THE GREAT GEAUGA COUNTY FAIR BICENTENNIAL ​

In 2022, we are celebrated our Bicentennial fair as the oldest, continuous fair in Ohio and the second oldest, continuous fair in the country. We thank all the volunteers, staff, and guests who have helped make our fair great. We added a day to commemorate the 200th fair - kicking off on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. 

2022 was our 200th fair

During the Bicentennial fair we added an additional day with the Bicentennial activities and ribbon cutting taking place on the Wednesday. 

The Bicentennial Fair celebration kicked off with the ribbon cutting in the Main Grandstand. That day we also offered free gate admission to the public to enjoy all the fair has to offer - rides, fair food, commercial vendors, over 5,000 animal exhibits, and over 15,000 static exhibits plus free live music and shows.

To close the day we welcomed Tracy Byrd for a free country music concert in the Main Grandstand with opening act THW. We ended the day with a beautiful fireworks display.

Full Schedule for Opening Day

Why did we celebrate our 200th fair in 2022?

We know it sounds confusing that our Bicentennial Fair is 1823-2022 but there's a reason. It’s not a birthday or an anniversary - we are celebrating the 200th annual fair. It’s an event. The first fair was held in October of 1823. So you have to count that as one. If 1823 was one then 1832 is the 10th fair. We know that our count hasn't always been accurate like when the centennial fair was celebrated in 1931 because they forgot to celebrate earlier in 1922. In our effort to start plans for the Bicentennial, we have scoured over documents and fair memorabilia to bring our history to life. We hope this explanation helps! 

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An Early Fair History and Geauga County
In 1798, the Thomas Umberfield family from Connecticut moved into Geauga County by ox-cart and settled in what s now Burton. This was the first known settlement fin the county. 

In 1823, Dr. Eben Hunt, who had purchased a large tract of land from the Connecticut Land Co where the township of Huntsburg now stands, was largely instrumental in the formation of "The Geauga Co. Agricultural and Manufacturing Society," the forerunner of the present "Fair Board." The original meeting setting up the Society was on Jan 15, 2823 and the first fair was held Oct 23, 1823.

Press Releases for Bicentennial

1927 Fairbook - "Suppose, Mr. Speeder" Poem

Suppose that your child should leave it own yard
For a romp, or in search of a ball,
If its mother were busy, or had not the time
To step out and give it a call;
Suppose that some speeder should race down your street, 
As though he were taking a dare, 
And crush the life out of your little child--
Mr. Speeder, do you think you would care?

Suppose that your mother were crossing the street--
And some reckless driver should knock her aside,
Leaving her lifeless and cold.
Could you find an excuse for this careless act?
Would you really think it were fair?
Now putting yourself in this fellow's place,
Mr. Speeder, do you think you would care?

Suppose that a loved one you hold very dear
Were the victim of some speeders game
And he lay in his bed, just day after day,
All crippled and helpless and lame;
Suppose that he could never walk any more,
No longer your pleasures could share,
Just lie there and suffer Ann day out,
Mr Speeder, do you think you would care?

Oh! How little you think of the other man's pain
In your lawless pleasure and greed;
How little you care what it cost someone else
When you drive at your deer double speed.
Should this trouble occur in your family someday,
For you and your loved ones to share,
You'll lessen your speed, and you'll take time to think --
And then, Mr speeder, you'll care.

​--Author Unknown