our history

By the year of the third fair, the land was purchased from Mayor Farrell for one thousand dollars.  Held September 14-19 1952, this fair was the first to use a forty by one hundred foot exhibit hall constructed to house the exhibits.

The land bought in 1952 is still owned and run by the Fair Association; the property covers 12 acres within the city limits of Pittsboro, in Chatham County.  The Chatham County Fair, held annually on these grounds, is a great place for families to experience and learn about local agricultural culture. With food, music, entertainment, rides and exhibits, it promises to be an exciting outing for any family!

For a more detailed description of the Fair’s organization and experiences from its inception through 1980, written by a group of Board members, please click here.

In 2009 Ann McCrimmon, a member of the Board and Treasurer shared her memories:

The Chatham County Agricultural and Industrial Fair has evolved into an even greater venture than its earliest founders could have imagined. What began as an idea for Home Extension Agent Mildred Bright Peyton back in 1949 has become treasured tradition for Chatham County. Agricultural Agent Joseph Turner joined her in this endeavor and together they rallied individuals from Chatham’s African American communities to come make this effort a reality. By 1950 the Fair was officially founded. Some of the prominent members of surrounding communities who joined in making this vision reality included Mamie Jones, Fred Dowdy, Major, E.C., Laura and Lillie Lee, Clemon, Mattie, Bennie and Eleanor Paige, Elijah Powell, Sr., Manley Edwards, Roxie Small, Gade Bryant, Charlie Baldwin, Sr., Charles Lambert, London and Auburn Richardson. There were many, many more whose hard work, sacrifice and courage were building blocks for the Fair that exists today.

An Agricultural Fair allowed County Agents Peyton and Turner a venue to spotlight the production of goods, skills and crafts they had helped hone in rural black Chatham County. At the same time the Fair provided a safe, friendly place for black people from all over the county to gather and visit, the children had opportunities to indulge in all kinds of sweet treats and meet children from parts of the county they would not normally meet. Ms. Peyton was accustomed to going to churches, community gatherings and homes to share information on how to preserve, cook, prepare and serve nutritious food. Sewing, gardening, home and child care guidance was shared. Beauty and grooming tips discussed and taught. Mr. Turner, as Agricultural Agent worked with farmers to give aid and assistance in the production of crops. An aura of total community surrounded all that we had. Every agency and activity of self-help was embraced so families and culture could not only survive but thrive.

Horton Public School was segregated until the late 60’s (when I graduated in 1967, there were 104 of us in my graduating class, all black.). Principal I.E. Taylor a formidable administrator who nurtured his young students as baby chicks and held the highest expectations for those students graduating and leaving the fold was community-minded. One of the School’s activities for its students included a day to attend the Fair when it opened. Students could follow a path through the woods that lead to a rickety little foot bridge across Robertson Creek to the fairgrounds. Even today I can remember the apprehension I would feel by the time we’d reach the creek. But I never fell in nor did I pass out from the fear that lay so heavy in my chest as my turn to cross over approached. Only the prospects of the Fair made it worth the effort to dash over. All kinds of handmade items would be on display. Hand-embroidered pillow cases, crocheted and knitted doilies for chairs, tables and anything else they could be placed on. Food, food, food would abound! Not just the luscious homegrown vegetables and fruit, and all kinds of canned goods, baked pies and cakes. This stuff was for looking at. The real food for fair goers would be outside the Exhibit.

Hall, hot dogs, candied apples, taffy, popcorn balls, candy, cookies, roasted peanuts in the shell and wonderful ice cream!. We never had enough money to sample all we wanted but if your buddies were true, you could get a little pinched share of many things. The Fair turned an ordinary school day into a grand holiday!