STAFF
The Eastern Idaho State Fair may last only 9 days of the year, but there is an entire year’s worth of work that goes into it. The Board of Directors have a monthly meeting to approve various aspects of the Fair, the next year’s fair is planned, the exhibitor handbook is created, and the entertainment is chosen. There are also various events that occur during the summer, such as a dog show, parties, diesel pulling, and quinceañeras. The Main Office and Grounds need to be staffed year-round to take care of everything. Go to the Contact Page to contact the Eastern Idaho State Fair.
MAIN OFFICE
Brandi Bird, Brittany Hansen, Arianna Ramirez, Ann Marie Mangum, Cathy Brower
MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The EISF is a multi-county fair district overseen by an appointed Board of Directors. Currently, the Board of Directors consists of six individuals
representing the 16 Eastern Idaho Counties. Each director serves a term of four years, which can be renewed by the County Commissioners whom
they represent. The Board of Directors oversees all financial and operational aspects of the EISF as outlined in Idaho State Statute Title 22, Chapter #3.
The Eastern Idaho State Fair Board meets on the fourth Thursday of every month. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the EISF Main Office conference room. If you have an item to bring before the Eastern Idaho State Fair Board of Directors, please contact Brandon Bird at (208) 785-2480, Ext. 104, to be added to the agenda.
The Eastern Idaho State Fair Board meets on the fourth Thursday of every month. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the EISF Main Office conference room. If you have an item to bring before the Eastern Idaho State Fair Board of Directors, please contact Brandon Bird at (208) 785-2480, Ext. 104, to be added to the agenda.
DENNIS MARSHALL
CHAIRMAN
Dennis represents Bonneville County and was appointed in early 2019. Dennis graduated from Bonneville High School, and he continues to live in Idaho Falls with his amazing wife of 50+ years and is surrounded by his five
children, their spouses and his 19 grandchildren. Dennis worked for 40+ years in the banking industry and brings a great financial background to the board. Prior to becoming a director, Dennis and his family attended for many years and enjoyed the Fair and its traditions. In his spare time, Dennis loves to be with his family, he could be found for many years in a wall tent in October and November making memories and teaching life lessons with his family and friends. Dennis has attended the National Finals Rodeo for years and has made it a family event, whenever possible. Dennis is a member of the War Bonnet Rodeo committee and has been involved in all aspects of putting on such a large event. Dennis has found his favorite event at the Eastern Idaho State Fair has become the Draft Horse Competitions, these amazing animals are both beautiful and awe inspiring in their movements and precision.
JODY JACKMAN
VICE CHAIRMAN
Jody Jackman represents Bingham County and was appointed in 2022. She grew up in Mackay, Idaho and has a strong background in rodeo, 4-H, and horse training. Her passion for these events continues to grow as she
regularly attends rodeos throughout Southeast Idaho as well as the National Finals Rodeo. She has been a Bingham County Resident, independent business owner, and a proud public servant volunteering her time for the
betterment of our community for several years. Some of her public service experience includes serving as president of the Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Eastern Idaho State Fair Parade Committee,
and President of the Pocatello Rotary Club. One of her favorite things about the Eastern Idaho State Fair is the memories and continued experiences provided for our families and agricultural community. Jody finds a lot of gratification and importance in serving our local community. She looks forward to assisting in fostering the continued success of the Eastern Idaho State Fair and furthering the benefit which it brings to the community as a whole.
WES HARRIS
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Wes was appointed to the Eastern Idaho State Fair Board of Directors in the spring of 2024 and represents Franklin, Power, Oneida, Bear Lake, and Caribou Counties. Wes resides in Preston, Idaho and has owned Harris Collison Repair & Glass for many years. His repair shop is rated as one of the best in the area, because Wes takes pride in everything he does. Wes is very involved in his community and has been on many boards and committees. Wes is currently representing Franklin County as a Fair Board Member and has been a board member for over 20 years. While being on the Franklin County Fair Board, Wes has been the Board Chairman for many years. During his time on the Fair Board, Wes has been pivotal in obtaining financing for the new Steer/Dairy Barn that is being built in the spring of 2024, along with many other improvements that the fairgrounds have been able to make over the last 20 years. Each of these improvements has made the experience of going to the fair even better. Wes worked as the Bull Bonanza organizer and again stepped up to be on the Board of Directors. Junior High and High School Rodeo are a passion of Wes’s. He has donated 1000’s of hours on rodeo committees and being a Board of Director to make sure that these events run smoothly, and that the youth of his community have the ability to learn and prosper.
TOM L. BARNES
BOARD MEMBER
Tom has been a Board of Director since 1999 representing Bannock County. Tom grew up showing cattle at his local fair and also went on to show at the Eastern Idaho State Fair for many years. Prior to being appointed a director, Tom was a Beef Superintendent at the Eastern Idaho State Fair for several years and he also worked with the youth for over 20+ years as a 4-H leader in Bannock County. Tom and his wife Janice had a ranch in Downey for many years, and this gives them a deep insight into agriculture in Southeastern Idaho. Both are also avid supporters of the Eastern Idaho State Fair and spend many hours watching the 4-H youth and the livestock open shows. Tom has been involved with his community by being a part of the volunteer fire department and is on many committees to improve the area. Tom has background in many areas of the Fair and makes him a vital part of making the Fair a huge success.
COREY FOSTER
BOARD MEMBER
Corey became a Board of Director in 2010, and is one of two directors that represent Butte, Clark, Custer, Jefferson, Fremont, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton Counties. Corey and his wife Charlotte live in Rexburg and were blessed with five children, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and now have added a grandson to their growing family. Corey loves to spend time with his family and friends, and it could be in the mountains, at a football game or even at a NASCAR race. Corey loves his community and is proud to have retired from the City of Rexburg Police Department after 27 years on the force. Corey’s love of the Fair has grown over the last twelve years as he represents his counties, now serving as the EISF Chairman. Corey has put a lot of time and effort into the expansion of the EISF
Gem State Classic Rodeo. In 2019 the EISF had the honor of winning the “PRCA – Small Rodeo of the Year” which is a very coveted award. Corey’s hard work and steadfast support were a major factor in the Eastern Idaho State Fair – Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo being recognized as the best. Corey believes that the Fair is an important part of our communities and with his background in law enforcement he brings a lot of insight into making everyone’s time at the Fair safe and enjoyable.
GEORGE HAMILTON
BOARD MEMBER
George has been a EISF Board of Director since 1993, and is one of two directors that represent Butte, Clark, Custer, Jefferson, Fremont, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton Counties. George grew up on ranches in Bingham County
and now resides in Jefferson County, he has a love for all of Eastern Idaho. George was a founding member of the Eastern Idaho Rodeo Association (now Rocky Mountain Association) and participated in many events, but his
favorites were Bull Riding and Team Roping. George continued his dedication to the agriculture industry by working as a County Extension Officer in numerous Eastern Idaho counties throughout his career. George has been a huge supporter of the Fair over the years and has served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman many times while being appointed. In 2019 George was awarded at the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Convention the “Fair Person of the Year” which was richly deserved for all of the time, support, and love he has put into making the EISF a huge success over the last 29 years.
