OPEN CLASS LEADERSHIP
Bring Your Experience to the Fair
Lead a department, support a Superintendent or connect several departments with Fair Administration.
- Applications open
- November 1, 2026
- Applications due
- March 1, 2027
CHOOSE WHERE YOU FIT
Three Ways to Serve
Each position has a clear scope, annual application and required background check.
Superintendent
Leads an Open Class department, recruits and schedules volunteers, supports judging, oversees exhibits and completes department closeout.
Assistant Superintendent
Supports setup, judging, exhibit care, release and cleanup and provides department coverage when authorized.
Task Force Leader
Serves as liaison between assigned departments and Fair Administration and supports routine coordination and problem-solving.
Position Descriptions:
ANNUAL PROCESS
What to Expect
New and returning candidates follow the same annual process.
1
Review
Read the position description and department information.
2
Apply
Submit the annual application during the application window.
3
Selection
Fair Management or its authorized process reviews candidates. A background check is required.
4
Prepare
Selected leaders attend orientation and begin department planning.
LEADERSHIP LIBRARY
Everything Leaders Need
Position expectations, operating procedures and required guidance in one place.
Position Descriptions
Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and Task Force Leader responsibilities.
Open Class Manual
Leadership, operations, safety, ribbons, awards and forms.
Ribbons & Supplies
Ribbon procedures, barcode information, inventory and supply requests.
Important Dates
Meetings, deadlines, setup, Fair-week coverage and move-out.
WSDA Guidelines — 2027 Evaluation Year
Review Washington State Department of Agriculture evaluation guidelines for county and area fairs as you plan and prepare your department.
FAIR OPERATIONS
Forms and Related Tools
Quick access for current Open Class leaders.
Judge Registration
Register a requested judge and provide the assignment information. This form is completed by Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents only.
Requests & Reports
Maintenance, incidents, volunteer recognition, notes and closeout forms.
Department Information
Department descriptions, exhibitor and annual information.
Looking for a 4-H leadership Position?
4-H Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents are separate from Open Class and follow 4-H policies. Contact the WSU Pierce County Extension Office.
Help Lead the 2027 Fair
Review the applicable position description before starting your application.