Utah State Fair hires Clark Caras as new director

SALT LAKE CITY — The new executive director of the Utah State Fair wants to make the fairgrounds a year-round experience.

The Daily Herald of Provo says Clark Caras plans to bring more cultural events, festivals and rodeos to the state fairgrounds in Salt Lake City.

Caras says he will begin by bringing the Dickens Festival back for a second year in December.

Caras wants the 65-acre park to be a popular attraction throughout the year, not just during the 11-day state fair in September.

Prior to being hired by the state fair, Caras worked as a marketing director in the Governor's Office of Economic Development for the past five years.

Board Chairman Roger Beattie says Caras was hired because of his marketing expertise and his lifelong ties to the fair.