History:

Prior to the 1930's, several fairs were held in Highland County. Earlier fairs had been held in Rainsboro, Greenfield, Hillsboro, and in the southern part of the county at Roberts Park. In the thirties, there was an effort to revive the county fair. In 1937, the Highland County Agricultural Society held a fair in Greenfield, September 21, 22, and 23. In 1938, August 4,5, and 6, a fair was held on the site of Roberts Park, currently the state roadside park located on US Route 62. In 1939, the fair was held Sept. 27, 28, 29 and 30 on the streets of Hillsboro. The fair effort was placed on hold during the WW II years.

In March, 1946, a group of concerned citizens of Highland County formed a "Grounds Committee for Fairgrounds Campaign." They made up the committee with a representative chairman from each of the seventeen townships in the county and any other people interested in starting a county fair in Highland County. In June of 1946, this group of men organized and formed the "Highland County Agricultural Society." They sold Society Memberships for $1.00 a person.

Throughout the history of the Highland County Fair, one of our best successes has been the growth of our Junior Fair. This has provided an opportunity for our young people to participate and to grow into the leaders we need for the future in agriculture, business, government, community, and in the home.