In the mid-1800's, following a little skullduggery, a final decision was made locating the county seat in Pittsfield. But because of the railroad which ran through Griggsville, the primary means of commuting at the time, the Fair was located in on its present site on the south end of Griggsville. In 1888, we opened with the name of The Illinois Valley Fair.
People would come on the train in droves to see the harness races and sulky ridden horses. Griggsville boasted the nicest track in Illinois and people came from other states to participate. Visitors would bring picnic lunches and stay for the day until the train returned in the evening. It was the largest event in Pike County.
Starting with the 2002 fair season, "new blood" in the Board of Directors undertook the challenge of revitalizing the fair and solving some financial challenges. Thanks to the efforts of the fair's President, the late Rob Webel, along with support of the public and untold thousands of hours of volunteer labor, the fair is financially solvent once again.
Nearly all of the fairgrounds has been renovated since that time. Mother Nature played a part in making sure we replaced the fair's greatest landmark, the grandstand shell. In 2016, construction of a new grandstand roof was complete. Many of the improvements are unnoticed by the public. Lighting and electrical distribution are necessary items that most don't consider, but were one of our major headaches. Several new permanent event areas such as an infield pavilion, and our infield covered stage, have been built since 2010. In the early 2000s, several tries at events prompted the construction of a motocross track in the grandstand area. As our events needs changed, we converted the hills and valleys of the track to allow for more spectator viewing areas, commonly known as the "infield berm."
In 2003, we welcomed the inaugural School Bus Demolition Derby. The School Bus Derby has become one of the most anticipated and intriguing events of any county fair in our region. In 2007, the City of Griggsville voted to abolish prohibition laws, allowing controlled alcohol sales. In 2011, we were pleased to announce the return of Western Illinois Fair Queen & Princess Pageant. Holding true to the original boundary format of our competitions and exhibits, our pageant welcomes contestants from Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Morgan, Pike and Scott counties.
We’ve lost some amazing people along the way. Long-time fair secretary Norma Connour passed in 2009. Her behind the scenes for decades helped make the Western Illinois Fair a success. Also in 2009, our long time President Rod Webel died in an accident that was both tragic and so fitting of Rod's caring nature. Rod's leadership and gentle demeanor is missed and his passing is a great loss to the world, but we continue to carry on his vision.
On behalf of the board of directors, we thank you for your continued support of the Western Illinois Fair.
