DID YOU KNOW?
…that the Marion County Fair had its beginning as a Harvest Festival sponsored by the members of the New Bethel Baptist Church, Wanamaker, Indiana, on July 30, 1931? The first year, the planners closed the main street of the town, Southeastern Avenue, for the one day celebration. The second year, the celebration was held on the New Bethel High School grounds, and the third year on the Clark Farm on the west edge of the town. As yearly attendance increased, events and attractions were added, and the decision was finally made to purchase a permanent home at 7300 East Troy Avenue, where the Marion County fair has been held ever since. The first officers of the Fair were Ray Fisher, President; Clarence Waterman, Vice -President; and Harry Roberts, Secretary-Treasurer.