Rowan County Fair, A Rich History

Rowan County Fair
A Rich history

For over 65 years our friends, family and community have flocked to the fair in Rowan County.

In 1951 a group of Jaycees saw the need to establish a permanent facility for the agriculture community to show their ware. They also believed it would be a terrific educational experience for children in grades 1 through 12. Dave Clay, Henry Bernhardt and John Fisher headed up the project along with many others.

Ten Jaycees from Salisbury signed a bank note for $50,000 to get the project started. Dave Clay was named first Fair Manager, serving from 1954-1965. He was followed by Ligon Gillespie (1966-1972), Charles Roakes, Jr. (1973-1976), and Eric Ennis (1977-2007).

John Love is currently the Fair Manager. A list of those serving with Mr. Love is available below.

Many local fire departments and civic groups help construct the fairgrounds. Among these were Locke, Liberty and Miller Ferry Fire departments, Salisbury Optimist and Millbridge Ruritans. They manned a food booth for years; raising a major source of income they distributed within the community. Fairgoers still talk about the former Chicken & Dumplings served by these volunteers in previous years.

The Salisbury Jaycees started the fair association and brought in the Faith and Spencer Jaycees. Volunteers and Spencer Jaycees continue to run and organize this event; generating their main source of revenue used to support the community, projects and scholarship program. With the help of the community and farmers of Rowan County is one of the top fairs for cattle shows in the state. Without the help of our Jaycees, Local Farmers and Community Volunteers, we could not have a successful fair each year.

The Board and Jaycees care about the community, children and families residing in Rowan County. The Board and Jaycees want to raise funds during the fair, to contribute back into the local community and businesses, because they want to help our County prosper and succeed. The Board and Jaycees work hard, helping through individual volunteer hours of service, and having fun while accomplishing their goals.

So please come on out and support the Rowan County Agriculture and Industrial Fair.

Your attendance helps improve your community throughout Rowan County.

Board Members

Executive Board 

Fair Manager : Johnny Love

Secretary/Treasurer : Linda Spillman

Exhibits Manager and Events Coordinator : Randall Barger

Grounds Manager : AJ Waller

Agricultural & Barn Coordinator : David Correll

Fair Board 

Clay Boger
Mandi Boger
Roger Boger
Suzanne McLimore
Lynne Purvis
Gregg Seaford
Robert Spillman

Fairground Rentals

The Rowan County Fairgrounds can be rented out for private events, and we have facilities that can accommodate events of all sizes.

Family Reunions to Music Concerts... Indoors or Outdoors... Rowan County Fairgrounds can host your event.

All events are subject to approval by the Rowan County Board, and must have all required permits for operation etc.

For more information contact Randall Barger at 704-640-2326, or contact us by email by clicking here.

Become a vendor at our many events

Be a Vendor
At the Fairgrounds

During the year we are delighted to offer various events at the Rowan County Fairgrounds, and for most of these events we invite vendors to participate.

Please note: We offer a strict "first come - first served" policy, and at most events space is subject to limited availability, so we urge you to book your space early to avoid missing out on these fabulous opportunities.

VIEW THE LIST OF EVENTS HAPPENING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

CONTACT US TODAY TO BOOK YOUR VENDOR SPACE

Indoor vendor application form
Outdoor vendor application form

Events at the Fairground

Bingo every Thursday
Doors Open at 3:00 Games start at 4:30 Main 7:00
Information Rita:704-298-5088

March 2024
March 2nd Chicken Show    For Info: Call Neil 336-403-8640
March 23rd and 24th   CBA Bike Show and Swap Meet
Info: Rick Nail  704-577-1546

April 2024
April 13th 421TT Atv Racing: For Info Garrett 704-791-6317
April 26th 27th Zerbine Circus

May 2024
May 3rd and 4th Scout Jamboree
May 11th 12th Hippie Fest Info:hippiefest.org
May 18th 421TTAtv Racing Info: Garrett 704-791-6317

June 2024
June 15th 421TT Atv Racing Info: Garrett 704-791-6317
June 22nd 23rd  Gun Show Info: Joseph 336-460-7350

August 2024
August 24th 25th Gun Show Info: Joseph 336-460-7350

September 2024
September 5th - 8th Smoke Out Info:Heather 603-998-6389
September 16th - 21st Rowan County Fair
Info: Randall 704-640-2326

October 2024
October 5th 421TT Atv racing Info:Garrett 704-791-6317
October 12th 13th Hippie Fest Info:Hippiefest.org
October 18th 19th Help a Vet Shine Info: 704-467-9312

November 2024
November 1st and 2nd Balloon Glow and Laser Show
November 9th and 10th CBA Bike Show and Swap Meet
Info: Rick Nail 704-577-1546

December 2024
December 28th 29th Gun Show Info: Joseph 336-460-7350

Contact Us

We'd Love to Hear from You

How to contact us:

By Mail -

PO Box 66,
Salisbury, NC 28145

By Phone -

Tel: 704-640-2326

By Email -

Please use the form below to contact us by email.