Sandra Lee Spotlights Renee Crawford McClain’s Journey From Pony Dream to Washington State Fair CEO
She once dreamed of showing her pony. Today, she leads the Washington State Fair
Key Takeaways
- Renee McClain made history by becoming the Washington State Fair’s first female CEO.
- Her passion began at age 11 showing her pony, Blaze, at the Skagit County Fair.
- Today, she preserves over 125 years of cherished family traditions and fair iconic treats.
After dreaming of showing her pony as a little girl at the Skagit County Fair, Renee Crawford McClain turned her lifelong love of fairs into her career—becoming the first female CEO of the Washington State Fair and helping millions create memories each year! Here, she shares her story for Woman’s World’s “Fair’est of Them All” special series with celebrity chef Sandra Lee.
“That looks so fun, I can’t wait until I get to show my pony,” Renee Crawford McClain remembers thinking as she watched her older brother and sister proudly lead their horses through the show ring at the Skagit County Fair. The fair was the highlight of every summer for the siblings.
Raised alongside the variety of farm animals on her family’s small farm in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, Renee, a Silver Spurs 4-H Club member, counted down the days until it would finally be her turn to take to the ring.
That dream came true in 1976 when the 11-year-old showed her beloved pony, Blaze, at the fair for the first time.
A lifetime of fair memories
The Skagit County Fair quickly became Renee’s favorite place to be.
Until she got older and heard about the Washington State Fair—then called the Puyallup Fair — the largest fair in the state.
“Mom, Dad, can I please go?” They agreed, and the 16-year-old and her best friend made the two-hour drive to the Washington State Fair in Puyallup.
Renee was speechless. Located in one of Washington’s smallest cities, the fair was unlike anything she’d ever seen.
She returned year after year — even after attending Central Washington University, where she met her future husband, André. Having grown up attending the fair himself, visiting the fair together became one of their favorite outings.
After earning her accounting degree and becoming a CPA, Renee built a successful career in public accounting before transitioning into consulting so she could prioritize raising a family.
She and André welcomed two children, and Renee treasured every moment of motherhood. Then one day, an unexpected opportunity appeared.
The Washington State Fair was searching for a Business Manager. At first, Renee hadn’t imagined herself working for the fair. But the more she thought about it, the more everything seemed to fit.
In 1996, she accepted the position, working a three-day-a-week schedule to focus on her family while building a career. She and André then went on to have two more children.
As the years passed, Renee helped guide the organization through tremendous growth — from rebranding the beloved Puyallup Fair into the Washington State Fair to launching new signature events, including Spring Fair, Oktoberfest Northwest, Holiday Magic and The Taste Northwest.
Then in 2022, she made history by becoming the first female CEO of the Washington State Fair.
Bringing people together
Today, the Washington State Fair Event Center is the largest in Washington, hosting more than 125 events each year across its 175-acre campus. The fair alone welcomes approximately one million visitors and produces five signature annual events that celebrate community, agriculture and family traditions.
This year’s Washington State Fair (running September 4 to September 27) will return for another season of livestock, exciting carnival rides, concerts, competitions and some of the fair’s most iconic treats — including Fisher Scones, served since 1915, along with famous Earthquake Burgers, caramel apples, handmade churros and Elephant Ears.
One of Renee’s favorite places remains Farm at SillyVille, where children can discover agriculture with hands-on experiences, along with the Piglet Palace and Cattle Birthing Exhibit that help connect new generations with farming.
Even after nearly three decades, one of Renee’s greatest joys is watching guests experience it through the eyes of their children — just as she once did.
Her own children practically grew up at the fair, visiting countless times each season. Today, as adults, they look forward to grabbing Krusty Pups and enjoying concerts together.
Renee knows the fair has always been about much more than rides and food.
It’s about bringing people together.
Now, as CEO, she works to preserve a tradition that began more than 125 years ago while ensuring future generations continue making memories of their own.
“I feel immense pride in being part of our organization,” Renee says. “It makes me realize how important it is to make sure this legacy continues and stays a destination where people want to linger, enjoy, connect and simply be!”
Sandra Lee’s favorite Washington State Fair
“The Washington State Fair was the fair I attended as a child. From the Mighty Mouse ride to the Elephant Ear pastry to the incredible exhibits — it will always be my favorite fair. I can still hear the words from my childhood, ‘Do the Puyallup!’ If you know, you know. If you don’t, you must find out!”
Keep an eye out for our “Fair’est of Them All” series! In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Sandra Lee—chef, creator of Semi-Homemade Cooking and host of Blue Ribbon Bakeoff—is hitting the road with Woman’s World for a special cross-country journey honoring the remarkable women who bring America’s beloved state and county fairs to life. From longtime family traditions to unforgettable fairground innovations, these inspiring stories celebrate the heart, resilience and community spirit woven into fairs across the country. Catch the series in issues on sale June 26, July 24, August 14 and August 28, with stories appearing online the following week.
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