The 32nd in a series of articles
for the 175th Anniversary of Bonham

It has been very difficult to piece together the history of the Fannin County Fair. The Fair has been put on by a variety of organizations (with the same name!). Some years, for a variety of reasons, some lost to history, the Fair was not held. However, at some point the Fair returned, and Fannin County citizens are delighted that the Fair now takes place due to the hard work of many.

Since at least 1870 there has been interest in holding a County Fair in Fannin County. A Fair was held in 1873. A Fannin County Fair Association was issued a charter by the State of Texas in 1887 to hold fairs and shows of live stock and poultry, agriculture, manufacturing and kindred phases of industry. This charter was placed in the cornerstone of the 1888 Fannin County Courthouse.

Fairs were held through 1896, but apparently for some reason the fair was not held for a number of years. The Fannin County Live Stock and Poultry Association was organized in 1921 and in 1925 spacious and suitable buildings were erected.

The City of Bonham secured new fair grounds and built two buildings north of the high school – one for agriculture and the other a livestock pavilion.

This was on north Main Street where L.H. Rather Jr. High and the football field are now located.

In 1927 and then also in 1928 a wedding was held each year at the Fair. A lucky couple was selected and the event was wildly popular, in 1928 drawing a crowd of 8,000. Local merchants provided lots of gifts to the lucky couple.

In 1933 over 10,000 people attended the first day. The estimated attendance in 1934 was from 30,000 to 40,000.

In 1939 a proposal was made for a new fair grounds to be built by the WPA at a fifty-three square acre site with a race track and grandstands, rodeo and buildings.

In 1940 there was a Fair bond election for $20,000. It was approved by a 6-1 majority (352-55).

In 1940 the Fair buildings were razed to make room for the new football stadium.

There were no fairs during the war years.

The Fair returned in 1946, with Sam Rayburn leading the opening parade for the 14th annual fair. The Fair was then located in north Bonham where Bonham Building Supply is now. The Fairgrounds extended back east to where the Pound and Fire Training grounds are and north to all the buildings now on the north side of Industrial Street.

In 1950 a square dance contest was slated for the last night of the fair, with 50 or 60 squares slated to enter. There was a 25 lap stock car race on the track just west of the rodeo arena. The Veterans Vocation School had one of the largest exhibits.

In 1952 the County Fair was cancelled.

The City, which owned the buildings, had leased the facility to someone else. The City had been paying off the bonds and paid for insurance and upkeep but little income had accrued to the City from the proceeds of the Fair.

For many years there was no Fair.

In 1962 the first annual Fannin County Junior Livestock Show was held. It was hoped it would be the first step toward the revival of the Fannin County Fair.

Then in 1963 the Fair returned and was held at the Armory.

In 1967, as an outgrowth of the Bonham Kiwanis Club’s search for a worthwhile project, a pavilion was built with donations from individuals, businesses and organizations. Of course this pavilion is still in use today
for Trades Day.

The number of events, contests, exhibits and booths that make up the Fair are too numerous to list here. It appears that every year there was a carnival and most years the Fair began with a big parade.

In addition to the agricultural exhibits and events, the Fair had a Princess contest for young girls and a Queen contest for girls from the Fannin County high schools. There was also a pet show, concession and game stands and a carnival. There was a clothing contest and the women’s division included crafts and baked goods.

Most fairs began with a parade. The parades would have bands, floats and riding clubs. The parades might have Boy Scouts and Camp Fire girls.

In 2005 the Fair moved to the Multipurpose Center where it will be held this year, beginning with a big parade.

Last year’s Fair was a great success and was enjoyed by many. Hats off to the very many volunteers who devote so many hours to the Fair. Let’s hope for good weather and enjoy a great fair this year.