Volunteer Of The Year

The Chelan County Fair wouldn’t be what it is without the efforts of all our volunteers. We could not do what we do without you. At the heart of the Chelan County Fair lies its commitment to celebrating its agricultural heritage. Volunteers are the backbone of the Chelan County Fair and we Thank You for your dedication, prowess, and passion to ensure the Chelan County Fair continues to exist to provide a family event reflecting the past, showcasing current accomplishments, and looking to the future county’s best resources ----- Its youth, agriculture, and communities.

Want to get involved, learn more by visiting our volunteer page. 

 

Kriss Crilly

2026 Chelan County Fair Volunteer of the Year

Kriss Crilly’s fair journey began in 1995 when her daughter, Alix, joined the 4-H club Stables n Coops.

What started with a handful of chicks grew into years of involvement with chickens, goats, Equines, and a family passion for 4-H and the fair. Kriss became a club advisor and gained a deep appreciation for the role fairs play in youth development through organizations such as 4-H, FFA, Grange, Scouts, Camp Fire, and Open Class.

After retiring from the Wenatchee School District in 2008 following a 35-year career, Kriss returned to the fairgrounds in 2012 as a volunteer in the Chelan County Fair office. Since then, she has provided count-less hours of behind-the-scenes support, assisting with exhibitor and vendor preparation, office operations, and answering questions from the public.

Now a familiar face in the fair office each summer, Kriss continues to give her time and talents because she believes in the value of the fair for both youth and the community. Her dedication and years of service make her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Chelan County Fair Volunteer of the Year Award.

 

Ann Whitehall

2026 Chelan County Fair Volunteer of the Year

Ann Whitehall is one of those people who simply shows up, steps in, and gets the job done. As a Douglas County Fair Board Member and dedicated advocate for agriculture and youth livestock programs, Ann volunteers countless hours helping make the Chelan County Fair a success year after year.

Passionate about helping young people learn, grow, and develop responsibility through their livestock projects, Ann is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. Whether she’s helping exhibitors, coordinating auction logistics, calming a stressful situation, or even stepping in front of a wayward cow, there’s no challenge too big for Ann.

For more years than many can count, Ann has been an invaluable part of the Chelan County Fair Livestock Auction. Behind the scenes, she helps coordinate the countless moving pieces that keep the auction running smoothly. Buyers, exhibitors, and fairgoers may never see the challenges that arise throughout the day—and that’s largely because Ann and her team work tirelessly to solve problems before anyone notices them.

Ann’s dedication extends far beyond the fairgrounds. She is deeply committed to her family, her community, and supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders. Just weeks after helping make the Douglas County Fair a success, she is right back at it, volunteering her time and energy to support the Chelan County Fair.

We are incredibly grateful for Ann’s commitment, leadership, and willingness to serve. Her passion for youth, agriculture, and the fair community helps create an experience that exhibitors and families will remember for years to come.