Why does fair history matter?
Fair records show what a county grew, what it valued and how it changed. Old premium books list the classes people entered, and ribbons and photographs show who was there. These pieces help families, students and researchers understand a place.
Many general histories describe how fairs grew from agricultural gatherings into broader community events. For sourced reading, see the history pages kept by extension offices and reference works, and ask your local library what it holds about your own fair.
Fair history is also personal. A single ribbon can connect a grandchild to a grandparent who won it. When you collect an item, record who owned it, what it meant and when it was earned, because the story is what turns an object into history.
- Premium books and programs
- Photographs and film
- Ribbons, trophies and posters
- Minutes and financial records
What should be kept?
Printed programs, premium books, entry forms, posters, photographs, board minutes, ledgers, newspaper clippings and letters are all useful. Physical objects such as banners, trophies and tools add context. Ask any longtime volunteer what is stored in a barn or an attic.
Not everything needs to be kept forever. Archivists suggest keeping items that show decisions, change and community voice. If you are unsure, ask a historian, librarian or archivist before discarding anything.
Digital copies help, but they do not replace the original. File formats change, and storage devices fail. Keep more than one copy in more than one place, and give your local library or archive a copy if they are willing to take it.
How do you store records safely?
Paper does best in a cool, dry, clean space, away from sunlight, damp, insects and heat. Plastic sleeves and boxes labeled for archival storage are better than cardboard from a basement. Never use tape or glue on an old document.
State archives, libraries and historical societies often publish simple guides on caring for paper and photographs. Ask them for help before you start a project. Many offer workshops.
- Cool, dry, dark storage
- Archival folders and boxes
- No tape, glue or staples
- Label with names, dates and places
How do you capture oral history?
Older fairgoers and volunteers carry memories that are not written anywhere. A short, kind interview can record them. Ask permission, explain how the recording will be used and let the person choose what to share.
Write down the speaker's name, the date and the place. Keep the questions open, such as what did the fair look like when you were a child. Offer a copy of the recording to the speaker and to a local archive.
What about buildings and grounds?
Old barns, halls and grandstands are part of a fair's character, and they can be costly to maintain. Preservation groups, state historic offices and county governments sometimes offer advice or funding for historic structures.
Ask the fair office about the age and condition of its buildings, and whether a preservation plan exists. If you want to help, ask about a work day or a friends group.
Hold a clean up day with care. Volunteers can clear a building, but they should set aside papers and objects for review rather than throwing them away. A box marked review later protects things you might otherwise lose.
How can you share the story?
Fairs can hold small exhibits, display a timeline in the exhibit hall or publish stories in the premium book. Students and youth groups often like projects that connect them with older neighbors.
Credit the sources. If a story comes from a person, name them with their permission. If it comes from a document, name the archive. Treat claims about firsts and records with care, and ask for the source.
How do you start?
Pick one small step, such as gathering old programs into a box or interviewing one longtime volunteer. Tell the fair office what you are doing and ask whether you can store the material safely.
Invite others to join. A small group with a shared folder, a calendar and one regular meeting can accomplish a great deal in a year.
Ask whether your state has a historic preservation office. Some provide grants, workshops or advice on old buildings, and they can tell you whether your grounds qualify for any programs. Contact them with a short description and photos.
Key takeaways
- Fair records show how a community lived and changed.
- Keep programs, photographs, minutes and objects that tell the story.
- Store paper cool, dry and away from sunlight, and avoid tape.
- Record oral histories with permission.
- Credit sources and ask for evidence behind big claims.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.