By: Mary E. Mortimer
The Logan County Agricultural Society was founded in October 1850 following a meeting of prominent businessmen and farmers.
The first fair was held October 29th and 30th in “Newell’s Woods” near the site of the present-day St. Patrick’s Church.
The farmers of the county came together to make an exhibit of their stock and produce, and for a general social time.
There were no enclosures or entrance fees, and because of the wet, chilly weather, exhibits were set up in the courthouse.
In 1852, seven acres of land, approximately a half mile east of downtown, were purchased by the Logan County Agriculture Society, and buildings were erected for exhibitors.
The fair moved to its current location in 1860 when it purchased twenty-five acres of land.
An additional twelve acres were added later.
The Bellefontaine Republican newspaper reported in 1900 that hundreds of stalls and pens had been built.
“There are other large and commodious buildings, the Dining Hall, the Floral Pavilion, the Art Hall, Merchant’s Exhibit, Poultry Building, and a magnificent Amphitheatre that has a seating capacity of 2,000. The track is one of the best in the country; the homestretch is nearly 100 feet wide.”
During the late 19th and early 20th century, families and friends came to the fairgrounds from all over the area in buggies or wagons.
Later, they came to Bellefontaine on the interurban electric passenger train or in their own automobiles.
Many brought picnic lunches that they ate under the trees.
Early events included a balloon ascension and parachute drop, running races, acrobats, old old-fashioned cake walk, a horse and buggy hitch-up race, a horse parade, and a merry-go-round, The Gus Lambigger Animal Show, featuring various birds, animals, and snakes.
In 1912, the first plane to fly over Logan County, a Red Devil biplane, flew over the fairgrounds, giving all in attendance the first county air show.
The Logan County Fair has seen many changes over the years.
Some of the highlights have been various horse racing and showing events, school parades, pageants, talent shows, numerous entertainment performances, tractor and truck pulls, motorcycle races, and demolition derbies.
The Junior Fair livestock auction has been a large part of the fair for over 100 years.
Kids and 4-H groups who spend a year raising and preparing their cows, sheep, hogs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, etc., get the opportunity to show their prized animals and poultry and sell them to the highest bidder.
Children and young adults also compete in equestrian events, dog training, sewing, and various projects.
Floral arrangements, produce, canned goods, baked goods, ice cream, and candy bring a friendly competition each year among the participants.
Artistic entries include photography, painting, and various sewing and craft items.
The carnival rides and midway food are the highlights for many fair attendees.
The Merchants Building provides various Logan County businesses with the opportunity to show their products and interact with visitors.
For 175 years, the Logan County Fair has continued to be a favorite community event where agricultural products, livestock, handmade and home-cooked items, etc., are shared by merchants, clubs, and individuals.
The fair has also been a time for seeing old friends and making new friends, socializing, competition, and enjoyment.
