Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council
The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is proud to announce that George Sharp, Thurston EDC’s Rural Programs Manager, has been inducted into the prestigious Washington Festivals & Events Association (WFEA) Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held on October 10th at the WFEA Annual Conference. George Sharp joins a group of 25 notable individuals who have received this recognition since being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
“I am truly honored to be inducted into the Washington State Festival and Events Association Hall of Fame. I was unable to attend tonight due to a recent hospitalization, but I would like to express my gratitude to my dear friend Robin Hailstone, who has been by my side for over 30 years. “I am grateful for the opportunity to receive this award through Kelly,” George said.
“I would like to say a big thank you to my good friend Mitch Chandler and his family for supporting me at every event I have attended. I couldn’t have done it without you. And to my wife Stacey Gettinger-Sharp, you ‘s unwavering support is invaluable to me. Thank you for this great honor. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and I look forward to seeing you all in the spring.”
George Sharp’s induction into the WFEA Hall of Fame honors his extraordinary contributions to the festival and events industry. With decades of dedicated service, George has served in leadership roles, including founding member, past president, and frequent recipient of marketing awards from WFEA. His expertise also makes him a sought-after guest speaker for organizations.
George Sharp is a Certified Live Event Professional (CLEP) and has demonstrated his contributions to the industry in a variety of capacities. His journey in festivals and events began in 1989 when he volunteered as the National Lentil Festival’s inaugural Tarce T. Lentil Mascot. He then served as visitor and convention director for the Pullman Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the National Lentil Festival.
George has managed and supported numerous festivals and events throughout his career, including the Pullman Independence Day, Mad Wonderful Festival, Cabaret Gala and Auction, and the City of Pullman’s 1997 Rose Bowl Kickoff Celebration.
His dedication had an impact across the state in 1999 when he became Tourism Development Manager for the Washington State Department of Tourism. In particular, George was instrumental in creating the Great Idea Grant Program, which was pivotal in launching the Washington Wine Country Campaign.
Additionally, George’s contributions extended to community and economic development. The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) honored George as her 2019 Economic Advocate of the Year. He was involved as a founding member and past president of his WFEA, Tumwater, where he participated as a co-creator of events such as Artesian Brew His Fest and Buko Daboo – Coda Spook. His roles as past president and board member of the Tacular Haunted House and Festival and the Capital Lake Fair demonstrate his commitment to enriching the community.
George’s remarkable efforts also secured critical financial support in the form of more than $100,000 in grants and sponsorships to ensure Capital Lake Fair’s survival during the difficult COVID-19 closure period.
His dedication has earned him numerous awards over the years, including Excellence in Marketing Awards from the Washington State Tourism Authority (Georgie Awards), IFEA, and WFEA. George Sharp is a Pullman Citizen of the Year, a United Way of Pullman Red Feather Award recipient, and a member of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
George Sharp continues to be a highly regarded speaker at WFEA conferences, attending more than 25 festivals and events a year. His unwavering commitment and passion for festivals and events contributes to the success of Thurston County’s vibrant festival scene.