Bryan Wittman named honorary chairman of 175th Erie County Fair

Disney vice president credits Erie County Fair for career start

The Erie County Agricultural Society has named Bryan C. Wittman honorary chairman of the 175^th Erie County Fair, set for 2014. Wittman, a native of Hamburg, is currently vice president of global special events for Disney Parks and Resorts. His volunteer fair responsibilities include guiding the strategic creative planning process for 175^th EC Fair events and promotions.

"We are extremely proud to welcome Bryan back into the Erie County Fair family," said Dennis Lang, Erie County Fair CEO. "For the past nine months, Bryan has been consulting with our board of directors and special events team in various stages of planning the biggest fair in our history."

Celebrations, special events and family entertainment have been part of Wittman's professional life for more than 35 years. In his position with Disney Parks and Resorts, he is responsible for the creative development, management and production of major special events and marketing projects for Disney theme parks and resorts around the world.

Through Wittman's leadership Disney has created and produced numerous grand opening events, festivals and movie premieres in its parks and resorts, as well as in public venues worldwide, including numerous events in New York City's famed Times Square. Wittman is also charged with developing Disney Cruise Line christenings, special-themed events and has served as the creative force behind Disney productions at a number of Super Bowl halftime shows as well as Pasadena's Rose Parade. In 2008 and 2012, he judged The Rose Parade. He is the only person in the history of the event to have served twice in that capacity.

Wittman's foray into the world of entertainment began with his first job at The Erie County Fair in 1975, where he worked as a stage manager at the outdoor theater. From there, he rose through the entertainment business ranks in executive positions with Darien Lake, Marriott, Six Flags and the nationally renowned Ice Capades.

Wittman attended St. Francis High School and is a graduate of Ashland University in Ohio, where he earned a BA in television production. While he works around the world, he and his wife, Kathy, maintain residences in Orlando and Siesta Key, Fla., and Hamburg.

The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private not-for-profit membership organization. Established in 1819, it is the oldest civic organization in Western New York. The society does not receive funding from New York or from Erie County. The mission of the ECAS, sponsor of the Erie County Fair, is to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York. The EC Fair strives to fulfill appropriate aspects of the agricultural, educational, entertainment and recreational needs of Western New York. In 2014, the ECAS will host its 175th Erie County Fair from Aug. 6-17.