Expo Idaho Names Helen Baker Director to Lead Garden City Event Campus

Baker brings experience in fairground management and community partnerships to the role.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Expo Idaho has appointed Helen Baker as the new director of its 240-acre Garden City event campus and the Western Idaho Fair. Baker previously served as director of the Jackson County Expo in Oregon, where she helped revitalize the event grounds and strengthen community partnerships. In her new role, Baker plans to focus on deepening ties with the local community and growing the event calendar at the Expo Idaho campus.

Why it matters

The Expo Idaho campus is a major community hub in the Treasure Valley, hosting the popular Western Idaho Fair as well as trade shows, sporting events, and other gatherings throughout the year. Baker's experience in fairground management and community engagement will be crucial in maintaining the Expo's role as an important gathering place for the region.

The details

Helen Baker was most recently the director of the Jackson County Expo in southern Oregon, where she helped expand events and strengthen partnerships. Prior to that, she developed her career in communications, sponsorship development, and community programming. Expo Idaho officials say Baker's experience leading large-scale events and cultivating partnerships positions her well to advance the campus as a year-round destination.

  • Expo Idaho has named Helen Baker as the new director, effective immediately.
  • The 2026 Western Idaho Fair is scheduled to run from August 21-30.

The players

Helen Baker

The new director of Expo Idaho and the Western Idaho Fair, bringing experience in fairground management and community partnerships.

Expo Idaho

The 240-acre event campus in Garden City, Idaho, owned by Ada County and operated as a self-funded facility. It hosts the annual Western Idaho Fair as well as other trade shows, sporting events, and community gatherings throughout the year.

Western Idaho Fair

Expo Idaho's flagship summer event, scheduled to run from August 21-30, 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm incredibly excited to join Expo Idaho and the Western Idaho Fair. This is such an important place for the community, and I'm looking forward to building on the traditions that already make the fair and the Expo so special.”

— Helen Baker, Director, Expo Idaho

“Our mission is to create a space where people come together and make memories. I'm excited to work with our team and community partners to continue growing events and opportunities for families across the Treasure Valley.”

— Helen Baker, Director, Expo Idaho

What’s next

The 2026 Western Idaho Fair is scheduled to run from August 21-30, marking one of the first major events under Baker's leadership as the new director of Expo Idaho.

The takeaway

Helen Baker's appointment as the new director of Expo Idaho and the Western Idaho Fair brings valuable experience in fairground management and community engagement. Her focus on deepening ties with the local community and expanding the event calendar at the 240-acre campus aims to maintain the Expo's role as an important gathering place for the Treasure Valley region.