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.