History of the Clinton County Fair

1833
Eli Gaskill, Clinton County’s representative to the Ohio Legislature, sponsored legislation passed on February 25, 1833, that authorized and encouraged the establishment of agricultural societies within the state. A meeting for organizing in Clinton County was called for the last Friday in June 1833. The Board of Directors met July 28, 1833, voting to have the first fair the last Saturday of October, being October 26, 1833. The Fair featured many types of displays by members, who paid 50 cents for their membership. Premiums were awarded on hogs, sheep, cattle, and on articles manufactured by Agricultural Society Members. The fair was held on land owned by Richard Peirce in Wilmington.

1848
The Agriculture Society was reorganized in 1848. They held a county fair on October 17 and 18, 1848, on the north side of the present 3C highway, east of Wilmington.

1853
In 1853 the fair was moved to the Leo Weltz nursery area (now Peterson Place).

1857
In 1857 the fair was moved to the location where Wilmington College presently exists.