Chelan County Fair director honored with statewide award
Karen Welch recalls sitting in the pavilion at the Chelan County Fairgrounds some 15 years ago when it hit her: She could make a difference here.
A 4-H leader at the time, Welch saw potential all around her, including ways to improve the 26-acre, community-owned property. She’d never managed a property before, but she just knew she could make the fairgrounds a better place.
“Something said to me that I needed to do this, just this overwhelming sensation of ‘I want this chance and I need someone to give me that chance,’” she said recently. “Then I had a conversation with a commissioner and told him all of my ideas and what I thought the property could become because it’s such a gem for the community.”
Welch eventually got that opportunity. The director of the Chelan County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, she plans to retire this April after serving 14 years at the facility. In her time there, she has improved facilities, attracted new events and organizations to the venue, and created new revenue streams for the self-sustaining county department.
“I’m leaving it a lot better than when I came in, but that should be a good way for everyone to leave a position,” Welch said. “Come in and give it your all.”
Welch and her can-do attitude were recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Washington State Fairs Association. She received the award last month at the association’s conference in Wenatchee.
“Karen’s dedication to the fair and expo center is truly inspiring,” wrote Tasha Johnston, assistant expo and fairgrounds director, in her nomination of Welch for the award. “She puts her heart and soul into everything she does, from managing year-round operations to making sure every detail of fair week is handled with care. I have already learned so much from her, not just about the logistics and hard work it takes to run this facility, but also about the passion and commitment that make it all worthwhile.”
A lifelong fair enthusiast, Welch was 5 years old when she went to her first Chelan County Fair. She grew up as a 4-H kid and raised her children on the fair and 4-H. She was a superintendent for 15 years at the NCW Fair in Waterville prior to taking the job with Chelan County.
As a Douglas County fair superintendent, Welch paid attention to how then-fair manager Larry Nelson filled his role. He was a hands-on manager, a style that Welch emulated in Chelan County.
“Karen leads by example. Whether it’s fixing power issues, weed-whacking the grounds or cleaning bathrooms, her work ethic is unmatched, and her love for the fair is evident in everything she does” Johnston wrote in the award nomination. “Watching her in action has shown me what it means to truly care about a place and the people who make it special.”
Welch said she is retiring after completing many upgrades and renovation projects, but she’s most proud of leaving the facility fiscally solid, which took a few years to accomplish.
“It’s taken being frugal and mindful to get to this point,” she said. “This is a property – and the fair, too – that is worthy of putting a lot of effort back into it.”
She added that it’s nice to be recognized after years of spending so much time alone at the property, her head down and working hard. Now she has her sights set on spending more time with her six grandchildren come April.
“This has been my life,” she said. “I’ve missed out on a lot of stuff in my personal life to put my vision in place. I may volunteer at the fair in the future, but you only get one shot with the grandkids.”
Last Updated: 11/13/2025 09:24 AM
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The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
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The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.
The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.
The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.