The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) inducted
Greg Stewart, general manager of the Central Washington State Fair in
Yakima, to its Hall of Fame during the association’s 120th annual
convention in Las Vegas.
The highest honor bestowed by the
IAFE, the Hall of Fame Award is presented annually in recognition of an
individual’s distinguished achievement in, or contribution to the fair
industry.
Stewart was named assistant general manager of
the Central Washington Fair Association in 1972. After longtime Fair
General Manager Hugh King retired the following year, Stewart was
appointed general manager. He took over a five-day fair and a full-time
staff of three individuals. Under his leadership, the fair has grown to a
10-day event with 22 full-time employees. The 120-acre fairgrounds,
known as State Fair Park, accommodates more than 300 annual events a
year.
Since Stewart became general manager, the State Fair
Park has undergone major changes including construction of the SunDome,
the Deccio Administration Building, and Yakima County Stadium. He has
also overseen renovations to the historic agriculture building, modern
living building, Pioneer Hall, and Expo Hall. Stewart oversees
management of the Yakima Valley SunDome and the Yakima County Stadium,
which hosts the Yakima Warriors Arena Football team and the Yakima Bears
minor league baseball team, respectively.