A full-scale celebration with specialty treats, festive decor, historical photos, local royalty and more were in order Sunday, July 6, to help usher in the 175th anniversary of the Logan County Fair.
Representatives from the fair board, along with Logan County and state officials and the newly crowned members of the 2025 Logan County Royalty Court came together in the fairground’s pavilion to honor the exposition’s longtime history and impact in Logan County, and to look ahead to the future as well.
Lu Cooke from State Senator Rob McColley’s Office joined the celebration to represent a joint resolution from Sen. McColley and fellow State Senator Susan Manchester recognizing the Logan County Fair’s milestone anniversary. State Representatives Jim Hoops from the 81st District and Ty Mathews from the 83rd District also attended to show their support as well.
Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram noted the significance that the annual exhibition has on the community, its youth the and agricultural industry.
“Happy 175th birthday to the Logan County Fair,” he said, noting he’s had the privilege to attend and be a part of the fair for the past 70 years, since his father was a fair board member during his growing up years. “I couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of it.
“We’ve seen many changes in the last 175 years in technology and infrastructure, but the founding goals and ideals have reminded the same — supporting our youth in their FFA and 4-H projects, bringing the community together and showcasing the agricultural industry. Agriculture is the among the top industries for Logan County, West Central Ohio and all of Ohio.”
Below, Mary E. Mortimer, Logan County History Center administrative assistant, shares the story she authored on the fair’s founding and its major milestone marked this year:
Logan County Fair marks 175th Anniversary
BY MARY E. MORTIMER
The Logan County Agricultural Society was founded in October 1850 following a meeting of prominent businessmen and farmers. The first fair was held Oct. 29 and 30 in “Newell’s Woods” near the site of the present-day St. Patrick’s Church.
The farmers of the county came together to make an exhibit of their stock and produce and for a general social time. There were no enclosures or entrance fee, and because of the wet, chilly weather, exhibits were set up in the Court House.
In 1852, seven acres of land approximately a half mile east of downtown were purchased by the Logan County Agriculture Society and buildings were erected for exhibitors.
The fair moved to its current location in 1860 when they purchased 25 acres of land. An additional 12 acres were added later.
The Bellefontaine Republican newspaper reported in 1900, that hundreds of stalls and pens had been built.
“There are other large and commodious buildings, The Dining Hall, Floral Pavilion, Art Hall, Merchant’s Exhibit, Poultry Building, and a magnificent Amphitheatre that has a seating capacity of 2,000. The track is one of the best in the country; the homestretch is nearly 100 feet wide.”
During the late 19th and early 20th century, families and friends came to the fairgrounds from all over the area in buggies or wagons.
Later, they came to Bellefontaine on the interurban electric passenger train or in their own automobiles. Many brought picnic lunches that they ate under the trees.
Early events included a balloon ascension and parachute drop, running races, acrobats, old-fashioned cake walk, a horse and buggy hitch-up race, horse parade, and a merry-go-round, The Gus Lambigger Animal Show, featuring various birds, animals and snakes.
In 1912, the first plane to fly over Logan County, a Red Devil biplane, flew over the fairgrounds giving all in attendance the first county air show.
The Logan County Fair has seen many changes over the years. Some of the highlights have been various horse racing and showing events, school parades, pageants, talent shows, numerous entertainment performances, tractor and truck pulls, motorcycle races and demolition derbies.
The Junior Fair livestock auction has been a large part of the fair for over 100 years. Kids and 4-H groups who spend a year raising and preparing their cows, sheep, hogs, rabbits, chickens, ducks etc. get the opportunity to show their prized animals and poultry and sell them to the highest bidder. Children and young adults also compete in equestrian events, dog training, sewing and various projects.
Floral arrangements, produce, canned goods, baked goods, ice cream, and candy bring a friendly competition each year among the participants. Artistic entries include photography, painting and various sewing and craft items.
The carnival rides and midway food are the highlights of many fair attendees.
The Merchants Building provides various Logan County businesses with the opportunity to show their products and interact with visitors.
For 175 years, The Logan County Fair has continued to be a favorite community event where agricultural products, livestock, handmade and home cooked items etc. are shared by merchants, clubs, and individuals. The fair has also been a time for seeing old friends and making new friends, socializing, competition and enjoyment.
