History - Macon County Fair & Event Facilities

1856

The Decatur-Macon County Fair Began.

The first fair was held on October 9 – 10 in 1856. They continued until 1884, county fairs were held each year. The buildings erected in 1857 for the Macon County Agricultural Society included an amphitheater with 5,000 seating capacity, Farm Products Hall, Mechanical and Industrial Hall, Fine Arts Hall and stalls for 500 cattle and pens for 500
hogs.

Thru 1884

The old County Fair had been held in what is now Fairview Park. Four state fairs were held in 1863, 1864, 1869 and 1870.

1903

The city of Decatur purchased the ground from the County. Additions to the park in the past 35 years have increased it to 120 acres.

Fairlawn Park

40 acres, 1 ½ miles west of the city. Some years ago when the county fair was an annual attraction, the county through the board of supervisors purchased this tract for a fairground. Later the fairs were abandoned and the park leased this land to the city for 30 years. It took affect in 1890.

1920’s

The Fairgrounds were on a large tract northeast of the intersection of old Route 36 & Wyckles Road. The grounds included a racetrack, a grandstand and coliseum.

1945 – 1954

The Fair was held in Big Creek Park.

Since 1954

The fairgrounds have been on the County Fairgrounds Northwest of Decatur. 50 acres, 18 buildings and one of the state’s best ½ mile racetracks.

City of Decatur

Annexed the fair at an unknown date.