History:
One of the first farm shows/fairs began in Catharine Township in 1913 and was held at the Yellow Springs School. It was said there was fierce competition between local farmers and sometimes within the family. Exhibits included dairy and livestock as well as other items produced on the local farm and by other members of the community. Some of the families involved in the Catharine Township Farm Show were: William England family, William Hearn family, Edwin Hetrick family and Samuel Mingle family. It is not certain what year the Catharine Township Farm Show ceased operation.
In the late 20’s and during the 1930’s, the Williamsburg Farm Show was held in the Borough of Williamsburg in various locations. Two such locations were the Graziano Building and the Charles Stultz Farm Implement Building. The Clover Creek Grange, the Millie Allison family, and the George Greaser family along with many other families and individuals were instrumental in working with these early farm shows. George Brenneman and Dean Hearn have fond memories of exhibiting at these shows.
At a meeting of the Williamsburg Lions Club early in the summer of 1940, the promotion of a farm show for the Community of Williamsburg was discussed and a committee appointed to look into the possibilities. This committee met with a number of leaders from the Williamsburg area and decided to form an incorporated farm show association.
​During the summer months of 1940, the committee met regularly. Stirring interest was difficult at first and was discouraging to the committee; but with recollection of fine farm shows held in the past and knowledge that half of the families in the area were en-gaged in farming, they were encouraged to proceed with plans for a show.
For the 2002 farm show, a new 100’ x 45’ dairy barn was built and also a computer room, a meeting room and a storage area completed the unfinished upstairs of the farm show building. Both projects were made possible with State Senator Robert C. Jubelirer helping to get another Community Development Grant from the Fair Fund Division of the PA Department of Agriculture.
Since the reorganization in 1996, there has been much growth in the number of exhibitors and exhibits. The community has been very cooperative and supportive of the Williamsburg Community Farm Show. The 2003 farm show paid $19,000.00 in premium money plus ribbons with exhibits in 20 of the 24 departments.
