The Great Stoneboro Fair

History of the Great Stoneboro Fair

The "Mercer County Agricultural and Manufacturing Society of Stoneboro" organized its fair in 1868. For eight years it was situated on a lot between the heavily traveled train tracks and the town's scenic lake.

The founding officers were: J. P. Kerr, President, Robert J. McClure, V. Pres., Samuel Hines, Secretary and H. B. Blood, Treasurer.

Due to its popularity, the fair's founders realized the need to expand. In 1876, the fair board purchased 32 lush rolling acres two miles away, filled with shade trees and overlooking the town. It served as home to the newly named "Mercer County Agricultural Society", but more commonly known as "The Great Stoneboro Fair" that is "Always on Labor Day".

Soon after the relocation, a half-mile racetrack was constructed and is still one of the finest in the state. The racetrack is a multi-purpose dirt track that is used for harness racing, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls and rodeos. Its unique construction includes two tunnels below it at opposite sides for pedestrians and vehicles to enter the exhibit and stage area in the center field.

The track is home to outstanding harness racing that has attracted attendees to the fair for well over a century.

The fair was very fortunate in receiving the U.S. Trotting Association's Blue Ribbon Fair Award for the best harness racing program in 2002. This honor has been given to only three fairs a year in the whole United States since the award started six years ago. Many horses and talented drivers have raced on this track. The track record for trotting was set in 1986 by the horse Laser Almahurst in 2min. 2 sec. with a local driver H. Brocklehurst. The pacer record was set in 2002 by the horse J.T. Arturo in 1 min. 57.2 sec. with the driver R. Hammer. Several horse owners stable and train their horses at the fairground year round.