By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Kasen Kolhoss, the Clark County Fair & Rodeo’s new manager, is partial to the event’s livestock and agriculture exhibits – for good reason.
“My favorite thing is seeing the faces of kids while they watch educational displays,” said Kolhoss, an Moapa native who replaced Kevin Willard who retired last year. “You’d be surprised how many visitors don’t know much information about farming processes.”
A seventh-generation Moapa Valley resident, he said local folks are lucky to have such knowledge.
Kolhoss also serves as a local Realtor and owner of the Custom Fit and Keller Williams office in downtown Overton.
Initially, he had volunteered to work in the Fine Arts building for years. Once his business became stabilized, Kolhoss said, he contacted Fair & Rodeo organizers to learn more about the annual event.
About three years ago, he began contributing in the ticketing department.
“After Kevin retired, I filled some of the gaps,” he said. Then the Fair’s Board of Directors hired him as manager.
“I’m more like the COO with boots on the ground,” Kolhoss explained, adding that his role is similar to air-traffic control, managing what goes on at the fairgrounds leading up to and during the event; with an emphasis on supporting the vendors and the volunteers. “I try to give them whatever they need on any given day; if there’s an emergency, I help,” he said.
He also rolls up his sleeves when it comes to dumpsters, port-a-johns, banners, and repairs at the Fairgrounds. The “operational” side comprises the likes of forklifts and equipment.
Todd Robison, who has served as the Fair board’s executive director since 1997, left no doubt about Kolhoss’ capabilities.
“Kasen is a people person, meets and greets the public well, and has tremendous confidence,”
Robison said, pointing out that Kolhoss loves the community because he’s beyond familiar with it. “We’re excited to have him on board; he’s a breath of fresh air.”
As business manager of the nonprofit organization, Robison oversees revenue, permits, licensing, and contracts.
“Everything pertaining to actual business goes through me,” he said, adding the five-day event’s cost is approximately $1.7 million.
Robison, whose father was part of the original group that built the Fairgrounds, said the Clark County Fair was known as the Moapa Valley Fair until the mid-1980s.
He said board members help foster the next generation to take on more responsibilities at the Fair & Rodeo. As for organizing this year’s volunteers, he said Kolhoss is in charge of that aspect and “how the pieces fit together is up to him.”
In turn, Kolhoss gave ample credit to all the volunteers who make his work easier.
“My job is pretty simple,” Kolhoss said.
