Meigs County Fairgrounds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Meigs County Fairgrounds, Grandstand and Racetrack
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Buildings at the fairgrounds
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | State Route 124 near Rock Springs, Ohio |
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| Area | 11 acres (4.5 ha) |
| Built | 1889 |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001473 |
| Added to NRHP | November 29, 1982 |
The Meigs County Fairgrounds is a special place in Meigs County, Ohio, United States. It is where the yearly county fair happens. This fairgrounds is known for its history, especially its unique racetrack and the big seating area called a grandstand.
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A Look at Meigs County Fairgrounds
The Meigs County Fairgrounds is a historic site. It is located north of Pomeroy. People come here for agricultural shows and other fun events. The fairgrounds has been an important part of the community for many years.
How the Fairgrounds Started
The very first Meigs County Fair took place a long time ago. It was held on October 22, 1851, in a village called Middleport. Later, the fair needed a permanent home.
In 1899, Jane Carleton gave some land to the Meigs County Agricultural Society. More land was added in 1968 by Jane and Leonard Carleton. This land became the Rocksprings Fairgrounds we know today.
The Unique Racetrack and Grandstand
The racetrack at the fairgrounds was finished in 1889. It was changed from a smaller track to a half-mile track. This track is known for its sharp curves.
In 1890, people in the community helped pay for a grandstand. This is a large seating area where fairgoers can watch events. What makes this grandstand special is its shape. Instead of being straight, it curves around one turn of the track. It is the only curved grandstand at a county fairgrounds in Ohio. It can hold up to one thousand people.
Kids and the Junior Fair Board
In 1946, a special group was created just for young people. It is called the Junior Fair Board. Kids from different groups that are part of the Junior Fair make up this board. They help plan and run parts of the fair. This board is still active today, giving young people a voice in their county fair.
Becoming a Historic Place
In 1982, the Meigs County Fairgrounds was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. The fairgrounds earned this honor because of its special grandstand and racetrack. It also showed how important fairs and events like harness racing were to the people of Meigs County.
