The 15 Oldest County Fairs in the United States

The York State Fair is one of Pennsylvania's premier county fairs, a ten-day late-July through August celebration drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the York Fairgrounds — one of the oldest and grandest fair venues in the commonwealth. With roots going back to 1765, it's among Pennsylvania's oldest continuously held fairs.

The Brooklyn Fair is one of the oldest continuously running fairs in America, celebrating over 215 years of agricultural tradition in northeastern Connecticut. The fair traces back to 1809, making it one of Connecticut's longest-running agricultural traditions. Organized by the Windham County Agricultural Society, this beloved fair draws visitors from across New England for a long weekend of authentic rural New England fair traditions.

The Delaware County Fair is one of Ohio's largest and oldest county fairs, with roots going back to 1816. Held north of Columbus, it draws upwards of 400,000 visitors over its week-long run. The fair is nationally famous as the home of the Little Brown Jug — one of harness racing's Triple Crown races — drawing 35,000 to 40,000 spectators on Little Brown Jug Thursday alone.

The Wayne County Fair in Wooster is one of Ohio's oldest, dating to 1818. With roots going back to 1818, it's among Ohio's oldest continuously held fairs. Set in the heart of Ohio's Amish country, the fair reflects the deep agricultural traditions of one of the state's top dairy counties. Harness racing draws a strong following at the fair.

The Topsfield Fair is one of America's oldest agricultural fairs, established in 1818 by the Essex Agricultural Society — the same year as the Skowhegan State Fair in Maine. Its history stretches back to 1818, placing it among Massachusetts's oldest agricultural fairs. Held annually at the Topsfield Fairgrounds in Essex County, this 11-day fair is a beloved North Shore of Massachusetts tradition drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each October.

The Skowhegan State Fair is the oldest continuously running agricultural fair in the United States, established in 1818 — making it a living piece of American history. Dating to 1818, it ranks among Maine's oldest agricultural fairs. Held every August at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds along the Kennebec River, this nationally recognized fair has set the standard for agricultural exhibitions for over two centuries.

The Erie County Fair in Hamburg is one of the largest county fairs in the United States, drawing over a million visitors to Western New York for twelve days of spectacular entertainment, livestock, and fair fun. It's been held since 1820, one of New York's most enduring county fair traditions.

The Geauga County Fair in Burton is one of the oldest continuously operating county fairs in Ohio, with a history stretching back to 1823. It's been held since 1823, one of Ohio's most enduring county fair traditions. Set in the maple syrup country of the Western Reserve, it draws visitors from across northeastern Ohio. The fair features harness racing as part of its lineup.

The Monroe County Fair in Rochester celebrates the Flower City and the birthplace of Kodak — Rochester was home to George Eastman (Eastman Kodak), Frederick Douglass (who published The North Star here), Susan B. With roots going back to 1823, it's among New York's oldest continuously held fairs. Anthony (who was arrested here for voting), and the Erie Canal barge trade that made the city the "Young Lion of the West." The county's apple orchards and Lake Ontario fruit belt come together at a major Western New York fair.

The Oakland County Fair in Davisburg is a ten-day mid-July celebration in the heart of metro Detroit's northern suburbs, one of Michigan's largest county fairs drawing hundreds of thousands from southeastern Michigan's most affluent county. The fair traces back to 1830, making it one of Michigan's longest-running agricultural traditions.

The Butler County Fair is one of the oldest in southwestern Ohio, held annually in Hamilton. Dating to 1835, it ranks among Ohio's oldest agricultural fairs. It draws families from across the region for a week of agriculture, harness racing, and classic fair entertainment.

The Clermont County Fair in Owensville draws from one of the fastest-growing counties in the Cincinnati metro area, blending suburban energy with a strong agricultural tradition in the rolling hills east of Cincinnati. Founded in 1835, it stands as one of Ohio's most enduring agricultural fair traditions.

The Boone County Fair in Columbia celebrates the home of the University of Missouri — MU's College of Agriculture has deep roots in Missouri farming, and Boone County's diverse agricultural base of cattle, corn, soybeans, and horses comes together at a well-organized fair serving one of Missouri's most educated and diverse communities. It's been held since 1835, one of Missouri's most enduring county fair traditions.

The Lorain County Fair in Wellington has been a summer staple in northeastern Ohio since 1835, making it one of the state's oldest county fairs. Founded in 1835, it stands as one of Ohio's most enduring agricultural fair traditions. Harness racing is a featured event.

The Wood County Fair in Bowling Green is one of northwestern Ohio's premier summer events, drawing visitors from across the region. Its history stretches back to 1837, placing it among Ohio's oldest agricultural fairs. Harness racing draws a strong following at the fair.