Celebrating 175 Years of Traditions
In 2025, we celebrated 175 years of the Allen County Fair with this special documentary. From our beginnings to today, explore the moments and memories that shaped this Lima, Ohio tradition—then scroll below to see our story through the decades.
1850s – 1860s The Fair Is Born
1851 marks the beginning of a lasting Allen County tradition.
January 11, 1851: The Allen County Agricultural Society is formed in Lima.
October 21, 1851: The first Allen County Fair is held as a one-day event on the Jacobs (Faurot) Farm along the Ottawa River.
Fairs expand to two days annually, continuing at the same location through 1855.
1860: The Agricultural Society reorganizes after a five-year absence.
Two-day fairs resume at the Faurot Farm through 1866.
1867: The fair relocates to the J.B. Roberts Farm, later known as the Lima Driving Park.
1870s – 1890s Growth at the Driving Park
The fair establishes long-term stability and growth.
The 30-acre Roberts Farm site is rented until 1881, when it is officially purchased.
Ticket sales and memberships are introduced.
Harness racing becomes a major attraction, helping draw larger crowds.
1897–1902: Five consecutive rainy fairs cause severe financial losses.
1903: Property is sold to the Lima Driving Park with a 20-year lease retained.
Legendary harness horse Dan Patch sets a track record at the fair in 1903.
1900s & 1910s A Racing Destination
The Lima Driving Park era reaches its peak.
The half-mile track is considered among the best in the nation.
Nationally known harness, automobile, and motorcycle races are featured.
1921: The final Allen County Fair is held at the Driving Park.
1920s The Delphos Street Fair Era
A new home brings a new fair experience.
1922: The fair moves to Main Street in Delphos.
Operates as a street fair and becomes known as the Allen County / Tri-County Fair.
1930s & 1940s Investing in Youth
The Junior Fair is born.
1937: The Junior Fair is officially established.
Youth education and participation become central to the fair’s mission.
Increasing livestock numbers create challenges on city streets.
1948: Delphos voters determine the fair can no longer operate downtown.
1949: The fair moves to temporary Showgrounds in Lima.
- 35 acres, 80,000 square feet under canvas.
- Junior Fair Board is organized.
1950s A Permanent Home
The modern fairgrounds take shape.
1950: 80 acres purchased east of Lima — today’s fairgrounds.
The fair debuts as “Tent City,” with only a Quonset hut on site.
Utilities, fencing, lighting, and roads are installed.
First permanent barn built in 1951, launching decades of construction.
Racetrack and grandstand added; harness racing returns.
1960s Building Momentum
Facilities expand to meet growing demand.
New barns and exhibition buildings added throughout the decade.
The fair continues to grow in size, attendance, and reputation.
1970s Expansion & Modern Design
Land donations and major renovations reshape the grounds.
1973: Jack Roschman donates 30 acres.
1976–1978: Three-phase renovation introduces:
- New entrances and roadways
- A redesigned midway with paved “boulevard” layout
- Decorative lighting and landscaping
1980s Entertainment Takes Center Stage
National acts elevate the fair experience.
1981: Gospel Singing Tent becomes a beloved tradition.
Horse Barn construction begins in 1983.
National music acts significantly boost attendance and visibility.
1990s Administration & Identity
The fair modernizes operations and branding.
1990: Horse Barn project completed.
1993: New Administration Building opens.
1997: Official fair mascot Moorice is introduced.
Continued infrastructure upgrades improve guest experience.
2000s Honoring the Past, Hosting the Future
The fairgrounds become a year-round destination.
2000: Hall of Fame opens.
2001: Walk of Honor is added.
New barns and properties expand fairground capacity.
Grounds host events beyond the fair, including races, markets, and shows.
2010s The Digital Era
Technology transforms the fair experience.
Online ticketing and digital entries were introduced.
New pavilions and entertainment spaces added.
Digital marquees were installed in 2018 and 2020.
2020s Records, Resilience & 175 Years
A historic milestone for Allen County.
2020: Concerts paused due to COVID-19; Bright Nights launched.
2023: Record-setting sold-out concert (Hardy).
2024–2025: New arenas, buildings, and the Moorice Sculpture unveiled.
2025: The Allen County Fair celebrates its 175th Anniversary.
The Allen County Fair has developed a reputation for offering the best nationally known music and entertainment acts during the fair.
Enjoy this list of grandstand entertainment from the last seven decades!
1963: Minnie Pearl
1964: Roy Acuff and Smokey / Mountain Boys & Grandpa Jones
1965: Bobby Vinton
1966: Jo Ann Castle / Myron Floren (Lawrence Welk Show)
1967: Larry Hooper / Jack Imel (Lawrence Welk Show)
1968: Tex Ritter
1973: Lorretta Lynn
1974: Dolly Parton
1977: Lorretta Lynn
1978: Conway Twitty
1979: Tammy Wynette
1980: Lorretta Lynn
1981: Statler Brothers
1982: Barbara Mandrell
1982: Pure Praire League
1983: Oak Ridge Boys
1983: Louise Mandrell
1984: Statler Bros.
1985: Tom Jones
1986: Ricky Scaggs canceled / T.G. Sheppard performed
1987: Marie Osmond / Randy Travis – Randy Travis was sick during the Fair/ Performed Sept. 24
1988: Reba McEntire
1989: George Jones / The Forrester Sisters
1990: Alabama
1991: Kenny Rogers / Michelle Wright
1992: Alabama
1993: Billy Ray Cyrus
1994: Alan Jackson
1994: Sawyer Brown / Diamond Rio
1995: Vince Gill
1995: Little Texas / Aaron Tippen
1996: Brooks and Dunn / David Lee Murphy
1996: Michael W. Smith
1997: John Michael Montgomery
1997: Bill Cosby
1998: Sammy Kershaw / Bryan White / LeeAnn Womack
1998: Ted Nugent
1999: Trace Adkins / Aaron Tippen / Lila McCann
1999: Def Leppard
2000: Brooks and Dunn / Andy Griggs
2000: Savage Garden
2001: Alabama (Rained Out)
2001: Ted Nugent
2002: Alabama
2002: Styx / REO Speedwagon
2003: Martina McBride
2003: Sugar Ray / Uncle Kracker
2004: ZZ Top
2004: Travis Tritt / Chris LeDoux
2005: Meat Loaf
2005: Phil Vassar / Sugarland / Nashville Star Tour – Erica Jo, Jason Meadows, Jayron Williams & Jody Evans
2006: Big & Rich / Cowboy Troy
2006: Trace Atkins / Chris Agle
2007: Hinder / Papa Roach / Buckcherry / Revelation Theory
2007: Montgomery Gentry / Shooter Jennigs
2008: Gretchen Wilson
2008: Lynyard Skynyrd
2008: Skillet
2009: Garry Allan / Billy Currington / Randy Houser
2010: Bret Michaels / Firehouse
2010: Jason Aldean / Uncle Kracker
2011: Big Time Rush / New Hollow
2011: Seether / Finger Eleven / Blackstone Cherry
2012: Victoria Justice / Max Schneider
2012: Dierks Bentley / Jon Pardi
2013: Austin Mahone / Bridgit Mendler
2013: Josh Turner / Thompson Square
2014: Toby Keith / Jon Pardi
2015: Lady Antebellum / Sam Hunt
2016: Nelly / Sean Kingston
2016: Rascal Flatts / Kelsea Ballerini
2017: Dustin Lynch / Neal McCoy
2017: Jeremy Camp
2018: Darci Lynn & Friends
2019: Kane Brown & Seaforth
2020: COVID19 – No Concert
2021: Brad Paisley
2022: Chris Young / Breland
2023: Hardy – Sold out in 15 minutes. Fair Record
2024: Brothers Osborne / Corey Kent
2025: Lauren Daigle / Franni Cash
The current fairgrounds was 80 acre and was purchased in 1950. It has now grown to over 125 acres.
In 1950 - 5 acres was leased to the Lima Athletic Club and a ballpark was constructed which seated 2,750 spectators. A small Quonset Hut was the only building on the fairgrounds. It served as the office. Each building listed below was added to the fairgrounds along with major improvements and the year the project was completed.
Beef Barn (1951)
Racetrack (1952)
Youth Exhibits Building (1952)
Merchants Building (1953)
Speed Barns (1953)
Two Swine Barns (one of which was originally used for sheep) (1953)
Agriculture/Fine Arts Building (1954)
Pony Barn (1955)
Dairy Barn (1956)
Rabbit/Poultry Barn (1957)
Lights on the Track (1957)
Grandstand (1958)
Hog Barn Additions (1959)
Perry Kitchen (1960)
Sheep Barn (1963)
Roschman Park (1973)
Parimutuel Building (1977)
Youth Activities Building (1978)
Original Maintenance Building (Now Electrical) (1980)
Bath Wildcat Den (1982)
Jr. Fair Horse Barn (1990)
Grandstand Plaza (1991)
Midway Restrooms (1992)
Administration Office (1993)
VIP Deck (1997)
Rabbit Barn & Brick Planters (1999)
Acquired Steiner Barn & Property (2001)
Hall of Fame (2000)
Walk of Honor (2001)
Sheep & Goat Barn (2007)
Schmidthorst Pavilion (2010)
Digital Marquees (2018 & 2020)
Bright Nights (2020)
Nutrien Plaza Stage (2023)
Sheep & Goat Show Arena (2024)
Maintenance Building (2024)
Moorice Sculpture (2025)