Washington County Fairground

The Washington County Fairground is a non-profit, non-stock organization with its officers, directors and committees serving on a voluntary, no paid basis. Fifty-three years ago businessmen and farmers had an idea for an event that would celebrate agriculture's importance to the community. Thousands of Southwest Virginians attended the 1 st Burley... Tobacco Festival and Farm Show held in Abingdon October 18-20, 1950. Similar community fairs were held prior to 1949 in the Greendale, Bethel and Glade Spring areas. However, the Washington County Fair was the first county wide event and is the only event of this type presently being held. The first festival consisted primarily of tobacco, poultry, dairy and beef cattle, sheep, hogs and other agricultural displays. The early festivals were three day events climaxing with a parade, football game and dance on Saturday night. The first festivals were held in warehouses. Funds were raised by pre-selling football game tickets and from dance proceeds. The 1951 Committee developed what is thought to be the first budget, which totaled $5,000. A catalogue of premiums, events and advertising space was also sold that year. The first admission was charged in 1958; $0.25 for adults and $0.15 for children. Admission charges increased in 1972 to $1.00 for adults and $0.50 for children. In 1956 the fair incorporated and became "The Burley Tobacco Festival and Farm Show, Inc. governed by 19 appointed directors. In 1967 Miss America was the Parade Marshall and crowned Miss Washington County. Since 1958 professional Grand Ole Opry stars have been employed for the festival. Many of these entertainers appearing at the festival have received CMA awards and became well known throughout the country. Garth Brooks performed at the Fair in 1990. Other well known stars include Jerry Clower, Grand Pa Jones, Chubby Checker, George Strait, Lee Roy VanDyke, Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride, Highway 101, Louise Mandrell, Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Monroe, Stoneman Family and Crystal Gayle. As the Fair ...Read More