County fair association celebrates 75th anniversary years ago
Fair needs support of entire county
Staff reporter
The first Marion County fair was held Oct. 27-30, 1931, downtown Hillsboro.
Marion County Fair Association was formed with the following officers: president: A.R. Steiner, Lincolnville; vice president: T.W. Spacheck, Pilsen; secretary: I.H. Harms, Hillsboro; and treasurer: E.W. Flaming, Hillsboro.
There were 25 board members.
Superintendents assisted with eight entry divisions: horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, school exhibits, farm products, and domestic science and art.
The president and secretary, Steiner and Harms, wrote this foreword in the premium:
"Despite depression, low prices and discouraging times, we are glad to announce the First Annual Marion County Fair. We believe that at this time, we need an organization of this nature more than during prosperous times."
The fair was to provide an educational opportunity for the farmer to encourage better herds and flocks and more varied crops.
The fair association was sponsored by the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce and its charter was started with capital stock of $30,000.
"It is hoped that the people of Marion County will realize that this project will benefit every person in the county, in that when you encourage and help the farmer and stock raiser, you are also helping the business and professional men. "
The first day of the first fair was band day. All bands in the area were invited to attend.
The second day was for judging fair entries, the third day was all schools' day when every school in the county transported children to the fair, and the fourth and final day was when livestock was sold.
Those who submitted entries were required to pay stall or booth rent.
For instance, stall fees for horses were $1 for a single stall or $1.50 for a double stall.
Premiums paid for horse projects were $7.50 for first; $5 for second; and $2.50 for third.
Competitions were held between schools.
Class one was for one- and two-room schools. An exhibit of agricultural products was displayed and a project for the schools had the subject of "Remedies for the present economic condition of the farmer."
For school students from towns, a project topic was "What our town can do to improve the economic condition of the surrounding agricultural community."
In the 1960s, the fair moved to its current location on D Street, Hillsboro.
Fair 2005
This year's fair will be held Aug. 10-13.
According to McLinden, the newest addition is a barbecue showcase.
"Local caterers and people with smokers and cookers will compete in a barbecue contest," McLinden explained. There is no entry fee and prizes will be awarded.
Anyone interested in participating should contact Kim Harms at (620) 924-5544.
Old favorites will return — demolition derby, women's ranch rodeo, and Kraft rodeo.
Miss Rodeo K-State also plans to attend.
Amusements will be available on the ball field.
The board was hoping the 4-H building would be air conditioned this year but funds were not available.
"The 4-H lineup is the same," said McLinden. "We try to keep it fresh without giving up the standard events."
