WOODSTOCK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY ELECTS NEW GENERAL MANAGER

William Neilson takes over as General Manager

(March 15, 2008) ---Woodstock, CT-- The Woodstock Agricultural Society elected a new General Manager this month, William Neilson. Neilson takes over for Fern Phaneuf who served as the society’s General Manager for 28 years. While Neilson understands the pressures that come with the GM position, he is also extremely excited to take on this role.

“Fern [Phaneuf) was an institution. I have to live up to the public’s expectations he created, to show everyone that my way can be the direction we are going in now. This northern fair is about to get a dose of southern charm!”

Neilson currently resides in Putnam and has been involved in the Woodstock Agricultural Society as a volunteer for several years. His volunteer work included selling logo wear for the Fair, working in the Agricultural Building passing out samples of cheese to patrons, running various errands for the Secretary’s office and working in the information booth.

William Neilson was born in western Maryland and lived there until the early 1980’s. He was brought to the quiet corner as a result of a job transfer from General Motors Assembly Division. He transitions into the role of General Manger from his previous employment at Foxwoods Casino, where he worked for 14 years. Neilson has two married children, Sarah Bourdon and William Neilson III, and is married to a native of the area, Anne Lamondy.

Neilson’s passion for the Woodstock Fair is a product of his wife growing up in Northeast Connecticut. Lamondy, like many others in the area, always has her Labor Day weekend festivities revolve around the Woodstock Fair. This was true even when the two were planning their wedding

“I suggested that we get married on Labor Day weekend. My wife responded ‘absolutely not, that’s the Woodstock Fair!’”

While Neilson’s tenure as General Manager has been brief, he already has a variety of projects to focus on. His first task as GM will be to work on the remodeling of the Main Stage Grandstand steps as mandated by the fire marshal. He has also already begun hiring the seasonal maintenance crew, securing contract services necessary for the four days of the fair and meeting with all superintendents to review needed repairs and plan improvements in their respected departments. He will also be responsible for off-season rentals of the fairgrounds, overseeing projects directed by the executive committee and seeking community sponsorships to help support the entertainment and activities of the fair.

Neilson was appointed GM on March 1, 2008 by current Woodstock Fair President, Susan Hibbard. The interview process included meeting with the past three Woodstock Fair Presidents and having the fair’s executive committee approve the appointment. Neilson feels like he and the General Manager’s position are a wonderful match.

“What first enticed me to apply was the fact that I am a people person and this position will enable me to capitalize on what I feel is my greatest asset. The fair will allow me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people, both those who attend [the fair] and those who are involved in organizing such a wonderful event.”

Neilson’s message to public is simple, “Come to the fair, make a memory.”

The Woodstock Agricultural Society was organized in 1858 and holds the annual Woodstock Fair on Labor Day weekend. The Woodstock Agricultural Society awards scholarships to local graduating seniors from Woodstock Academy.  

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