Mercer County Fairground - Celina, OH - Agricultural Fairgrounds on Waymarking.com

Mercer County fairgrounds has been around for way over a hundred years but Mercer County Fairs have had a uneven history. The first fair was held in 1852, a one day event and it was NOT held here. There were more one day fairs held in 1853, 1854, and 1855 again none of them here. After that was a period of twelve years when no fairs were held, 1856 - 1867.

Then, in 1868 the Agricultural Society reorganized and announced that after a long lapse they planned to hold the First Annual Mercer County Fair. But once again the Fair was to be held in the grove adjoining the Reservoir near Celina. The Society then started counting the "annual" fairs from that year except there were no fairs held in 1932, 1933, 1934, and 1949.

The first Fair was held here in 1894. Later the Society purchased more adjoining land. Eventually, one of the best regulation tracks for horse racing was built. A large amphitheater was also added to the south side of the track that would seat up to 4000 people.

When the fair was revived in 1868, it was developed into a three day event. In 1876, it was expanded to four days. In 1886 because of bad weather an extra day was added for the first five day Fair, but that was for only that year. In 1899 the first five day Fair was held. It gradually expanded into a full week event.

Because of finances or lack of finances during the Great Depression there were no Fairs held in 1932, 1933, and 1934. Then in 1935 the Celina American Legion took over and ran the Fairs through 1939. With the programs developed by President Franklin Roosevelt to help the unemployed a new grandstand was built. This was done through the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA).

World War II quickly brought an end to the Great Depression, and after the war, the popularity of the Mercer County Banner Fair took off again. The first organized 4-H Club in Mercer County occurred in 1920. By 2001, ten of the 35 organized clubs have been
active for 45 years or more years; Chatt Chums have been active for 68 years. In 1952 the Fair celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the first Fair held in 1852. Many special and new events were carefully planned, but very heavy rains and wet and muddy grounds cut into attendance.

Today, the Fairgrounds consist of about sixty acres of land and thirty buildings. Many of the buildings are used all year. The Fairgrounds has also developed camping sites that can be used for a small fee.

be sure to also catch Celina's other festivals like the boat races held on the lake and the fantastic parades throughout the summer. This town knows how to throw a festival and has great town spirit.

When's the Fair?: 2nd through 3rd week of August Who's at the Fair?: The fair is sponsored by the 4-H and has all sorts of livestock, typical 4H entries of the clubs and of course a carnival as well. Each year specific entertainment events vary so be sure to visit the web site to get this years specifics. Website of the fair: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
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Date Logged Log User Rating   07/25/2015 BuckeyeFinnigan visited it 07/25/2015 stevepre2 visited it 10/26/2011 DnRseekers visited it

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