Fair links generations

Whether competing or just enjoying food, amusements and community connections, Wayne County 4-H Fair is a tradition for many families.

Organizers are hoping to gather their stories and items for display as the June 20-27 fair celebrates local and national milestones.

Along with America’s 250th birthday, 2026 marks 175 years of fairs in the county and 50 of those years at the current fairgrounds, 861 N. Salisbury Road in Richmond. Damage from a tornado or windstorm in 1976 prompted the fair to move from Centerville to its current site.

Fair Chairperson Sandy House is excited to reflect on the event’s past for a stronger future.

“Fairs are still the heartbeat of America in my opinion, and have been for a long time,” she said.

She notes the event’s rich local history that traces as far back as 1851, although the 4-H organization isn’t that old. House marvels at those who took a train ride or walked long distances to attend.

With help from local historians, House has been digging through files to learn more about the fair’s history.

She is curious to find which families showed at the first fair and if they have any descendants currently involved. At least five generations of her own family have shown at the fair.

House said people originally went to fairs for entertainment and to learn, and she hopes both are still taking place.

In 1880, family tickets cost $1.50 to see livestock, goods and agricultural advances. Those tickets would cost $48.56 by today’s estimates.

However, current organizers have kept attendance costs low to make the event widely accessible. Parking on the grounds is $7 per vehicle per day or $20 per weekly pass. Those who park across the road can walk in for $3 per person. Those who enter early pay no entry fee at all. Parking is free until 4 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday.

Some might not realize that today’s fairs continue to serve as economic boosters, House said, benefiting the community as they enlist local and regional vendors and connect them with customers. Many businesses appear annually, such as Milton-based Poor Jack Amusements, which has participated for about 60 years.

House says the fair still provides pride in a community that was a national leader in farm implements.

She also views it as a happy place where people can get outdoors and away from daily stresses. Fairs can help promote a sense of community and mental health services for farmers, who face high suicide rates.

House believes in all those missions, having devoted many volunteer hours over more than 30 years. First serving as the fair’s photographer for more than 15 years, she became the chairperson in 2004. 

Today, she leads a small village in organizing the annual event and seeks more people to join the board.

“My grandkids said they will take over, but the eldest is 10,” said House jokingly.

House said everyone can find something to enjoy during the week, from a bake-off to learning about gardening and embroidery or checking out food trucks and animal shows. 

“We’re a Netflix,” House said, noting the variety of cattle, carnival games and home improvement vendors to appeal to a wide variety of guests. “Toddlers to seniors can enjoy it and learn something.”