The Fresno Fair came to life in 1884 featuring horse races, several head of livestock and a few small produce displays. Over the past 121 years it has grown into what has been aptly described as our county’s “social event of the year.” The first decade of the Fair’s life witnessed rapid expansion, most notably the completion of an elegant grandstand, clubhouse and two-story exhibit pavilion. Enthusiasm was so great that there was even mention in California newspapers of Fresno hosting the World’s Fair in 1893, with the Stockton Mail proclaiming that the contest for its location was between New York and the Raisin Center!

  Fair goers through the years have been amazed by a wide variety of impressive stunts. In 1914, people were dazzled by an unscheduled air show when nineteen-year-old “schoolgirl” Kathleen Stinson dropped fair passes from her plane, including one with her signature that earned the finder a $5 prize! Audiences marveled at moving picture shows in the Kinema Theater’s booth in 1915. And one of the most memorable stunts was the 1919 extravaganza of a staged train wreck. Although the two Santa Fe locomotives crashing together was not quite as spectacular as planned, noted a young William Saroyan who viewed the event, it nonetheless thrilled the crowd of 25,000.

The Fresno Fair has taken on the Sesquicentennial as its theme this year. Three Fair buildings in particular will feature large-scale exhibits that highlight and celebrate the County’s rich history. Experience the exhibit, The Immigrant Story, featuring various modes of transportation that brought people to the County; watch the just released film; read and hear the stories of indigenous people and the early settlers who came to Fresno County. See the new exhibits in The Agricultural Building demonstrating our rich bounty of crops. Visit the Home Arts Building featuring artifacts from throughout the County that help tell the story of home life through the years.

LINK TO FAIR MOVIE
courtesy of
The Pop Laval Photographic Collection
Contact Information:
Elizabeth Laval, The Pop Laval Foundation
559.577.4604
windowsonthepast@yahoo.com
Carole Lester, Fresno Historical Society
559.441.0862
fresno150@aol.com