Morgan County Fair

History

The Morgan County Agricultural Society was organized February 14, 1852. A fair was held at McConnelsville, October 5-6 of the same year, and “the exhibition of stock, grain, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, farm implements and various articles of domestic manufacture and mechanical skill were highly creditable to the citizens of this county.” (Agricultural Report, 1852, pp. 306-307).

The Fair has always been an event for farm and business exhibits, entertainment and a time to meet new and old acquaintances. The Fairboard purchased land in 1854, 1859, 1870 and 1888. They built buildings, put up hay off the grounds in an effort tome this an annual event of family enjoyment.  The Fairboard purchased 23 more acres in 1951, moved in the covered bridge, built horse barns, race track, and grandstand with the racing and larger attractions being held on the newly purchased land. In 1948 and again in 1958, the fair won the trophy for the best fair in Ohio. (County Fair, History of Morgan County, Ohio 1980)