Looking back: History of the Freeborn County Fair

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, July 1, 2020

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Rides, side shows and other attractions were highlights of the Midway on this Thursday afternoon at the 1968 fair. - Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum

At the 70th annual Freeborn County Fair in 1961, participants enjoyed a lunch break in the picnic area near the cattle barn. - Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum

Automobiles pass through the entrance gate during the 1938 fair. Features of the fair were agricultural exhibits, machinery hill, band concerts, fireworks, Jimmie Lynch (auto stunt show), the Midway and horse races, both harness and runners. - Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum

This aerial view from the 1940s shows the growth and development achieved at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds since 1903. - Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum

In 1912, Art Smith, an aviator from Indiana, made several flights over the fairgrounds and city, circling 500 to 1,000 feet. The “ascensions … were marvels of skillful management and grace … ” - Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum

Described as the best exhibits at the 1906 county fair were the horses, cattle, swine, poultry, fruits and flowers and the machinery on the grounds. Races, a carnival, gymnasts and other performers provided additional entertainment. - Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum

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Looking back by Linda Evenson

The Freeborn County Fair has experienced a long, rich history. The current location on Bridge Avenue was purchased in 1903 as a permanent site for the fairgrounds. In preparation for the 1903 fair, two buildings were erected, and fencing around the race track was completed. Heavy rains for two weeks prior to opening caused the cancellation of the fair. The Sept. 16, 1903, issue of the Freeborn County Standard reported, “County fair … is called off. No fair this year … But never mind, next year is coming and then splendidly we’ll do it.”

In 1912 the Floral Hall was expanded to a 50-by-150-foot building. Items and exhibits featured at the hall were apples, cooking, canned fruits, vegetables, rural school display, art department, dairy, honey and city school work.

Constructed as a W.P.A. project, the new grandstand was dedicated on opening day of the 1940 fair. Gov. Harold E. Stassen spoke at the ceremony. It was a record-breaking day with 30,000 in attendance. The five-day fair featured Entry Day and Governor’s Day; Albert Lea Day and Auto Race Day; Farmers’ Day, Hartland-New Richland and Horse Racing Day; Kids’ Day, Alden-Freeborn Day; and Thrill Day, Radio Day and Emmons-Kiester Day.

The Freeborn County Fair was canceled due to a polio epidemic in 1946. The fair met a similar fate this year.