The Knox County Fairgrounds didn't start out to be a place for the fair. What was once known as the Lake Hiawatha Park and Resort officially opened in 1895. During the early 1900s, Hiawatha was a very popular vacation spot. People would come from all over the state of Ohio to stay in cottages that overlooked the lake. Single rooms could be rented for $3.50 a week or $10.00 a month. Suites were also available for rent for $5.00 a week or $16.00 a month. Some of the activities that the park offered were a dining hall, a carousel, boathouse, pony rides, bowling alley, tennis court, croquet, horse track, and a casino.

So where was the Knox County Fair originally held? The first Fair was held at the home of William Bonar in 1847. Next, it was held at the county courthouse. During the 1850s, land was purchased north of Coshocton Avenue and east of Park Street. The Fair was held in this area for 40 years! In the mid 1890s, the Knox County Agricultural Society began to rent land from Hiawatha. Lake Hiawatha Park and Resort closed down in 1918. In the late 1920s the Knox County Commissioners bought the land for $9,000. The land has been the home of the Knox County Fairgrounds ever since.

Today, the Knox County Fair highlights the awareness of agriculture as an important and continuing industry in the county. Each year the Knox County Fair places a strong emphasis on youth activities and accomplishments. The Fair is host to a variety of junior fair activities ranging from 4-H booths to animal showmanship competitions to the crowning of fair royalty. Come and join us for fun at the Knox County Fair!

Knox County Fairgrounds
125 Fairgrounds Road
Mount Vernon, Ohio
740-397-0484

Fair Location: The Knox County Fairgrounds are just north of Mount Vernon on SR 3. Fairgrounds Road crosses SR 3 at a blinking caution light. The Fairgrounds are immediately west of SR 3 on Fairgrounds Road.

For more information about the Knox County Fair or to view their calendar of events, please visit their website at www.knoxcountyfair.org or call the Knox County Fair Board at 740-397-0484.