With over 150 years of family & fair traditions, the 156th Annual Robertson County Fair takes place this September 19th – 23rd, 2023 at the Fairgrounds, located at 4635 US Hwy 41, Springfield, TN 37172.
The Robertson County Fair features fun for the entire family including children’s activities, entertainment, music, rides, and a wide variety of food, so bring a hearty appetite.
Click HERE for more information.
HISTORY:
If you have ever been a resident of Robertson County for a period of time, one thing you will remember is the County Fair. For over 100 years it has remained the representative focal point of our community. Up until a few years ago, we have been mainly an agricultural county. Most of our workforce was in agriculture or farm-related businesses. Our economy depended heavily on the operations of farms in our county. The tobacco farms were king for so many years. The making of whiskey from farm products was also a large staple in our county. Our churches, schools and civic organizations depended on these two products to make us prosper. So, therefore, our County Fair was dominated by these two items for a long time. After whiskey was outlawed after the turn of the century, tobacco became king and the tobacco industry became the money maker for our county.
The first Robertson County Fair was held in Springfield not long after the end of the Civil War and our area needed a boost of spirits for its population.
Then in 1868, the Robertson County Agricultural & Mechanical Association bought 10 acres of ground in the South area of Springfield on Leota St., which is located between 15th and 19th Ave., West of South Main St. in Springfield (it was called the “Old Nashville Dirt Road then). It was a five day event. Premiums were awarded for the best of show that could be provided by the farmers and merchants of the community. Mr. C.C. Bell was the first president of the Fair Association. Now, you have to realize, that there was no electricity in town then. There were no carnivals, rides or any lights for night operations. What they did have were rings set up so that they could have different activities going on at the same time so people could sit and watch or walk between the rings. They had Burlesque shows which were then dramatic or musical shows to cause laughter among the show watchers. It would be like what we would call today, a variety show. Another ring would show horsemanship skills. Another ring would be showing of prized cattle and horses. Clothing and farm products would be shown for premiums to be given away after judging the quality of the products. Farming equipment was demonstrated. The next year the receipts at the gate was over $5,000. That was a lot of money for 1869. At this time, people came from far and wide to our county Fair because Robertson County was one of the first counties to be able to hold a fair. – By Bill Jones
For more local events visit https://robertsoncountysource.com/events/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
