Lane County Fair History
  On September 25, 1884, the public responded favorably to the first three-day Lane County Fair under the sponsorship of the Lane County Agricultural Society.
  J.B. Rhinehard created additions to the building on the corner of Ninth & Oak Streets in Eugene to facilitate exhibition space for agricultural products, handiwork, baked goods, machinery and manufactured goods. Exhibits were enhanced by newly installed electric lamps. Livestock stalls were prepared in the western part of the city adjacent to a track for the popular horse and bicycle races. September 25, 1884, marked opening day with over 2,000 entries.
  The Oregon and California Railroad Company promoted special round trip fares to Eugene from Salem, Roseburg, Harrisburg, Junction City Irving, Springfield, Goshen, Creswell, Cottage Grove and Latham. This contributed greatly to the success of the first Lane County Fair in 1884.
  The fair of 1885 was held at the end of September and lasted four days. Five thousand people watched the Saturday afternoon parade of horses, hogs, sheep and cattle. The racetrack was still a popular favorite and amateur cyclists from all over the state performed.
  The 1886 fair opened September 22 with heavy rains that kept the crowds small. By Friday the clouds disappeared and fair attendance grew.
  The 1887 fair lasted eight days in September with perfect weather for the outdoor concerts.
  The 1888 fair lasted seven days in September and hay and stalls were furnished free for the livestock on the Agricultural Society's grounds at the west end of town. This fair was labeled a success, its exhibits superior and the attendance excellent. It also marked the end of Lane County's annual fair until 1909, 21 years later. Reasons surrounding the demise of the Lane County Fair are not conclusive. However, the Rhinehart buildings were converted to other uses and were not available for fair use.
  As well, the 1893 act of the Oregon Legislature established a number of district agricultural societies in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties. This act became official January 1, 1894 and the Governor appointed one member for each of the three counties. This created the first Annual Exhibit of the Second Southern Oregon District Agricultural Society near Roseburg. One year later, the Lane County Agricultural Society was disbanded as advertisements circulated throughout Lane County announcing the Second District fairs. Racehorse owners were encouraged to attend the speed program.
  In September of 1902, merchants in Eugene held a street fair and carnival. There was criticism of the street fair because it featured few agricultural and livestock exhibits. The Junction City Times suggested that the street fair be merged into a county fair.
  In 1903, the legislature expanded the Second Oregon Agricultural Society District to include Lane County and provided for county representation on the Fair Board. The society for the Second District voted to hold its 1903 fair in Eugene at Bangs Park. It featured pseudo Wild West performances with 50 Native Americans and 125 ponies. Schools were dismissed and children were admitted free. The horse races attracted 1,200 to 1,500 people each day.
  The site changed from Roseburg to Eugene was considered such a success that the fair of 1904 was also hosted in Eugene. The printed list of premiums ran to 74 pages. Only the racing events were held at Bangs Park. The exhibits were displayed in the Eugene Armory on 7th Street and the Midway shows were set up on nearby streets.
  On February 22, 1908, the Lane County Agricultural Society was authorized to promote agricultural, horticultural and industrial development in the county and to hold and conduct fairs for the exhibition of the resources and products of the County and the State of Oregon. Capital stock was sold and the Society purchased the present fairgrounds from Samantha A. Huddleston, widow of James Huddleston. This purchase included 57 acres for approximately $10.00. The sale of stocks also financed construction of a pavilion and grandstands. The wiring brought 10,000 watts of electricity to the grounds and was completed just in time to open the fair on September 8, 1909. The horse races were viewed from the new grandstands was a strong drawing card for fairgoers.
  In 1909, Lane County's association with the Second District Agricultural Society ended. The newly incorporated Lane County Agricultural Society appointed a fair board that set September 21-24, 1910 to be the first fair held by the Society.
  Featured at the fair was unique collection of 167 varieties of butterflies from all over the world by George W. Taylor.
  Huge grange floats were decorated with corn stalks and various grains. After the parade, 400 people gathered in the grandstands where University of Oregon President Prince L. Campbell, gave the welcoming speech.
  Saturday was designated at Children's Day and Springfield's Day. Close to 1,000 children were admitted free to the fair.
  The best exhibits of the 1910 fair were sent to Portland for the Lane County display in the Chamber of Commerce Building as an advertisement for Lane County.
  The early history of the Lane County Fair ends with the 1910 fair. It marks the end of pioneer fairs and the beginning of our modern day fairs.