TIMES ARE CHANGING

A man by the name of George Mossman, of Pleasant township pushed for the organization of an Agricultural Society. After several years he was successful. This organization led to the first county fair
being held. It took place at the court house in Eldora, but was less than a success, and the exact year it took place is not known, but it could have been around 1860. No more fairs were held until 1865 when an
exhibition was held in Steamboat Rock, on the hill west of the river. It was held again in Steamboat, in 1866, and 1867, and then once again discontinued.

After several years, a few citizens sought to reorganize the agricultural society. To that end a meeting was held in Eldora, March 22, 1872, and officers were elected.

On motion, it was decided to hold the fair on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of September 1872.

The fair was held as planned and was a financial success. The board of directors held a meeting in February of 1873, at which it was decided to hold another fair the following September. The Hardin County Fair continued to grow after that. In ‘73, a fence and stalls were built. That year the fair lost money, but it continued, and is still held each year.