- Lora Talbert, Admin Chair
- Rob Tkach, Show Management Vice-Chair
- Gary Turner, Guest Services Chairman
Fair Board Directors
- John Adams
- Pat Candelaria
- Scott Candelaria
- Dean Elliott
- Sarah Fischer
- Jennifer Foss
- Tom Harris
- Wes Jacobs
- Scott McHenry
- Debbie Mills
- Dr. Phil Riesselman
- Gabriel Ryan
- Pat Salazar
- Hayden Schmidt
- Lori Sorenson
- Pam Spradlin
- Lora Talbert
- Rob Tkach
- Gary Turner
- Lisa Turner
Gold Members
- Scott Candelaria
- Pam Spradlin
Platinum Members
- Wes Jacobs
- Dr. Phil Riesselman
Honorary Lifetime Members
- Dr. Marvin Beeman
- John Carson
- Arlie Gordon
- Jack Orr
- Roger Partridge
- James R. Sullivan
Associate Members
- Ben Alderton
- Nick Candelaria
- Matt Coyle
- Deb Dilley
- Josiah Fredericks
- Lauren Heaton
- John Holst
- James Jamison
- Ryan Kennedy
- Chayce Lutz
- Kyle Moore
- Patti Russell
- Dick Sabulsky
- Jean Sabulsky
- Ted Sorenson
- Chris Spyke
- Monica Wilson
- Kate Wormington
Interested in becoming a part of this incredible team? The Douglas County Fair Board is appointed by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners to bring the annual Fair & Rodeo to life. If you’re ready to join us in making magic happen, apply here!
View Fair Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes Here