Becky Matthiesen named 2026 NCW Fair Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

Waterville, WA — The North Central Washington Fair is proud to announce Becky Matthiesen as the recipient of the 2026 NCW Fair Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing nearly four decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the Fair and its horse racing program.

The NCW Fair Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual whose time, talent and commitment have helped shape the Fair into the successful family and community event it is today. The NCW Fair Board unanimously selected Matthiesen for the 2026 honor.

For more than 39 years, Matthiesen has been a familiar and influential presence at the NCW Fair, working alongside nine Fair managers throughout her tenure. She has served as a Fair Board member and officer, NCW Fair office manager and Racehorse Director, while also playing an important role in numerous Fair fundraisers and special events.

Her contributions have included the annual Prime Rib and Crab Dinner & Auction, Fourth of July events, and even snowmobile racing events held at the Fairgrounds years ago. However, Matthiesen's lasting impact can perhaps be seen most clearly on the racetrack.

Her involvement with horse racing began when she worked alongside former Judge Judy McCauley as assistant Racehorse Director. Matthiesen later assumed leadership of the program and has helped transform NCW Fair horse racing into an event that attracts racers, families, and fans from throughout the region.

One of her greatest accomplishments has been building relationships with sponsors to increase race purses. What began with a single $500 sponsorship in 1991 has grown into a program supported by more than 50 annual sponsors, contributing more than $32,000 in prize money each year. Matthiesen credits the continued growth of the races to the quality of the Waterville track, enthusiastic fans, and competitive purses, along with the welcoming atmosphere racers experience when they come to Waterville.

“Becky runs a very professional horse racing program. She treats people with respect, is fair, and has always made us feel welcome,” said Dayna Seymour, member of the Colville Business Council. “Both my husband and daughter participate in the relays, and we have always appreciated the way Becky makes everyone feel welcome and valued.”

Matthiesen has also been instrumental in having NCW Fair horse races sanctioned as qualifying races for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Races. Her passion for the sport extends well beyond Fair weekend, as she attends Indian Relay Championship Finals and continues to follow and support teams that have raced in Waterville.

“Our family has always appreciated Becky’s kindness and friendliness,” said Leslie Lahr, whose family has a long history in horse racing and is from Inchelium. “It means a lot to us that she follows our horse racing journey all the way to the National Finals. Coming to the NCW Fair Horse Races is always a highlight for our family. Becky is an honest and dedicated director who genuinely cares about the people and families involved in horse racing.”

Horse racing and Indian Relay have become signature pieces of the NCW Fair experience and its Big Bend Round Up weekend. Indian Relay, rooted in generations of tribal tradition and horsemanship, brings extraordinary athleticism, speed and excitement to the Waterville track. Matthiesen’s work behind the scenes has helped ensure those traditions continue to have a place at the NCW Fair while creating an environment where racers and their families feel welcomed and valued.

For nearly four decades, Becky Matthiesen has given her time, energy, leadership, and passion to the North Central Washington Fair. Her dedication has strengthened the Fair’s horse racing program, supported countless fundraising efforts, and helped create memories for generations of Fairgoers.

The North Central Washington Fair is honored to recognize Becky Matthiesen as the 2026 NCW Fair Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and celebrate the lasting impact she has made on the Fair and the community it serves.

About the North Central Washington Fair

The North Central Washington Fair is held annually in Waterville, Washington, bringing together agriculture, entertainment, livestock, youth programs, community traditions, and grandstand events. The 2026 NCW Fair will take place August 27–30.