GENERATIONS OF FAIR MEMORIES
Our History
From borrowed grounds to a permanent home, explore the story preserved in our Fair scrapbooks.
About this history: This account was compiled from information preserved in Pierce County Fair scrapbooks. It reflects the records and recollections available in that collection and may contain gaps or inaccuracies. If you have a correction or additional historical information, please contact the Fair.
A Fair Built by Its Community
The Early Years
A Fair Without a Permanent Home
The early 4-H Fair moved from Benson Grange to Woodland School and Fruitland Grange before settling at Sumner High School. Animal judging took place outdoors, and a plywood platform served as an early stage.
1952-1953
A New Name and New Traditions
In 1952, the Fair became the Pierce County Junior Fair and incorporated. The following year brought a three-day Fair and the selection of its first Fair queen, Carolyn Burk.
1959-1963
Community Support Takes Root
Local businesses and public support helped the Fair grow. In 1963, Puyallup Rotarians sponsored a pancake breakfast for exhibitors and superintendents.
1967-1968
Becoming the Pierce County Fair
The word “Junior” was removed from the Fair’s name in 1967. In 1968, the Fair moved to its permanent home at Frontier Park in Graham.
1968-1978
Building a Permanent Home
A Home Economics display hall began a decade of construction. Exhibit facilities and barns followed, including a livestock barn completed in 1978.
1978-1988 and Beyond
Growing Through Volunteer Effort
Volunteers continued improving fences, concessions, show rings, and other facilities. Construction resumed in 1988, followed by additional buildings and improvements described in the scrapbook history.
There’s More in the Scrapbooks
Explore the photographs and memories behind the story.