Fair stirs fond memories for many
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According to an article written by our county historian, James Dillon, the very first fair in Warren County was held Oct. 27-28, 1859. That’s 144 years since the inception. In April of that year the McMinnville and Warren County Agricultural and Mechanical Society was organized with Andrew Jeffries Marchbanks elected president. The purpose of the society was to promote the advancement and furtherance of agriculture and industry in Warren County.
They decided the best way to demonstrate this was by the presentation of a fair. Five acres of land was purchased just south of town on the banks of Barren Fork River. It was just south of the railroad and boasted a large flowing spring.
Many mentioned the fair being held at the Century Electric location on Red Road.
The last year the fair was held there was in 1953 when the County Court appropriated money to acquire another site — our current location.
Gladys Morgan’s memories of the fair include a special trip given to her by her great aunt and uncle when she was 10 years old. The 82-year old said, “We walked the midway and rode a few rides. I remember I had 10 cents to spend.”
One of her favorite things to do today at the fair is to eat, with a meal consisting of the traditional hamburger, French fries, coffee and a candy apple. The other favorite thing is to ride the Ferris wheel!
Attending the popular horse show and the Senior Citizen Day is highlights for Pauline Lance. She also enjoys meandering through the Historic Pioneer Village and visiting the various buildings.
Marie Smith, 81, remembers coming to the fair with her mother when she was about 7 years old in her mother’s 1919 Model T Ford. Getting a rare treat of ice cream was the best memory of that era.
She later served as treasurer of the fair for approximately 13 years with Clifford McClain as president and Chick Brown as secretary.
“We worked long days, starting early and staying late. I wrote every check that was given out.” said Smith. “I enjoyed every bit of it and wish I could do it now.” When prodded about what her favorite thing about the fair is now, she replied she likes everything, but she loves a good fair hamburger!
Houston and Billie Hobbs are enjoying the fair through the eyes of their great-grandson, 2-year-old Blane Jones.
“He just loves the fair. His favorite thing are the Petting Zoo and the colorful lights.” said Billie Hobbs.
As a 5-year-old child, Houston was a second-grader and was fortunate enough to get to attend the fair on the school bus. His father, Marcus, was a bus driver and he brought children to the fair for school games.
“Schools competed against each other in different games. We got to ride on the merry-go-round and marvel at the fortune teller. Back then fortune tellers were very popular and they also had a “girlie” show on the midway.” remembers Houston.