FAIRGROUNDS YOUTH BUILDING CAMPAIGN

The Summit County Agricultural Society organized  November 14, 1849.  The first Summit County Fair was held downtown Akron on October 2 and 3, 1850.  Since it was so successful it needed larger locations and moved around for many years until 1957.                                        

    In 1957, the Summit County Agricultural Society was  re-organized under the leadership of President, Charles Call.  The Society’s main purpose was to promote the Summit County youth and their activities.  At this time, the  Summit County Commissioners leased to the Society 5 acres of the Summit County Home property  located in Tallmadge.  When the “Summit County Junior Fair” opened for three days, August 15-17, 1957, the  Society was the proud owner of two buildings and a lot of hopes and dreams for the future.  With the dedication of many hard working volunteers by 1970, the Summit County Fair was labeled “The Biggest Little Fair in Ohio”.

    Over the years, the fair has grown and we currently have 66 acres.  The success and hard work of the many volunteers over the past 61 years is clearly shown in the improvements and additions to the fairgrounds. 

       As we look to the next century and continue working towards being a “state of the art” facility, we are dedicated to the idea of educating and keeping our agricultural roots alive.  We are proud of our past and will continue to strive into the future. 

     The Society prides itself in being part of the community and during the year, we house many 4-H club meetings, clinics, community meetings and functions.  We allow the county 4-H clubs and safety forces for training use our facility at no cost and we heavily discount our facilities for community organizations. 

      One of the original buildings built on the grounds by the society is beyond repair and has not been used in over 10 years.  The building will be torn down and in its place we are building a new building will be used for 4-H and Community clubs to hold meetings, community service projects, clinics, demonstrations and learning  opportunities.  At the annual county fair it will be used to house 4-H and Open Rabbit & Cavy.  During the fair, 4-Hers use this week also to educate the public on proper handling and care of the animals and answering questions.   From November till end of March since there will not be heat in the building it will be used for winter storage.  The cost for a 16x60x130 energy efficiency pole barn building will cost approximately $275,000.

    The Summit County Fairgrounds is a not for profit 501c3 organization run by a board of directors and thousands of volunteer hours.

     Businesses that support the Summit County Fairgrounds are supported by our fair goers and by the people that attend events during the year.  From large to small, our sponsors care about the  community.    If you take into consideration all of our annual events (private and public) in addition to the annual fair,  your company’s  information would be seen by  approximately 300,000 visitors per year.  (Fair week brings in 40,000-60,000 on it’s own)

      The Summit County Fairgrounds is interested in building relationships within our community and highly value the commitment of our sponsors and donors.  Our success lies heavily on generous donations from companies and individuals in our community.  I thank you for your part in making the Summit County Fairgrounds a success.