Board picks Great Northern Fairgrounds manager

A new Great Northern Fair fairgrounds manager has been selected.

Gus Sharp, a fair board member, said his son, Mike Sharp was voted Monday to be the new fairgrounds manager.

“He is very capable, very energetic — and that’s what it’s going to take,” he said.

Sharp said that Mike’s position is still in the process of being finalized and that the fair board asked for contract bids, rather than having the position as an employee of the county.

“There was three bids that were submitted and one of them was my son, Mike Sharp — his was the one that the board accepted,” he said. “My impression is they have accepted his bid, but they still have to come to terms on some of the salary and expense negotiations.”

Sharp said that he will be stepping down from his fair board position.

“Due to the nepotism rules, you are not allowed to supervise someone in your family,” he said. “I am going to try to stay involved, whether it be joining the fair foundation or volunteer work … .”

Sharp added that he would like to congratulate his son and wish him good luck.

Tim Solomon resigned from his position as fairgrounds manager in January after nearly 12 years. His resignation will go into effect March 31.