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HOW DID STATE AND COUNTY FAIRS BEGIN???

State and county fairs owe their origin to a wealthy businessman named Elkanah Watson.  At the age of 50 Watson purchased a farm near Pittsfield, Mass.  He was particularly interested in wool manufacturing and introduced Merino sheep to improve the quality of raw wool.  He also organized a cattle show.  Watson showcased his Merino sheep under the elm tree in the Pittsfield, Massachusetts public square in 1807. To attract attention, he rang an old ship's bell with a piece of iron, and the first county fair was born.  He next organized the Berkshire Agricultural Society, which became a prototype for organizations throughout the country devoted to improving agriculture. Working through the society, he changed the character of the cattle show.  Prizes were awarded for cattle, articles that were handmade, and agricultural products.  Gradually, a "county fair" emerged that encompassed social, political, educational, and recreational activities, as well as the desire to improve agriculture.

Since that time Americans have been attending state and county fairs to see the latest in agricultural equipment and technology, the best livestock, the biggest cucumbers, and sample the best baking, canning, jellies, pickles and such. Quilting, needlecraft, photography and sewing along with a myriad of other crafts have a unique place at the fair, and are displayed with pride. County fairs are often accompanied by thrilling entertainment and amusement rides. Fair foods are bought and eaten with gusto. Corn dogs, barbecue, cotton candy, candied apples, EHC donuts, and more, all possess that pungent county fair taste.  Usually, children get their hands sticky and oftentimes, adults become children. Today, the county fair continues to be part and parcel of America's heritage, history and diversity.

Although no one in our county can say with 100% certainty how long the Garland County Fair has been in existence, many of our most sage Garland County senior citizens all concur that it has been an annual tradition for at least 75 years, give or take a few years in either direction.

State and County Fairs provide a place for 4-H youth to display their farming talents, the livestock they have raised and to compete for prizes. Often this competition ignites the agricultural fire in the heart of a young boy or girl.

The Garland County Fair opened at its' new location in 2007.  Although the fairground is still not quite complete, we're making great progress and we've drawn crowds of over 40,000 both years and expect even more in 2009.  The mission of our County Fair is to educate fairgoers of the importance of the farming community and to remind them of our rich agricultural heritage right here in Garland County.

Our Fair has something for everyone. Fair Queen and beauty pageants, the demolition derby, landscaping competitions, excellence in photography, Mutton Bustin' to pig races, from tops in tomatoes to pretty animal contests, from ferris wheels to a 4-H youngster's very first blue ribbon.  The Fair beckons urban and suburban dwellers to the world of agriculture and the richness of its' bounty and way of life.

County fair food is usually fragrant, fattening and more often than not - FRIED!  This is the time to throw your diet out the door and chow down on a corn dog from the 4-H Doghouse. Some fairs have made it a habit of deep frying more and more specialty items, including candy bars, twinkies, egg rolls and peanut butter sandwiches. The county fair is definitely not a friend to your calorie counting, but it is a once a year event. Try out the best local food vendors, and sample what the EHC kitchen has to offer and enjoy yourself,  A word of caution, just don’t ride the roller coaster directly after eating three deep fried Twinkies, six EHC donuts and drinking a gallon of lemonade.

Bringing locals together for a celebration of what their community offers is a great plan, and there is something for everyone. Whether guiding a youngster onto the kiddy rides, sneaking a first kiss on the tilt-a-whirl, or watching your next-door neighbor win a blue ribbon in a pie baking contest, attending the fair is a unique experience that really brings out the best in your local area. Mark your calendars for a day at the fair; the carnival is calling, and there’s some pink cotton-candy with your name on it.

Grab yur kids, yur in-laws, yur na-bors, yur friends........and fer pete's sake,

 don't fergit yur hat........and we'll see ya' there!

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