Commission names new fairgrounds manager

Mike Sharp, who has been serving as acting fairgrounds manager since Tim Solomon retired from the position, was named full manager and groundskeeper Tuesday.

“I’m just excited for the opportunity,” Sharp said.

Sharp has been serving as acting manager for about two months and said he has been busy with preparing for the annual Great Northern Fair, July 15-19.

“We’ll take it one step at a time,” Sharp said. “I just have to get through my first fair.”

Hill County Commissioners and Fair Board Chair Alma Seidel made the selection after interviewing Sharp and one other candidates Tuesday.

He replaces Solomon, who served for more than a decade in the position. Sharp said that he has plans for furthering the fairgrounds, but will set off on achieving those once he does not have to focus on the upcoming fair.

His position includes maintaining the grounds of the fairgrounds, as well as the business side of things, like renting out space to events and attracting the community.