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TRADITIONS The Sesquicentennial for the founding of Ross County was a part of the 1948 fair. The Nathaniel Massie plaque (now located on the south wall of the Courthouse) was dedicated. The new Junior Fair building that was built in the shape of an "H" was completed, and new power lines were installed for the increasing demands. Five new steel buildings were erected, but the traffic jam was still a headache for the Fair board. Twenty concessionaires provided goodies for the 1949 fair. Due to the polio scare, many fairs were forced to shut down, but with Ross County, it was business as usual. Pari-mutuel betting was the new feature at the horse races, and farmers were encouraged to "electrify" their farms. The first pay telephone on the fairgrounds was installed. The 1950 fair admitted school children free the first two days because of the educational value. A kindergarten area was set up where young children could be left in capable hands sponsored by the Ross County Nurses Association. A large number of animals were on display, and a Junior Fair office was established in the Junior Fair building. The HAP contest based on health, achievement, and personality was a big feature. In 1951, the Grange Band provided entertainment along with the Adelphi Band which had provided entertainment since the fair's beginning. This fair was billed "Ohio's Greatest". The race track was upgraded to include a starter's platform. 4-H was celebrating 50 years at the 1952 Ross County Fair. Almost 500 boys and girls enrolled in the county program. "I bawling for a new barn," was the slogan of the fair at the livestock barns. There were placards placed on cattle that read "You can help build a new Junior Fair Livestock Barn." The only "slight" mishap occurred as a pilot, while dusting crops, smashed into a fence at the fairgrounds, but no one was hurt. The 1953 fair, known as Ross County's Sesquicentennial Fair, boasted a new livestock building built by 4-H members, advisors and farmers. In 1954, weather played havoc with the fair. Heat caused the death of at least two hogs and a storm kept the Highway Department, County Garage and Federal Reformatory busy cleaning up. The tractor pulling contest was a new event this year. The first Junior Fair Queen's contest debuted in 1955. This fair had the largest tent ever erected on a county fairgrounds in Ohio. And this fair, like others, had its weather woes. Tents were damaged in a storm on Sunday, and a second storm on Monday tore down the Big Top. For the second day in succession, the poultry and rabbit tent was upset and animals mixed up so badly that judging had to be suspended since owners were unable to identify their entries. One mammoth tent was saved from being blown down as 50 men were on hand to bear down on the poles. Cooking was the dominant theme of the 1956 fair as the first 4-H bake-off was held at the YMCA. Cooking demonstrations and a cooking school were offered. The 1957 fair had grandstand entertainers such as a Western Horse Show, Dance and Figure Skating by the Skate-A-Way Roller Rink, the Yellowbud band and Midwestern Hayride Show. A helicopter was on the hand to give 17 minute air tours until it crashed in an attempt to take off and hit four parked cars. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The first annual horseshoe pitch was held. The 1958 fair was traditionally the same, especially with the weather. Saturday of the fair ended in mud, but according to the treasurer, the mud was black... not red. After the devastating 1959 flood in Chillicothe and surrounding areas, everyone was looking forward to a good time at the fair. The fair saw the display of one of the largest swine shows in Ohio with over 300 head of swine. In 1960, the grandstand highlights were Dr. W.W. Anderson, world's greatest hypnotist, tractor pulling and harness racing. The new livestock show ring was ready for use and the Daughters of Union Veterans presented a new 50 star flag to the fair board.
SNAFUS,
NEW EVENTS AND MORE GROWTH Certificates worth $15,000 showered the crowd at the fairgrounds on Chillicothe Day. A rocket blasted off and let go of 6,959 certificates good for merchandise or attractive discounts on items carried by local merchants. However, the rocket ended up being one-half mile off target. A second rocket was put into the air with better luck. A model bomb shelter was built by the Ross County Civil Defense and was stocked with provisions and other supplies to last up to 14 days. The Junior Leaders were quite busy with their duties operating the 4-H Dairy Bar that was in the Commercial Building. In 1962, few changes occurred with the exception of the new $18,000 grandstand being dedicated at the horse show. Another big storm in 1963 destroyed the horse tent beyond repair. Harness racing had to be cancelled and there was a decline in attendance. William Harsha, U.S. Congressman, did visit this fair. In 1964, the camping area became known as "Tent City" because 75 units of every description were visible. Next year, water and electricity would be available to the tents. Another big storm in 1965. This time, it struck a barn and melted the ring of a bull's nose that was tied to a steel grinder. The bull was unconscious for several hours. In 1966, most of the fair activities remained the same, and in 1967, the Ross County Clerks and Trustees had a booth at the fair and were the first to do this in Ohio. The fairs of 1969 through 1973 were equally successful. More camping units were added each year, but the county's mind seemed to be on the landing of the moon, the Manson murders, and the Vietnam War. A pet show was added, and the first woman competed in the demolition derby. In 1974, the fair was extended to six days and showed improvements in the form of lighting, new barns, a mobile stage, and expansion of the campsite area. Politics seemed to be the theme of this fair as Senator John Glenn visited the grounds and the Ross county deputies had to escort members of the National Socialist White Peoples' Party from the fairgrounds. Their booth was open two days, but after much heckling from bystanders, they asked to be escorted out. Another political note: Nixon resigned. The tobacco spitting contest was an addition in 1975, and in 1976, a competition for men only was the fullest beard, best goatee, and the fullest mustache. There was a "Pack the Pinto" contest in 1977, which was to see who could get the most people weighing the most number of pounds into a Pinto (automobile). Community organizations were more involved in the fair and the Ross County Fire and Rescue helped with the emergencies, vets assisted with livestock, and the grounds were cleaned by the Scioto Trail Youth Conservation Corps. At the demolition derby, there was even a wedding! Only at the Ross County Fair! |
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ADMISSION General
Admission Daily
gate Grandstand
Admission |
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