A Night at the County Fair

Antelope County Fair 

A county fair is a celebration of agriculture, competition, and education. Today, county fairs provide educational activities to help today's consumers understand the importance of agriculture, livestock, and horticulture. County fairs have given rural communities the chance to celebrate their hard work and achievements.  

The Antelope County Fair has gathered people in celebration for over a hundred and thirty-five years as the first fair was held in 1883, two miles east of Neligh, Nebraska. There has not been much information regarding the early years of the fair recorded, only that financial and economic issues caused the fair to discontinue in the late 1890s. 

County Fair in 1928

However in 1914, the fair was held again. This time at Riverside Park. Memberships for the fair were sold for $2 a piece. In the 1920's more activities that we recognize today were added to the celebration. For example community involvement began with a concert performed by school band members, horse races and tricks, a ballgame, a carnival and tent, Ferris wheels, and bingo. 

Initially there was an "open air" grandstand for spectators to view the various activities. As more people were drawn to the fair, the need for expansion led to the building of a pavilion for spectators in 1917. In 1919 the fairgrounds purchased more land east of the park and remodeled the area, moving other buildings to extra ground so that space for pens and crowds could gather. During this time membership costs increased five times, as the new membership price was $10. 

In 1928 a beauty contest and car race were added to the fair agenda, and drew in an even larger crowd. Neligh held the record for the fastest half-mile dirt track in the state of Nebraska. According to Ruth Wagner's article regarding the county fair, racers came from places all across the United States like New York, Florida, and California to partake in competitions. 

1912 Antelope County Fair 

Youth involvement increased in 1927 as 4-H clubs were organized in the county, and are today the primary exhibitors at the county fair. They participate in showing livestock, sewing, crafting art projects, baking, growing vegetables, and other activities.

Today, the fair's activities still gathers the people of Antelope County. Major activities include Bull Riding, the Demolition Derby, a Tractor Pull, and a performance by a country music star. The fair, typically held at the end of July, is a great way to celebrate and give back to our community.

 A special thanks to the work of Ruth Wagner whose article regarding the County Fair and Agricultural Association from the "Antelope County History" book helped with historical dates from this post.