Sevier County Fair

From Sevier County Fair Website:

The fair all began in January of 1907, when JH Foreman, an Austin farmer who raised thoroughbred hogs, along with other farmers, wanted to get the fair started. He paid a visit to the Reaper in hopes of getting some interest amongst citizens of the county. They were planning to have the fair in the fall, and promised to have exhibits ready. The fair would be located at the ballpark north of the courthouse where, today, is the Richfield City Park. The dates anticipated were September 19, 20, and 21. "The first fair was a great success, with exhibits very good and general attractions satisfactory," reports the Reaper in September of 1907.

In 1915, J.L. Ogden, secretary of the fair association, said the fair was the most successful fair that had ever been held in the county.

In 1917, the Reaper reported, "It is a regrettable reflection on this community that a county fair has been abandoned." The article said the area had been fairly dead that summer as far as public recreation is concerned. No ball games and no outdoor amusements, except a couple hours on July 4th. The fair was back on schedule in 1918.

By 1925, fair directors and committee members predicted the largest fair ever.

In 1937, there was a contest to Name the county fair. Lewis W Gardner, of Venice, had the winning name of the "Kow Kounty Karnival." In celebration, the program offered more than $6,000 in prizes, with the addition of a total renovation of the fair grounds. A new grand stand and bleachers, had been constructed that would seat 4000 people. A new rodeo arena was built with a flood light system. The race track had been resurfaced and the turns banked. The horsemen said it was now one of the fastest tracks in the state. Invitations had even been extended to Governor Henry H. Blood and other officials.

Some events that took place during the fair were livestock exhibits, mammoth tents were set up for poultry, arts, and domestic science displays, a large pavilion was set up for the produce exhibits, horse races, horse pulling, rodeos, big band contests, dancing, and ball games. The price to get into the fair was .25 cents, and .75 cents to get into the rodeo.

The fair has continued to grow since that time. Some years great and some years no-so great. Each year ee celebrate our heritage through the Sevier County Fair. It is amazing how everything has changed to suit the tastes and desires of how we live in our busy life. The fair is an important event that only happens once a year and brings the whole county together as one.