The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Historical notes from VW County Fair

Van Wert County Fair information

It has been 159 years since the first Van Wert County Fair was held. On August 8, 1855, planning began for the first county fair and, on October 30 of that year, a location was selected, and the very first one-day fair held at the former Dull Lumber Company location north of Jackson Street.

After that first fair, the event quickly outgrew that location and a purchase of land — 5.67 acres for $184 — was made preparing for the first two-day fair October 27-28, 1857.

The old entrance to the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. (photo submitted)
The old entrance to the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. (photo submitted)

In September 1871, the first three-day fair was held, and, next week August 27-September 1, a six-day event will be held during the 158th edition of the Van Wert County Fair.

Through the years, ribbons were given, pictures taken, and fair memorabilia collected. This year at the fair, a booth in the Commercial Building is looking to add to that collection.

Several select historic events are sought. In 1906 and 1936, two couples were married on the fairgrounds and, in 1938, 46 couples held their 50th anniversary celebrations on the fairgrounds. Anyone who has more information or pictures involving any of these events or any fair memorabilia, from pens to postcards, is asked to stop by the Commercial Building during the fair or contact the fair office.

Those attending this year’s event may also notice many changes when they visit the 2014 fair, and, over the next several years, these changes will continue; however, some of those changes are geared toward nostalgia.

Currently, the Fair Board is searching for any and all fair memorabilia, but is specifically seeking a picture of the old wrought-iron entry gate to allow for its replication – one of the hope-for 2015 improvements to the fairground.

The old brick columns (see photo) once located at the entryways to the fairgrounds will also be replicated.

Those able to donate bricks to the fair toward this effort or who have questions about memorabilia, may contact Fair Board Director Ann Marshall at 419.203.7476.

POSTED: 08/22/14 at 6:09 am. FILED UNDER: News