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Dunn presents Scott Gray MLK Medal of Distinguished Service for his efforts in saving the King County Fair
Summary
First as a member of the Expo Center Advisory Board and then as Executive Director, Gray worked to keep the Fair operating.
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Scott Gray first got involved with the King County Fair selling Pepsi. When the oldest County Fair west of the Mississippi was in decline, Gray stepped up alongside local citizens, to help keep the celebration alive. Gray, Executive Director of the Enumclaw Expo Center, was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service by Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn for his efforts to keep the fair running.
“Scott’s leadership and dedication to helping to save the King County Fair is a gift to the entire region,” said Dunn. “As part of the community effort, Scott has turned the Fair and the Expo Center into a thriving facility.”
Gray grew up in the region and after working for Pepsi and Hostess Foods, returned to Enumclaw and was getting ready to enjoy retirement. That ended when in 2014, attendance at the oldest ongoing County Fair west of the Mississippi hit a modern day low.
First as a member of the Expo Center Advisory Board and then as Executive Director, Gray worked to keep the Fair operating. The City of Enumclaw has operated the Fair in partnership with the non-profit Enumclaw Expo and Events Association since 2015. During the first year of operating with new leadership the total number of fairgoers in 2015 was double the number from 2014, and attendance has continued to grow in the ensuing years.
Along with the Fair, Gray has worked to attract more events to the Expo Center from the annual Scottish Highland Games and Olympic Kennel Club show, to smaller events and weddings, Gray has help keep the 72-acre facility busy year-round.
“I’d like to thank the council for this award,” said Gray. “It means a lot to be recognized. I’d also like to thank my team who have been with me through this whole endeavor.”
The MLK Medal of Distinguished Service recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference in communities across King County in answer to Dr. King’s question: “What are you doing for others?”