The Pickaway County Fairgrounds has been our County’s home for agriculture for many generations. In 1834, the first Pickaway County Fair was held and has continued for nearly 200 years. In 1946, the first building was erected to house 4-H exhibits and livestock. One year later, the Coliseum was built, a hallmark of the Pickaway County community. In the mid 1900’s when finances were tight, the Fair board members personally covered the operational expenses for our County Fair because they thought it was important for youth in Pickaway County to have a place to showcase their projects. There have been vast improvements to the fairgrounds since our first County Fair nearly 200 years ago. This landmark of our community continues to serve as an important community convener.
Due to the growth of events, functions, and youth development programs, such as 4-H and FFA, the current facilities need to be replaced. Thousands of Pickaway County youth learn and grow through the numerous programs that our fairgrounds call home. Over the years, our community has grown and we now need facilities that can bring a multitude of people together, are safe, clean and are proud to call our own. With your help, the Pickaway County Fairgrounds will become the Pickaway Agriculture and Event Center with facilities and amenities that will increase our ability to serve the community for the next generations.
The Pickaway County Fairgrounds serve an important role in youth development through programs such as 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and many other groups. In 2016, there were 36 active 4-H Clubs in Pickaway County with 811 members. The number of kids participating continues to grow and the need for dedicated space for holding club meetings, showcasing projects and hosting large gatherings of parents, family members and students increases every year. The new Fairground facilities will demonstrate to the next generation of kids the important role and impact that agriculture and civic connections play in our healthy and growing community.