NORTHAMPTON — The Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit that manages the Three County Fair, has found a new executive director.
Florence resident Taylor Haas was officially appointed to the position in early June after she spent some time working in the newly legalized cannabis industry in licensing, operations, marketing and executive assistance.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the future of our community through our yearly fair that is so well loved,” Haas told Reminder Publishing. “I’ve found these fairgrounds hold special memories for many people, whether it be horse racing or a first date at the fair – I’m eager to continue this legacy while bringing to life new opportunities for events.”
According to the announcement from the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society, the executive director is responsible for the overall operations of the fairgrounds, including events conducted throughout the year, like livestock and horse shows, as well as other events like the Paradise City Arts Festival.
The executive director is also responsible for the overall operations of the fair itself, which occurs every year on Labor Day weekend.
“I’m an advocate for farming and believe that our community’s collective future depends on substantial efforts to protect farms and establishments like the fairgrounds to promote tradition and provide farmers with an opportunity to showcase their livestock and agricultural products at our fair each year,” Haas said. “Additionally, I’m eager to support the equine community through access to the fair’s beautiful grounds.”
Haas grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she began a lifelong passion for equine sports and agriculture. She studied communications and marketing at Virginia Tech, then received her master’s in integrated marketing communications at West Virginia University.
According to the announcement, she has over 15 years of experience in business operations and administration, event planning, marketing and property management.
She officially moved to Northampton in 2019 with her family to pursue other career endeavors, particularly in the vacation and ski space.
Immediately prior to working with the fair, Haas worked for a local company that helped transform the old Yankee Hill Machinery building at 20 Ladd Ave. into an updated cannabis cultivation facility.
“I have been a lifelong equestrian and very involved in the horse show industry, as well,” Haas told Reminder Publishing. “It feels that all my experiences and passions have aligned in this role.”
When asked about her goals in this new role, Haas said eager to create and plan new and diverse events that draw crowds for “music, fun and entertainment.” She also added that it is important for her to preserve the legacy and spirit of the Three County fairgrounds by supporting horse shows and agricultural exhibits.
“My goals are multi-faceted,” she said. “These fairgrounds are so special and the opportunities for creative, new events are almost endless.”
Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society President Thomas Smiarowski said that Haas was selected from a large pool of candidates vying for the position. He added that Haas impressed the search committee with her background, enthusiasm and vision for managing the fair’s future.
“The Society’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors look forward to working with Taylor to continue to improve our operation and strengthen our positive impact on the community,” Smiarowski said.
The Three County Fair, considered the “oldest, continuous agricultural fair in America,” is currently in its 207th year and is scheduled for Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.
Located in Northampton, Massachusetts and incorporated in 1818, the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden County Agricultural Society promotes agriculture, agricultural education, agricultural science and sustainability for the region through exhibitions, displays, competitions and demonstrations and annually operates The Three County Fair.
