About
What was originally called the Clearfield County Fair and Industrial Exhibition began with the organization of the Clearfield County Agricultural Society in 1852. In 1854, the society was chartered. After Clearfield and neighboring Curwensville held a contest to determine who would host the Fair, plans materialized in October of 1860. Clearfield won the contest by raising more subscription money. Clearfield has been the site ever since, except in 1895 and 1896, when Grampian was used so that a track would be available for harness racing. In 1870, the Clearfield Driving Park became the permanent fair grounds. In the early 1900's the Fair was held irregularly however, 1925 had erected two permanent buildings, the grandstand and the exposition hall.
The 1930's brought some problems and some lasting changes. The 1934 four-day Fair endured the crash of the stock market, but the 1935 Fair was suspended, due to economic conditions. Then, in 1937, the James E. Strates Shows made their first of thirty some appearances on the midway. It started a tradition for many years to watch them load their show back on the train in downtown Clearfield after the Fair was over. ln l938,at the request of the Agricultural Society, the Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department took over management of the Fair. In 1938, the Fair lasted a full week and the first fireman's parade passed in front of the grandstand. The Fair was held the fifth full week before Labor Day and has been held the same week ever since.
