History:
The first Fair held in Fayette County was before World War I, and was a flower and Industrial fair which was sponsored by the La Grange Casino Gesellschaft. This was a small fair, but as it became more popular it outgrew the grounds and the building the building where it was held.
A meeting was held on January 3, 1924, to create the La Grange Fair Association whose purpose was to encourage agriculture and horticulture, and to maintain public fairs and the exhibition of stock and farm products.
The first association sold stock and had 40 members. Its president was H.W.F. Meyer. Since the Fair was growing, a suitable place on which to hold the event was needed. Eighty-one acres was purchased from Alex Von Rosenberg. The annual event is still held on this site which is now owned by the City of La Grange. The land boasts one of the most beautiful views in Fayette County. To the west is the Colorado Valley with green meadows and the Colorado River winding along. To the south, the City of La Grange and the historical Monument Hill can be seen.
Many hours were spent in the early years to get the fairgrounds and buildings built up to where a fair could be held. Some of the early directors in charge were: A.J. Woehl, building contractor for the grounds; C.G. Robson, in charge of the fence and water well committee. Chairman of the concessions and amusements committee was Jake Alexander. M.F. Granville was appointed to see to it that the main buildings were erected. George Hausler was in charge of the roadways leading up to the fairgrounds. William Hermes was the chairman of the horseracing committee and also the construction of the race track. The first gateman was C.G. Franz and B.F. Harigel was publicity chairman. Also, everyone in town helped to make the first fair a good one.
