Frank Franich, Puyallup, was elected president of the Western Washington Fair Association (WWFA) by the board of directors following the annual stock-holders meeting on Jan. 14.
Other elected officers include: Gary F. Gonter, vice president; Carl Hogan, secretary; Denny Elvins, treasurer; and Robert E. Carlson, manager.
Franichs responsibilities include overseeing events at the Puyallup Fairgrounds throughout the year.
He will be watching over activities including the four-day Puyallup Spring Fair, Thursday Sunday, April 10-13; the scholarship endowment benefit on August 15; the 17-day Puyallup Fair, running Sept. 5-21; and other interim events that are held on the Fairgrounds.
Franich was born in Lead, South Dakota and has been a part of the Puyallup Valley for 46 years, and has retired from his career as publisher of the Puyallup Herald.
He received his degree from South Dakota State University in journalism.
He has been on the WWFA board since 1987, and has held all key offices as well as being active on a variety of board-related committees, including advertising, entertainment, free entertainment, interim, master plan and finance.
He has been married to Joyce for 49 years, and has two children: Mike of Lake Tapps, and Kristine of Lake Tapps; and has five grandchildren. He is a member of St. Andrews Church, Sumner.
The Western Washington Fair Association was founded in 1900, and started as the Valley Fair.
The facilities operate a year round basis to benefit members of the community, and the animal and agriculture industries. The association is a private, non-profit corporation.
For further information, visit the Website at www.thefair.com or call the 24-hour hotline at 253/841-5045.
