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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane County Fair names Erin Gurtel as new director

Erin Gurtel has been named director of the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. (Courtesy of Spokane County)

The Spokane County Fair and Expo Center has a new director.

Erin Gurtel, who previously served as marketing and sales manager for the fairgrounds, replaces Rich Hartzell, who recently retired after eight years as director.

Gurtel has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Washington State University and 14 years of experience working for the Downtown Spokane Partnership and large festivals in the Seattle area, including Bumbershoot, according to a county news release.

“I am extremely confident that Erin will be a shining example of the high level of customer service we’re committed to developing in our culture,” county CEO Gerry Gemmill said in the news release.

The Spokane County Interstate Fair, which has seen robust attendance in recent years, runs Sept. 6 through Sept. 15 at the Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St.